The internet of the body: the vagus nerve explained - Online interview

"The vagus nerve is a very important part of our sense of well-being. It's not really part of the medical world in which we clinicians live nor you as a patient perhaps live in, because so much of our work is focused around hardware. However, the vagus nerve is becoming a very important part of understanding those individuals who don't necessarily have hardware problems but feel unwell."
In this fascinating online interview, the renowned professor of gastroenterology and minimally invasive gastroenterologist, Professor Owen Epstein, brilliantly explains the role of the vagus nerve in the human body. In a comprehensive way, the London-based professor details the significance of the vagus nerve, how it can impact the "hardware" or organs of the body, and how issues with the vagus nerve are investigated and treated.
0:00 Introduction
0:17 What exactly is the vagus nerve? What is its main function?
5:14 What happens to the human body if something is wrong with the vagus nerve?
8:20 Is it possible to investigate the vagus nerve?
13:46 What is the most effective treatment with regards to vagus nerve problems?
If you would like to book a consultation with Professor Epstein you can do so by visiting his Top Doctors website here: www.topdoctors.co.uk/doctor/o...
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[@chinookvalley]

Singing, humming, yodeling, laughing, coughing, yelling like an Indian can all help to stimulate the Vagus Nerve. Laugh Therapy is wonderful! Simple things in life are often the best cures for what ails us. Stay well, laugh, love and be optimistic.

[@curlysue3620]

Was thinking in the same. Not tried yodelling or yellowing like an Indian. Just researching more info as been covering the VN in trauma group. Looking at ear piercings that also help reset the VN. Love your spirit @chinookvalley❤✌🏼🙏🏼

[@MariaWalker-qo3vi]

This is fascinating stuff. How come this isn’t mainstream info?

[@user-kz5cw2gj3w]

This presentation makes it clear that the vagus nerve is probably the most important single nerve in the body. Excellent information, thanks.

[@klaudiar7347]

yes, that makes sense :) I honestly wasn't aware this one nerve is so wide-spread in the whole body, could be a reason for my 'stupid' health problems, which no tests could detect

[@jilldickson4352]

I was informed by a rather young doctor that if I had a damaged vagus nerve I would be ‘DEAD’ . Back to university for that doctor.

[@marilynkennedy1579]

I wonder if the shock of losing a spouse could cause problems with this nerve? I feel like my body and mind have never been the same since my husband died. I’ve said I feel as if my brain has physically changed. Breathing, heart rate, muscle tension, creativity… I was reading a book that suggested taking a shower each morning and letting cool water run on your neck and back for at least 30 seconds, increasing that time as tolerated. After doing that the first time, I felt like my old self for about 2-3 hours! As a nurse, I have always recommended a cool wet cloth to the back of the neck for nausea because it stimulates the vagus nerve. I guess I can do that sometimes to see if it makes a difference, but I can’t help but wonder if the trauma of grief can cause damage.

[@evelyny7037]

I believe you are correct. From my research, I have found that to be a definite catalyst to poor vagal tone which probably was a building issue from poor stress coping techniques. I also recently watched a very good KZbin on how to use essential oils to help your vagus nerve this lady had gone into complete shut down after has her husband got a terrible illness. I believe it was on Dr. Peter Osborne‘s channel. Blessings as you navigate this and I am so sorry for your loss… ❤️

[@Chiroman527]

Dr. Epstein, Excellent Disertation about The Vagus (s - there are two of them, one on each side of the neck) especially for layman to understand. Describing it as the Software in The Body is very effective. I have been pursuing my own personal medical research due to the chronic pains and Stiffness affecting my entire body. I have been diagnosed with Spondyliosis of most of my Spine, with Facet Joint syndrome ( a fancy term for facet joint arthritis or OA of the facet joints and vertebrae), mutilple sites of mild to moderate Stenosis from S1 to C2 in the neck. My first cervical MRI in 2012 indicated that I have a More Narrow than Normal Spinal canal as well. I have a 1" shorter right leg as a result of a fractured right femur in 1966 (I'm 72 now) at age 15. That Leg Length Discrepancy was left unaddressed by the Ortho doctor at the time. It took about 15 years later when the lower back stiffness problems surfaced. Over the decades that traversed up the spine (I have Dextroscoliosis of 25 degrees) to the C1 Vertebra (the Atlas). Ever since 2011, after 45 years of various "issues" affecting my health, I went to see a new round of dcotors which included Pain Management doctors , Neurologists, GIs, Primaries, Spinal / Neuro Surgeons. Spinal Surgery was ruled out by 6 different doctor opinions in 2018 & 2019. However, after seeing a Rheumatologist - who tested me for RA and Anklyosing Spondy (AS), - both of which were ruled out as NEG for each - that doctor revealed that I had SI Joint Inflammation , OA in my Left Hip and I already knew I had OA in both Knees [the right is Bone on Bone). She told me that Sacroilitis (SI Joints Inflammation) is "ground Zero" for Spianl ailments as the affects of that Inflammation traverses up the Spine. With the amount of Cervical Instabilities (CI) I have, I have come to find that The Vagus Nerve may be affected by the CI. I suffr with Tinnitus, on & off Ear & eye pains, chronic Sinusitis, terrible stiff neck (getting worse and worse), Occipital / Temporal Headaches, cricking and cracking of the evrtebrae in my neck, IBS (for over 35 years !), even Bladder / Bowel Incontinence. This info and other info learned elsewhere about the Vagus Nerve has enlightened me to realize that is the culprit - causing lifelong anxiety, (including in the past Anxiety/Panic attacks), as the Spondy became worse I have developed Fibromyalgia, and an overall High Misery Index. I have had many MRIs taken over the past 12 years showing the worsening of the Spondy, Verterbael discs degrading (Degenerative Disc Disease) and as one excellent Neurologist [Now Retired} told me - I have Peripheral Nerve Damage from the years of Spinal Compression, loss of Reflexes, and Nerve pains in my legs & Hyper-sensitivity at the various sites of disc bulges / herniations in my back with overreactions to temperature changes and touches. Moreover, the old Neurologist told me that no other doctor did....The Disc Bulges at L2 & L3 in my Lumbar spine are bulging into the front and back of the spinal canal! he opined that frontal bulging "could" affect your Stomach. Lastly, a Spinal Surgeon I vistied at Mt. Sinai Medical Center /Hospital in NYC told me " Many Doctors count Scoliosis Short" - meaning the curved & twisted spine can affect many nerves. Makes lots of Common Sense to me. THX for your attention .

[@juliesheard2122]

This explains so much. I have throat, esophagal, IBS problems and a bowel which is "tempremental". My heart rate can jump and flutter too. I have started my own "hum therapy". It certainly helps! The sncients were not wrong with the "OM" chant! Thankyou.

[@macroer57]

Loved the diagrams showing the nerve connectivity “highway”. Speaks volumes of the mind-body connection. Thank you!

[@romeovelasco4151]

Very nice analogy of hardware(organs) & software(vagus nerve)...

[@williammonahan8893]

Thank you .....This a wonderful transitional view the understanding of the vagus nerve and the future of clinical interventions.

[@DuffMan.]

Cannot stress the importance of saunas for vagal stiumulation. 30 mins 4 to 5 times weekly (don't forget electrolytes)...

[@sandrapritchard9810]

I would like to know what causes the vagus nerve to malfunction in the first place.

[@curlysue3620]

Traumatic events.

[@rachelcorson3555]

chemical warfare

[@janerogers5717]

Soooo interesting! Thank you for such a clear explanation.

[@lowland1]

I became sick with a pain in my groin in 1992. Since then, having been in excruiating pain for all that time and chronically tired, etc, etc, I now know that my back had turned, effecting my nervous system. You could say my nervous system (vagus nerve) was in a knot. After working with an osteopath for 5 months I am feeling much much better.

[@RubenVernier]

Amazing video! Thank you for so thoroughly breaking down and explaining this. Really well done.

[@noelmurphy9398]

Thank you for this see excellent talk Professor Epstein. As a psychotherapist I meet many clients with the symptoms you describe as relating to disordered vagus nerve function.

[@Brookzee32]

Excellent talk professor Epstein, thank you. I enjoyed your explanation methods. Very interesting subject! I wonder how we could see the signals in near real time?

[@Love_n_Light77]

Oh wow. Thank you so much this explains my long haul exactly. Thank u for sharing this.

[@sarahtalks798]

This was very well done. Thank you.

[@Susieq26754]

The vagus nerve controls blood pressure.

[@jenuinejoneszenproductions8355]

I’m thinking the conducive conditions for the symptoms you mentioned is the estrogen bombardment of the endocrine system.

[@lydiamalinovic9402]

glad to see that westerm medicine is catching up on science known in yoga for at least 10000 years

[@anne-no2ic]

wonderful explaination... have found things that help in 35 years... never knew about the role of the vagus nerve. Lyme disease 35 years ago.

[@MariaReyes-jp4lb]

Where or who does one see to get this pleases? Neoro, RH, primary dr ect? Thank you in advance.

[@louisaarthur1409]

Thanks. The way you explained it made it so easy to understand. Very interesting.

[@belindamolina6354]

Amazing, thank you!

[@phil2bfree]

Thank you for all your valuable information. It is unfortunate that the GammaCore is so expensive & is not covered by insurance. However, I will soon be starting the 2nd treatment you suggested. I will be stimulating the vagus nerve via the ear with a TENS device. I got the info via KZbin & hope it will be somewhat effective.

[@dshepherd107]

A tens unit should work😉

[@oislek34]

@phil2bfree can you please share your experience with the tense device?

[@ComeAlongKay]

If there’s atlas misalignment that can effect it also.

[@KWizard__]

I lost the right branch to the stomach after COVID. I've had nothing but stomach and gastro problems.

[@guitarlearningtoplay]

can you explain what you mean. How did you lose it?

[@jenuinejoneszenproductions8355]

Need help or info?

[@key2lyfe]

Thiamine

[@sylviegartner7284]

brilliant!!!!

[@gabyfridman7475]

Thank You !!!

[@jenuinejoneszenproductions8355]

I have a theory on why they seemed like they were overly stimulated during rest mode.

[@xMorrigan777]

Craniosacral Therapy positively affects the cranial nerves, especially the vagus nerve.

[@katestenberg2448]

Just curious. Could prednisone damage the vagus nerve? Would like to know the product information for stimulating the vagus nerve.

[@cathrynp3491]

I loved watching the video called "Healing The Vagus Nerve with Perry Nickerston" as a guest. He explains more about the main key areas to massage for the vagus nerve. I personally use the eraser end of a pencil to massage the real sore areas. My Mom would do that to get rid of my sister-in-law's migraines. She massaged relentlessly until it worked. I wish everything wasn't so expensive just because it "works" (maybe).

[@Andy-bi4wg]

I can stimulate my vagus nerve on demand. I can move a certain part inside my brain to begin a round of stimulation. I feel a stimulation starting from the center of my brain running down my body. Wonder if you or anyone is able to do the same. Can't find any answers.

[@mysuperherodad6002]

would vagus nerve stimulation help with roemheld syndrome aka gastro cardiac syndrome???

[@anthonyhandsley2301]

Thanks Mr owen , i am only getting text messages along mine as i have Crohn's. i have had one of the little micro heart monitors , and could this vagus nerve cause ,IBS, Crohn's , Myasthenia Gravis , or Psoriasis Arthritis ? c1c2 in neck Achalasia ? or acetyl choline ?

[@henriquehb2000]

hello!! i had a tumor surgery a few years ago, and my vagus nerve was cut,.... is there a way to help restore my vagus tonus?

[@nevijogolja]

Vagus nerve stimulation with tens machine

[@arupdebbarma4420]

Sir after vagotomy can reattached vagus nerve

[@mrrishiraj88]

👍

[@doraperdikari1183]

🙏🙏🙏

[@binathere2574]

I've never had big ears. 🤨

[@babygonda1226]

Life is sometimes very complicated.. its from GOD🙏 where we can get help, giidance, and protection..

[@user-vm7kq7po8j]

Eiks åitäny näkemisestä kuolla

[@sallyruss4574]

GOD IS AMAZING!

[@guitarlearningtoplay]

Wrong! and bizarre he is even talking about this. This is a gross twisting of information. The digestive tract has it’s own software completely separate from the brain or the vagus nerve. That’s a fact look it up, it’s called the Enteric nervous system. Heart Rate Variable is not a good way to test for vagus nerve problems. 2nd the way the information is given you would think the Vagus Nerve is ALL of the software when in truth it is not. The Vagus Nerve is part of the Autonomic Nervous System and it is the parasympathetic part but not ALl of the parasympathetic part. The Sympathetic part is just as big if not bigger and it goes into almost all the same organs that the parasympathetic goes into. This “software” also comes down the spinal column and then branches out to the organs. There are many components. And the sympathetic part can be just as malfunctioning as the parasympathetic part. A better analogy is a Brake and Gas Pedal in a car. If the breaks are out the cant stop but if the gas is empty the car can’t move. So one may make it look like the other is responsible. And without proper testing you can’t know. And since I said HRV is not the best way, the only other way is special Valsalva breath test. But neither is really accurate and neither pin point which part of the parasympathetic system is malfunctioning. Virtually no top Autonomic Doctor I know of would use HRV testing for that reason. Some really 3rd world countries will use it on occasion.. so this video is bizarre.

[@HouseofStaci]

Are you a dr?

[@Fetherko]

I fell asleep reading this.

[@williamcallahan5218]

blow hard much?