Chinese Medicine and the Vagus Nerve

In the holistic arena, acupuncture is highly effective for increasing vagal tone and balancing the nervous system, thereby reducing pain and inflammation along with improving sleep and digestive function. One study shows that acupuncture stimulates the vagus nerve through transmitting signals into the vagus nerve and mediating an anti-inflammatory response in the spleen which governs transformation and transportation of food in Chinese medicine.

An acupuncturist would typically insert an acupuncture needle into the vagus nerve point on the ear in combination with other auricular points such as “shenmen” to calm the heart and spirit and the sympathetic autonomic point to balance the nervous system. An evaluation of the Five Elements is also used to determine which element needs balancing to bring a person’s energetic system into homeostasis. For example, an imbalance of the metal element (lung and large intestine) might present itself as shallow or rapid breathing along with feelings of sadness and grief. On the other hand, a person with a wood (liver and gall bladder) imbalance would describe the tendency to shut down in the face of extreme stress, trauma or anxiety, present with unresolved anger, rigid thoughts and lack of initiative and flexibility.

Vagal tone can be positively influenced by breathing and meditation explaining why disciplines such as taiji, qigong and yoga are effective exercise method with this goal in mind. Sound-based vagus nerve stimulation has also been found to positively affects vagal tone. This is achieved through simple methods such as humming or singing. The qigong form known as the “Five Healing Sounds” is particularly effective for this purpose. Toning of the vagus nerves is also achieved through self-touch such as tapping techniques. Other approaches to bring one into a centered and calm state of being include gentle exercises of the upper body that combine eye-tracking.

These are just some of the methods available to reset the nervous system. We are fortunate to have these various allopathic and holistic techniques available to alleviate high levels of stress and ability to bring oneself back into a state of harmonious balance. Speak to your physician, psychotherapist, acupuncturist or massage therapist to see if they can direct you toward the best method. Do your research and choose the approach the fits your particular needs. You just may find a way to bring greater resilience, less pain and greater happiness into your life.