What Are Vagus Nerve Exercises?
There are a growing number of people who are looking for natural ways to help improve their health and well-being. One of the latest trends is vagus nerve exercises.
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve and extends from the brainstem to the abdomen. It plays an important role in many functions, including digestion, heart rate, and respiration.
Some research suggests that exercises that stimulate the vagus nerve can help improve mood, relieve anxiety, and even treat conditions like chronic inflammation and migraines.
While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of vagus nerve exercises, there are a few simple exercises that you can do at home to help stimulate the nerve.
One vagus nerve exercise is called the lion breath. To do this exercise, sit up straight with your back straight and your chin slightly tucked in. Take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale forcefully through your mouth while making an ahh” sound. Repeat this 10 times.
Another vagus nerve exercise is called the alternate nostril breathing. This exercise helps to calm the nervous system and can be done anywhere, anytime. To do this exercise, sit up with your back straight and place your left hand on your left knee. Use your right thumb to close your right nostril and inhale deeply through your left nostril. Then close your left nostril with your ring finger and release your right nostril. Exhale slowly through your right nostril. Repeat this 10 times and then switch sides.
You can also try gargling with water for a few seconds each day to help stimulate the vagus nerve. Simply take a sip of water and gargle for 15-30 seconds before swallowing.
Try incorporating some of these vagus nerve exercises into your daily routine to see if they help improve your mood and well-being.