The Vagus Nerve

I love analogies. They help me understand complex and subtle topics so that I can feel more clear about a subject.

When it comes to the human body, there's SO much going on that it can be hard to understand what the heck is happening in there?!?!

Here's an analogy I came up with recently...

Your nerves are like your body's invisible power lines.

You know those wire power lines you see outside your house or apartment?

There are the big wooden poles that keep them up, and then the wires that connect the power substation to your house.

When a power line goes down, you lose power to your house.

 Here's what I know:

• We all have this very important internal power line called the Vagus Nerve.

• The Vagus nerve connects your brain and your gut.

• When the vagus nerve "goes down" - similar to when the power lines go down - WE LOSE POWER. We feel weak, tired, and uninspired. 

• By stimulating the vagus nerve we re-awaken the gut/brain connection, reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, AND digest our food better.

This series of yin yoga postures help massage the belly and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (your Vagus Nerve is a KEY component of the PSNS):

1. Tummy Time
2. Coregeous Ball Psoas Release
3. Knock Kneed Position
4. Screaming Pigeon (don't panic you can do a lunge instead)
5. Shavasana

 With warmth and heart-felt geekiness about the human body,

Sally 

Ps - did you know you can watch the full 1-hour Vagus Nerve class described above when you join The Anxiety Support Group?