© NICOLLE RAGER FULLER
WHAT NERVE The vagus nerve’s path from brain to heart and other organs was detailed by the Greek anatomist Galen, a leading physician of the Roman Empire in the second century.
WHAT NERVE The vagus nerve’s path from brain to heart and other organs was detailed by the Greek anatomist Galen, a leading physician of the Roman Empire in the second century.
With outposts in nearly every organ and a direct line into the brain stem, the vagus nerve is the nervous system's superhighway. About 80 percent of its nerve fibers — or four of its five "lanes" — drive information from the body to the brain. Its fifth lane runs in the opposite direction, shuttling signals from the brain throughout the body.
Doctors have long exploited the nerve's influence on the brain to combat epilepsy and depression. Electrical stimulation of the vagus through a surgically implanted device has already been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a therapy for patients who don't get relief from existing treatments.
Comment: More Nervy facts about the vagus nerve:
- Stimulating the vagus nerve: Memories are made of this
- Research Shows Vagus Nerve Stimulation Can Help Reorganize Brain
- Scots doctors to help stroke patients 'rewire' their brains by stimulating the vagus nerve
- How the vagus nerve operates in the immune system inhibiting inflammation and stress
- Polyvagal theory: The biological fingerprint for compassion and empathy
- The Neurobiology of Grace Under Pressure: 7 habits that stimulate your vagus nerve and keep you calm, cool, and collected
- Wim Hof, the Iceman, regulates his vagus nerve to withstand extreme cold
Stimulate the vagus nerve naturally with the Éiriú Eolas Stress Control, Healing and Rejuvenation Program, check out the online program available for free here