The Vagus Nerve: Symbol for Our Time

If ever there was an emerging symbol for our time, the vagus nerve ought to be a top contender.


Also known as the wandering nerve, the vagus nerve goes from the brain stem all the way down into the gut. It plays a central role in our fight flight or fear response as well as our pro-social capabilities. 

Research has shown that while information passes from the mind-brain down into the body, the body also sends a large portion of its information back up into the mind-brain. Communication goes both ways. A happy brain means a happy gut and heart. The heart and gut actually send 80% of their information to the brain—while the brain only sends 20% the other direction!



The neural circuits that provide bidirectional communication between the brain and heart can either prompt an increase in heart rate to support defensive fight/flight responses or a decrease in heart rate to support positive social interactions. This all occurs in the subcortical networks of the mind, below cognitive and reflexive awareness.



Complementing and intersecting with the ancient wisdom of Patañjali Yoga, contemporary vagus nerve research helps bring clarity to the ease/dis-ease continuum and the self-regulating holistic system in which our embodied mind resides. 

For good vagal tone and to nourish your vagus nerve 1) deep belly breathe (I like to slowly inhale for five counts, hold for a count of two, exhale for a slow count of six, hold again for two and repeat five times) 2) smile with your eyes 3) hum, chant or sing melodic tunes 4) connect with people who you feel safe with.



The vagus nerve connects all three brains (gut-brain, heart brain, and mind-brain). When they are aligned and feeling/sensing/intuiting cues of safety, we have the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and co-create new possibilities for healing ourselves, our children, and our planet.