The Vagus nerve helps control almost all our internal organs. Our heart, lungs, kidneys, adrenals, stomach and intestines (to name just a few) are all controlled by the Vagus nerve. Keeping the Vagus nerve functioning well is key to good health.
There are some powerful techniques we use in the office to improve Vagus nerve function and there are also some things you can do at home to “exercise” the Vagus nerve.
1. Gargling.
Pour yourself a cup of water. Take about a quarter cup (exact amount isn’t important) and gargle it vigorously for 20-30 seconds. Swallow that water and take another quarter cup and gargle that 20-30 seconds. Keep repeating until all the water in the cup is gone.
Repeat the above gargling exercise 3-4 times/day
2. Singing
If you like to sing this one is for you. Sing your favorite songs as energetically as possible.
3. Gagging
This one is not as much fun as gargling or singing but can be a very effective exercise for your Vagus nerve. Take a tongue depressor or a spoon and lightly touch your uvula (that “hangy down” thing in the back of your throat). If that doesn’t gag you, try lightly touching the back of your throat. Don’t “poke” yourself, just lightly touch. Do 3 gags, 3 times per day.
Of the three exercises, gargling is my favorite which is why I put it first.
These exercises are from a book written by one of my colleagues, Dr. Datis Kharrazian, “Why Isn’t My Brain Working?” It’s a great book on brain function and works well for both health professionals and lay people.
Dr. Hogg
