Did you know that you have a nerve in your body that connects almost all your organs – from the top of your head to your lower abdomen? It is the vagus nerve (Latin. Nervus vagus). It is the longest nerve in our body, sometimes called wandering, wandering, because its arrangement is different from other nerves. It plays a huge role in your daily life, including co-creating an autonomic, i.e. independent of your will, nervous system, which constantly takes care of your health, functioning and well-being.
The vagus nerve is an important component of the Autonomic Nervous System. We are taught about its functioning by the polyvagal theory, the name of which comes from the words Poly – multiplicity, multiplicity and vagus – Latin name of the vagus nerve. Its creator is Dr. Stephen Porges, who in 1994 presented the results of his research on the evolution, structure and functions of the vagus nerve and, indirectly, the entire autonomic nervous system (ANS). These assumptions were then translated by Deb Dana, an American psychotherapist, into the field of psychology.
The polyvagal theory assumes that not only does our conscious mind scan the environment for danger, but also the amygdala does so on an unconscious level (neuroreception). Our Autonomic Nervous System collects information from body sensations, from areas that we often do not think about, e.g. from the digestive system, and transmits it at an unconscious, automatic level to the amygdala. When you feel that your stomach is tied in a knot, it means that you are not comfortable in a given situation, even if on a rational level you think that you have no reason to worry.
There are three levels of stress response, which is regulated by the Autonomic Nervous System:
- a state of relaxation, a sense of security, social involvement – this is ensured by the abdominal part of the vagus nerve,
- fight or flight reaction – activation of the sympathetic system is responsible for this state,
- Survival reaction: freezing, freezing, a sense of hopelessness and depression – it is ensured by the activation of the dorsal part of the vagus nerve.
When the body feels safe, it works from the level of the ventral part of the vagus nerve and this is a condition called social engagement. Then we freely establish relationships with others, our facial expressions are natural, we spontaneously make eye contact with another person, we allow feelings to appear and develop freely. We are open, empathetic, curious about the world, we breathe freely.
If there is discomfort or anxiety – our body goes into fight-or-flight or survival reactions.
What happens to you when the ventral vagus nerve is active?
- Lowers your stress levels.
The vagus ventral nerve is responsible for inhibiting bodily stress responses (e.g., breathing, blood pressure, muscle tone), which allows the body to return to a state of balance after periods of intense stress.
- It affects your relationships!
Polyvagal theory suggests that activation of the ventral part of the vagus nerve enables the establishment and maintenance of healthy social relationships. By stimulating the vagus nerve, we can experience greater empathy, the ability to express feelings, and build deeper relationships.
- Regulates the heartbeat.
The vagus nerve plays an important role in regulating the heart. Stimulation of the vagus nerve causes the heart rate to slow down, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In addition, the vagus nerve also affects processes such as breathing, circulation, digestion, excretion. Its functioning is very important for maintaining the health and balance of the entire body.
The functioning of the Autonomic Nervous System can be regulated. When there is a balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, it significantly affects the functioning of internal organs, the hormonal balance of the body, as well as the comfort of life and building relationships with other people. People who use the polyvagal theory have developed a number of exercises that you can do on your own and affect your well-being.
Do you want to know how to do it? 😊 Sign up for the online project “Well-being at school” – you will find there, among other things, a course in polyvagal theory with articles, instructional videos and exercises.
Welcome!
Elizabeth Wasil