The Benefits of Vagus Nerve Toning

Supporting your vagus nerve can create subtle but powerful shifts in how you feel — physically, emotionally, and energetically. Research continues to reveal how vagus nerve stimulation and toning practices impact many areas of health and wellbeing.

Calmer Stress Response

Toning the vagus nerve helps shift your body out of “fight or flight” and into “rest and digest.” It increases your capacity to regulate stress and feel safe in your body.

Reduced Anxiety and Depression

Studies show that vagus nerve stimulation and toning can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood dysregulation.

Lower Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

Vagal tone supports cardiovascular health by slowing the heart rate and encouraging relaxation of blood vessels.

Better Digestion

The vagus nerve plays a central role in digestive health — including motility, enzyme production, and gut-brain communication.

Reduced Inflammation

Vagal stimulation activates the body's anti-inflammatory pathways, which helps lower chronic inflammation.

Improved Emotional Regulation and Connection

A well-toned vagus nerve supports your ability to feel grounded, present, and socially connected.

Better Sleep

Practices that activate the vagus nerve promote deep rest and improved sleep quality.

Strengthened Immune Function

By helping regulate inflammation and stress hormones like cortisol, vagal tone supports immune health.

Support for Trauma Recovery

Vagus nerve toning is often used in somatic therapies to help restore a sense of safety in the body.

Scientific References

·        Thayer, J. F., & Lane, R. D. (2000). A model of neurovisceral integration in emotion regulation and dysregulation. Journal of Affective Disorders, 61(3), 201–216.

·        George, M. S., et al. (2000). Vagus nerve stimulation: a new tool for brain research and therapy. Biological Psychiatry, 47(4), 287–295.

·        Lamb, D. G., et al. (2017). Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation Effects on Depression and Anxiety. Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports, 4, 46–53.

·        Lehrer, P. M., & Gevirtz, R. (2014). Heart rate variability biofeedback: How and why does it work? Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 756.

·        Breit, S., Kupferberg, A., Rogler, G., & Hasler, G. (2018). Vagus nerve as modulator of the brain–gut axis in psychiatric and inflammatory disorders. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 44.

·        Tracey, K. J. (2002). The inflammatory reflex. Nature, 420(6917), 853–859.

·        Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation. Norton.

·        Gidron, Y., et al. (2005). Vagal activity and health: The neuroimmunomodulation model. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 28(2), 123–132.

·        Bonaz, B., Picq, C., Sinniger, V., Mayol, J. F., & Clarençon, D. (2016). Vagus nerve stimulation: from epilepsy to the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 28(2), 187–196.

·        van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books.

·        Ogden, P., & Fisher, J. (2015). Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment. Norton.