Trauma and the Vagus Nerve
The following blog is inspired by the work and teachings of Bessel van der Kolk, MD (psychiatrist, author, researcher and educator based in Boston, USA. Since the 1970s his research has been in the area of post-traumatic stress.)
Trauma has often been treated as an issue of the brain - defined through symptoms of flashbacks, nightmares, painful memories and distorted perceptions of the world, it makes sense why at first glance many believe the disruptions that trauma can create within a person are caused by a sort of disconnect in the brain; however, trauma is primarily experienced in the body. The brain and body are extremely inter-connected and what impacts the body, impacts the brain (visa-versa) which is why when treating trauma it is essential to work with the body just as much as, if not more than, with the brain. In other blogs I have discussed different ways to engage the body as it relates to recovering from trauma. Today, I would like to introduce a new piece to the puzzle of trauma recovery that is in fact not “new” at all -
The Vagus Nerve (first mentioned by Charles Darwin in 1872) - This mysterious nerve connects the brain with the body. The Vagus Nerve is a bi-directional communication system that transports information from the body to the brain and visa versa; essentially, if we can calm one system down it will calm the other (body <—> brain). A healthy Vagus Nerve provides essential access/communication with the prefrontal cortex portion of our brain that is in charge of problem solving, creativity, and other sophisticated types of thinking. Reversely, an unhealthy Vagus Nerve provides communication access only to the more primitive/survival parts of our brain. This nerve that is connected to many essential organs in our body is responsible for much of our involuntary survival impulses (breathing, swallowing, etc.) as well as for our digestion and overall gut health. Some things that negatively impact the Vagus Nerve include stress, anxiety, smoking, alcohol consumption, and improper nutrition. Activities that have shown to support the health of this nerve is meditation, yoga, probiotic rich diet , exercise, laughing, massage therapy, and human touch. The Vagus Nerve is a pathway to regulate the brain through the body and literally opens new networks within the brain through accessing the body.
-A holistic integrative approach to mental and emotional wellbeing is essential for so many reasons and the implications of healthy vs. unhealthy Vagus Nerve activity is one of the most convincing for me,
how about you? -
Be well,
Sarah-Brooke Stiles, LCSW, PPSC