Why you should know about the vagus nerve and how sound can stimulates it!
Did you know that we don't just hear with our ears but rather our entire body! This is largely thanks to our tenth cranial nerve, the widely known vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is also called "the wanderer nerve" because it traverses through our body connecting to almost every organ on its way south from the brain. One of the first stops on the way down from the brain is the ear where the vagus nerve attaches to the inner and outer eardrum. This is so significant because it indicates that the sonic information that the vagus nerve receives then travels to the rest of the body.
The ear brings in energy that affects us from top to bottom. Sound is not just vibrating the eardrum. It’s actually resonating our entire body!
Some research suggests that certain sounds or frequencies may stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to a calming effect on the body and mind. This can potentially help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being.
Here are 5 tips on how to use sound to stimulate your vagus nerve positively.
Tip #1 - Listen to 30-300 Hz music
Specific types of sound, such as low-frequency tones and certain forms of music, are believed to have the potential to influence the vagus nerve's activity. This, in turn, may contribute to a sense of calm, lower heart rate, and reduced stress levels.
Some proponents of sound therapy and healing suggest that frequencies in the range of 30-300 Hz may have the potential to influence the vagus nerve.
I recommend listening to these artists on Spotify or Apple Music for a wide range of single frequency tracks.
✨Miracle Healing Tones TP
✨Solfeggio Frequencies TP
✨Check out the YouTube video below I created using a 50 Hertz tuning fork
Tip #2 - Sing!
Singing may have an impact on the vagus nerve due to its connection with the muscles involved in vocalization and breathing. When you sing, you engage various muscles in the throat and diaphragm, and this physical activity may potentially stimulate the vagus nerve, which runs through a wide range of areas including the throat, vocal cords, lungs, and diaphragm.
Furthermore, the act of singing may also be associated with regulated deep breathing, which is linked to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system—of which the vagus nerve is a major component. This can lead to a relaxation response, potentially contributing to a reduction in stress and an overall sense of well-being.
You don't have to be a "good singer" to benefit from the calming effects of singing! Just sing even if off key!
"Singing is a form of therapy. It exercises the vagus nerve by increasing the tone of your throat and the muscles we use for speaking." ~ Dr. Richard Stoltz Harpham, a physician and health educator.
Tip #3 - Gargle water
Yes, gargling water has been suggested as a simple and non-invasive way to potentially stimulate the vagus nerve! It may not necessarily be the sound itself which leads to its positive effect of the vagus nerve. Although, the theory behind this practice is that the act of gargling activates the muscles in the throat, which are connected to the vagus nerve. This, in turn, may lead to increased vagal tone, potentially promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being.
While the scientific evidence supporting gargling as a direct and effective method for vagus nerve stimulation is still developing, some people report feeling a sense of calm or relaxation after gargling.
Tip #4 - Humming
So maybe singing isn't for you. What about humming? Anyone can do it and it can be done a bit more discreetly versus singing where you have a higher chance of disrupting someone.
The act of humming creates a natural vibration in the head and chest, which can help stimulate the vagus nerve. This stimulation, in turn, can promote relaxation and reduce stress by triggering the body's relaxation response.
Research has shown that activities like humming, chanting, and singing at a low frequency can help increase heart rate variability, which is an indicator of the body's ability to adapt to stress. This suggests that these activities may have a direct effect on the function of the vagus nerve, which is known to play a key role in regulating our body's relaxation response.
So, if you find humming to be calming, there's good reason for it. It's a simple and accessible way to potentially influence the vagus nerve and promote a sense of well-being.
Tip #5 - Laugh!
Yes, laughter is believed to have the potential to stimulate the vagus nerve. Who doesn't feel better by laughter? The sound of your lover or best friend's laugh can often evoke powerful feelings of love and joy. Have you ever found yourself smiling like a lunatic at the sound of a baby laughing hysterically for seemingly no reason? Laughter is medicine and it is contagious.
It's believed that the sound of laughter, particularly that of a loved one, can elicit a release of various neurotransmitters and hormones, including oxytocin, often referred to as the "bonding hormone." This release of oxytocin, sometimes known as the "love hormone," can play a role in promoting feelings of connection, trust, and well-being.
As for the vagus nerve, the emotional response to hearing loved ones laugh may potentially activate the parasympathetic nervous system, where the vagus nerve is a major player. This activation can lead to a calming effect, reduction in stress levels, and an overall sense of relaxation and well-being.
When we laugh, various muscles in the face and throat are activated, potentially leading to increased vagal tone. This, in turn, can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. Additionally, the act of laughter has been associated with the release of endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that can contribute to a sense of well-being and pain reduction.
While more research is needed to fully understand the specific effects of laughter on the vagus nerve, many people find that laughter has an immediate and positive impact on their overall mood and stress levels. Incorporating opportunities for laughter and humor into one's daily routine can be an enjoyable way to potentially support vagus nerve function and overall well-being.
In conclusion...
Whether you choose to sing, laugh, hum, gargle, or listen to precise frequencies your vagus nerve with thank you.
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