Yogic breathing, defined as a manipulation of breath movement, has been shown to positively affect immune function, autonomic nervous system imbalances, and psychological or stress-related disorders.” How to stimulate the Vagus Nerve through Sudarshan Yoga Kriya:Īnother paper published by the US National Library of Medicine says: “Breathing techniques are regularly recommended for relaxation, stress management, control of psychophysiological states, and to improve organ function. The Vagus Nerve (VN) is the main affector and effector of the PNS.Īnother research paper by the US National Library of Medicine says: “Meditation research has begun to clarify the brain effects and mechanisms of contemplative practices while generating a range of typologies and explanatory models to guide further study.” It lowers heart rate, respiration rate and increases digestion. It is the rest/digest system of the organism. The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) acts as an opposing force. It dampens currently irrelevant homeostatic processes but stimulates immediate availability of energy. It raises heart rate, blood pressure and indirectly respiration rate. The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is responsible for the fight/flight mode of organisms. “Beneficial effects associated with these (Yoga and Meditation) practices have been found on physical health, mental health and cognitive performance,” it says. US National Library of Medicine has published numerous papers on how the ancient breathing technique of Pranayam, Yog and meditation practices etc help stimulate the Vagus Nerve Complex. It’s thought that vagus nerve stimulation could help to treat a range of other conditions in the future, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and cluster headache. Since this nerve also stimulates certain muscles in the heart that help to slow heart rate, its over-reaction can cause a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in fainting – medically called the vasovagal syncope. It can create difficulty in speaking or loss of voice, one can lose the gag reflex, or have trouble drinking liquids, develop pain in the ears or suffer unusual heart rate or abnormal blood pressure, stomach and digestive issues. The vagus nerve - the longest cranial nerve - runs all the way from the brain stem to part of the colon.ĭamage to the vagus nerve can have a range of symptoms because the nerve is so long and affects many areas. While some cranial nerves have either sensory or motor functions, others have both. Other cranial nerves control the movement of various muscles and the function of certain glands. With the help of these nerves, our brain gathers sensory information, including details about smells, sights, tastes, and sounds. They come in pairs and help to link the brain with other areas of the body, such as the head, neck, and torso. There are nerves that take a sensation to the brain and there is a nerve system that takes the command to the organs to act. Apart from myriad other things, there is a network of nerves that criss-cross across our body. Our body is a complex system of several organs and organ systems. Meditation and Pranayam can help restore and stimulate the Vagus Nerve that creates a rhythm between these two.