As a functional medicine practitioner, I’m always looking for ways to assess and optimize the body’s innate healing capabilities. One powerful tool that I use with my clients is the measurement of Heart Rate Variability (HRV). This simple yet profound metric offers a unique glimpse into the functioning of our autonomic nervous system, particularly the […]
Category: Vagus Nerve Education
Vagus Nerve Anatomy 101
For the past hundreds of years in medicine, we have worked to separate the body into separate sections called systems and further broken down these systems into organs. It’s important to understand the underlying and unique functions of each of the cells and organs in each system to provide a deeper understanding of the particular […]
Why Vagal Tone Could Be the Key to Finding Balance in Your Life
Maybe you have an audiophile in your life who owns a stereo system that likely costs more than your car — and boasts a dizzying array of settings, knobs, and dials. Or even more likely, perhaps you’ve ended up unwittingly fidgeting with the audio settings in your own car or TV while simply attempting to […]
Make the Vagus Nerve the Focus of National Stress Awareness Month
Disembodied Voice from the Sky: “Are you aware of stress?” Everyone: “Yes, very aware!” Disembodied Voice from the Sky: “Well, are you aware of the impact that the vagus can have on your body’s ability to manage stress? Everyone: “Uhm, no…?” We get it. Every cause, idea, ailment, and food has its own holiday or […]
Understanding the Risks: Why TENS Units Aren’t Recommended for Vagus Nerve Stimulation
If you’re venturing into the world of vagus nerve stimulation, chances are you’ve encountered transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) along the way. Yet, here’s the kicker: while TENS units work wonders for some pain and nerve-related issues, they’re not the go-to for stimulating the vagus nerve. Ready to uncover why? Let’s dive right in. First, […]
Nervous System Regulation: Five Unexpected Benefits
Do you find yourself constantly catching a cold, frequently overwhelmed and exhausted, or having difficulty concentrating? These can be some of the many signs of a dysregulated nervous system. It’s your body’s way of telling you that your nervous system isn’t functioning correctly. The nervous system is a complex and fascinating system that controls and […]