Blog: The Vagus Nerve Reset
Can Reiki help Regulate Your Vagus Nerve?
In recent years, you may have heard a lot about the Vagus Nerve. From social media "hacks" to medical journals, everyone is talking about this "superhighway" of the nervous system. But what is it, and can a Reiki session in a quiet Reiki studio help regulate it?
What is the Vagus Nerve?
The Vagus Nerve is the longest nerve in your body, running from your brainstem all the way down to your abdomen. It is the main component of your Parasympathetic Nervous System, the system responsible for "Rest and Digest." When your Vagus Nerve is healthy and has high "tone," you can recover quickly from stress. When it’s stressed (often due to the Hussle and Bussel of Buffalo life), you might feel stuck in a state of "Fight or Flight."
How Reiki Acts as a "Reset Button"
While Reiki is often described as energy healing, its physical effects on the nervous system are profound. Here is how a session at my Reiki studio helps support your Vagus Nerve:
1. Shifting the State: Reiki helps move the body out of the sympathetic (stress) state and into the parasympathetic (healing) state. This shift allows the Vagus Nerve to begin its job of repairing the body.
2. Lowering Cortisol: Chronic stress in our busy lives keeps cortisol levels high. Reiki has been shown to lower these stress hormones, reducing the "static" that prevents the Vagus Nerve from functioning correctly.
3. Deep Relaxation: Have you ever noticed your stomach "gurgle" during a Reiki session? That is actually a sign of Vagal activation! It means your body has moved into "Rest and Digest" mode.
Why Local Healing Matters
You don't need a complicated "bio-hack" to find balance. Often, the best way to regulate your nervous system is to step out of your routine and into a dedicated healing space.
Ready to find your calm?
If you've been feeling "wired but tired" or stuck in a cycle of stress, let's work together to tone your nervous system and restore your flow.