The Vagus Nerve: Your Body’s Built-In Calming System
Most people think stress starts in the mind, but it begins in the body. At Demuth Spinal Care & Concussion Center in Sartell, MN, we often talk about the vagus nerve — a vital part of your parasympathetic nervous system that helps you relax, digest, and heal. When this nerve is under-active or disrupted, it can show up as anxiety, inflammation, poor sleep, and a general sense of being “on edge.”
What the Vagus Nerve Does
The vagus nerve connects your brain to nearly every major organ including the heart, lungs, gut, and more. It acts like the body’s brake pedal, slowing heart rate, easing tension, and shifting you out of fight-or-flight mode.
When it’s functioning well, you feel grounded and balanced. When it’s not, your system stays in overdrive leading to headaches, digestive upset, and fatigue.
Signs Your Vagus Nerve Might Be Stressed
Patients in Sartell often describe subtle but persistent symptoms that trace back to vagus nerve imbalance:
Rapid heartbeat or tight chest under mild stress
Digestive issues after small meals
Lightheadedness when standing
Trouble taking a deep breath
Feeling anxious for “no reason”
These signs show your nervous system is stuck in protection mode rather than healing mode.
How Chiropractic Supports Vagus Function
Upper cervical chiropractic care helps regulate how the brain and body communicate through the vagus nerve.
The atlas (C1 vertebra) sits near the brainstem, where the vagus nerve exits. A misalignment here can interfere with nerve flow and keep your body in stress mode.
Through precise, gentle correction, we restore that flow—helping patients experience improved breathing, digestion, and calm. Over time, this reset supports deeper recovery and resilience.
Supporting the Vagus Nerve with Clinic Tools
At Demuth Spinal Care & Concussion Center, we often combine upper cervical care with tools that support nervous system function:
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): Increases oxygen delivery to tissues, reduces inflammation, and supports nerve repair—creating an environment where the vagus nerve can function optimally.
Red-Light Therapy: Stimulates cellular energy, improves circulation, and reduces inflammation, helping the vagus nerve communicate efficiently and supporting overall nervous system balance.
While these therapies don’t directly stimulate the vagus nerve like breathing or humming, they enhance the body’s ability to heal and maintain parasympathetic function.
Signs You May Notice as Vagus Function Improves
Every body responds uniquely, but patients often share common signs of relief once vagus nerve function begins to balance again:
A slower, steadier heart rate—even under stress
Fewer digestive flare-ups or bloating
Deeper, easier breathing
More restful sleep and easier waking
A calm focus replacing anxious energy
Improved temperature regulation (no more cold hands or feet)
A general sense of being more “settled” in your body
These shifts are subtle at first but build over time as your nervous system learns to stay in a healing state longer between adjustments.
Simple Ways to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve Daily
The following daily habits can strengthen vagal tone naturally:
Slow, rhythmic breathing (long exhale > inhale)
Cold exposure, like ending a shower with 30 seconds of cool water
Gentle movement or walking after meals
Humming or singing, which stimulates the nerve through vibration
Prioritizing restorative sleep
These simple actions, combined with upper cervical care, train your body to return to balance more easily.
Find Calm Through Connection
If your body feels stuck in stress mode, it may be stemming from something physical. At Demuth Spinal Care & Concussion Center, we specialize in restoring balance where it starts: the nervous system.
Call 320-281-3177 or visit demuthspinalcare.com to schedule an upper cervical evaluation and begin reconnecting your body’s built-in calming system.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any health conditions.