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

[@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❤✌🏼🙏🏼

[@CraigAnderson-h2h]

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

[@dianemottram3060]

The flight or fight pyschosomatic response is so real even though there's no actual injury. I do very much like the explanation of the software vs the hardware position. Personally the information regarding the neck area the back of the neck is useful to my selfcare awareness. My neck has been a source of trouble most of my life. Thank you. My nervous system went into hyperdrive after a surgery in which my jaw was sawed and pinned. I felt that my nervous system acted as if it had been assaulted. Tranquilizers were helpful for a short term treatment because insomnia was a problem. This was over 30 years ago. Reversing the effect of trauma takes time and it would be a leap forward if there was an intervention that would cause an expedient cure.

[@ceptember.]

A doctor like this who has critical thinking skills and cares is rare, sadly

[@macroer57]

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

[@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

[@DanielParsons1]

Amazing what you can learn. Found a device that stimulates my vagus nerve and have worked up to level 5 so far. I do not drink alcohol, smoke or take any medications. I did have a small amount of natural caffeine in a powder that I use in my water intake each morning to have a subjective & full disclosure report of how effective these devices are. Just finished 15 minutes of stimulation on my ears at mid day now and I can tell that these stimulation devices really work. I am doing 2 fifteen minute treatments a day for now.

[@stefanallard3084]

I do 6h per day. 15 x2 is not enough

[@bombasticborneo]

The Prof makes learning Vagus nerve so easy. TQ Sir🙏🏿

[@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… ❤️

[@loveconquersall143]

I can definitely attest to this - and it absolutely can, and does. I had felt very unsafe and had high anxiety (and depression) levels for years - trying to help my best friend/partner through alcohol and drug addiction. He got clean & sober, then had a mild relapse (I told him to stop doing what he was doing, he obviously thought he was going to be 'fine', so he didn't listen to me), and all of a sudden he died alone on my bed and my mum found him about 20 hours later. He'd only just turned 30 years of age 😞 We were together for 11 years. His death has been/felt like the 'nail in the coffin' for me. I have never, ever felt this unwell - for this long. It has been such a long time since I felt 'carefree', and able to smile and laugh. I can't get his passing out of my head - and as a result, I can't get my Crohn's to stop flaring. AND I've also developed POTS/Dysautonomia and MdDS (etc) now too. I feel like I'm dying from a broken heart, every single day 😪 I am SO sorry for your loss. I feel your pain and I send you so much love and healing hugs. I hope you can laugh and smile again one day too. Stay strong 🙏💝🌹🫶🫂😘

[@deeptime5581]

absolutely! Throws you into sympathetic rather than parasympathetic mode.

[@DF-ju4cw]

@@loveconquersall143May I suggest you listen to spiritual Yogi Michael Singer. He really helps with how to understand your mind and consciousness and how to navigate between them. We are both soul and biological bodies ❤

[@nvb455]

All these other comments are WRONG. Emotional pain cannot damage the vagus nerve. It can lead to dysfunction. Not damage. Damage happens from a physical factor like illness or surgery.

[@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.

[@janevanreenen8768]

😮😮😮😮😮

[@janevanreenen8768]

Taken off the roll I’d say!

[@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.

[@daynacase8528]

So happy you’re finding relief.

[@williammonahan8893]

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

[@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.

[@periklisspanos7185]

What I know is the doctors and physical therapists describe the symptoms very well , but after three months I am on the same condition,that doesn’t stop the doctors declare fake victory

[@lowland1]

@@periklisspanos7185 Have you thought of trying a GOOD osteopath. I am now better, after 9 months intensive osteopathy treatment (once a week for 9 months).

[@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.

[@MariaWalker-qo3vi]

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

[@Reincarnation111]

Simple....knowing, understand and treating the vagus nerve function is not profitable for the medical establishment. The techniques are DIY. Why would they show us this path when they can push the big pharma and doctors down our throats? Both are money makers! This doctor is a saint. My gastro looked blank when I mentioned the role of vagus nerve to him, like he didn't even know what it was!

[@simonstones1918]

No money in it

[@ruggerogabbrielli6831]

Because injury to the vagus nerve (in survivors) is almost exclusively caused by surgery.

[@wendylpa]

Because pharma hasn’t figured out a way to make billions of $$ off the vagus yet…

[@Reincarnation111]

I was having a few gastric issues...pain mostly, and needing to take numerous enzymes whenever and whatever I ate. Last year I learned here on Y/T 2 yoga breathing techniques using them just for a couple of weeks, I felt a real improvement in my symptoms. Many videos on these breathing yogic exercises are available.

[@RubenVernier]

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

[@lydiamalinovic9402]

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

[@Susieq26754]

The vagus nerve controls blood pressure.

[@ceptember.]

The opening of this video is the greatest thing ever said!

[@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?

[@Acode7940]

A veery clear and helpfull explanation which adds to my gorwing interest and understanding of the vagal nerve. Thank you.

[@janerogers5717]

Soooo interesting! Thank you for such a clear explanation.

[@xperiencesaecm]

Great demonstration❤thank you for this. I have SVT and low HRV as I’m always in sympathetic and it’s overwhelming. Trying to perform practice to calm this. Thank you for your description.

[@romeovelasco4151]

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

[@newyorkayanna]

Yes...and 5:51...non-stop fake news for all the hardware after a TBI!

[@sandrapritchard9810]

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

[@curlysue3620]

Traumatic events.

[@rachelcorson3555]

chemical warfare

[@loveconquersall143]

Illnesses, viruses, trauma, chronic stress, surgery, pregnancy, anaesthetics (etc).

[@DianeHighman]

Mine was damaged during hiatal hernia repair. Changed my life forever.

[@lizisler9415]

Vagus nerve gets out of sync through the Brain - stress, trauma, PTSD etc.

[@Love_n_Light77]

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

[@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.

[@Long_Machine]

I havd hiatus hernia. 1cm Hill grade 3. Approx 6 months after this diagnosis and shortly after I began a new rowing exercise routine. ,I began experiencing severe scalp pruritis Dermatology has tried Dupix with no results and there is nothing visual on my shaved scalp to indicate skin cancer. Also, I've had chronic sinusitis, shortness of breath and all the LPR symptoms. I did have a serious bike crash after the hernia diagnosis and before I started rowing. I broke my scapula and 4 ribs. So, I am beginning to think the scalp pruritits is neurological. I can stimulate the scalp itching when I lightly massage my shoulder and especially when I lightly massage my ears. it also seems however, that the scalp pruritis is triggered by certain foods but this is more difficult to discern. I can absolutely stimulate the scalp itch when massaging my ears. The question is: can this scalp itch be triggered by a disruption of the Vegas nerve due to the mechanical or structural issue caused by my hiatus hernia? GI doctor doesn't believe my upper respiratory problems are being caused by the hernia and reflux indicated by barium swallow and bravo test. Manometry was a fail, since the damn lidocaine faded too quick. ENT wants to do FESS but I am hesitant because I still believe it's the hernia at root cause. Pulmonary says I have asthma but prior to hernia diagnosis, I was a semipro, highly trained athlete. ENT test says I have allergies but I call BS! I've been cycling outside through all seasons for over 20yrs and ZERO problems. I dom't believe allergies develop literally within days or months. I call BS again, when pulmonary tells me pepsin is made in the lung tissue and not exclusive to the stomach. I asked him to please share the literature with me so I could learn more about pepsin production in the lung area but he couldn't show it to me. I did hit my head during the cycling crash so I wonder if it's possible I have damaged my neck which is what is causing the scalp itch. I have app with neurologist this month. The shortness of breath is severely impacting my quality of life and I had to retire from racing because I can't breathe very well when training. It' the most bizarre thing I've experienced in my adult life and it all happened very suddenly. I'm done taking dan medications, I need answers! I have follow up with the manometry GI doc this month and I plan to discuss a second opinion re the hernia. I wan a second ENDO to assess the position and size of the hernia. The diagnosing GI doc makes it seem as though a 1cm is small but upon further investigation, it seems that a Hill grade 3 is quite large. For example, there may only be a 1cm high stomach wall protruding into the chest cavity but the size of the hiatus has opened such that, the overall diameter of stomach protruding into the stomach is quite large. hell what do I know, I am just a basic human. I'm not rushing to surgical repair of my hernia, because I don't yet know the success rate of procedures such as., the TIF but I need this chronic sinusitis and scalp itch to go away! In the interest of due dilligence, I did start famotidine last week, so I can at least say I tried an H2 or PPI. hell, I don't even have heartburn rather, I believe it's pepsin. With no reliable test for pepsin however, doctors can just keep pumping the PPIs or H2s. if this H2 doesn't work on my scalp itch or CRS in about 3 weeks, I'm done with that. ENT won't test for pepsin and pulminology says it's too invasive. I however,. do not want FESS unless at least 1 pepsin test is done somewhere in my upper respiatory tract. It's borderline unethical, that multiple disciplince have not considered my hernia as a cause of such a large cluster of symptoms. I trust none of you.

[@Jewell55737]

I would say definite neck injury and vagus nerve !

[@glendaguilott3765]

Where do you get the device for the neck ???

[@sarahtalks798]

This was very well done. 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.

[@loveconquersall143]

I saw/read/watched that Dr Nemechek does not recommend using a tens machine for VNS 😞

[@DuffMan.]

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

[@MASTERCYCLOPS007]

Does this really work?

[@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 .

[@Reincarnation111]

Please look into Dr. Sarno's methodology here on Y/T, it may be just what you need. It's worth looking into and has helped many thousands of people suffering from chronic pain. kzbin.info?search_query=dr.+sarno+healing+back+pain

[@MariaReyes-jp4lb]

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

[@FrederiquePoulain]

Excellent, where do we get the device?

[@jenuinejoneszenproductions8355]

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

[@Craniosacral2617]

Fantastic delivery

[@lizisler9415]

Question doctor - I had 12 second heart block while in hospital and was given a pace maker. Can I still use the vagus nerve stimulants you mention? My heart is healthy no fat in arteries or plaque and all ecg test and stress tests were clear. My only symptoms was fainting 3 to 4 times a day.

[@louisaarthur1409]

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

[@clarepover4978]

Excellent explanation. Thank you

[@raylamparelli5582]

Could the Vagus nerve be responsible for my Afib?

[@ebenezer6844]

Awesome presentation and amazung information! I had no idea! All this new to me!!

[@grayssportsalmanac85]

Where can we get the device? Is it available on the NHS?

[@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).

[@simonstones1918]

I’d like to know this too! I’ve been on Pred years…

[@Tacoman1967]

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

[@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

[@karengoodman9178]

Why not available in the nhs ?

[@Andrewwashere1987]

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???

[@earthmoonstars2013]

Does stimulating vagus nerve stop tinnitus???

[@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 ?

[@jenuinejoneszenproductions8355]

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

[@janevanreenen8768]

Thank you so much!

[@miss_debydeb_deb]

Most grateful for Professor Epstein sharing in what is an important acceptance of knowledge and basis for holistic and integrative health in moving forwards with healing and therapies. 😊🙏

[@belindamolina6354]

Amazing, thank you!

[@jeffto23ify]

What if you have a worn neck ? I have a very badly worn neck and when I move my neck in a certain position it gives me heart palpitations. Could this be the vagus nerve . I've seen a cardiologist and the structure of my heart is good . I've told many people about this but they don't believe my worn neck could cause palpitations.

[@xMorrigan777]

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

[@loveconquersall143]

I was wondering why I felt so much more relaxed after having CST. Thank you for that! 👍❤️

[@deeptime5581]

Probably CST especially but other forms possibly as well. (Rolfer here! Stanley Rosenberg, who has written an authoritative book on vagus nerve was a Rolfer---Rosenberg Institute in Denmark)

[@sylviegartner7284]

brilliant!!!!

[@arupdebbarma4420]

Sir after vagotomy can reattached vagus nerve

[@gabyfridman7475]

Thank You !!!

[@luluadapa5222]

My chiropractor found vagus dysfunction when no Neurologist has. He uses biomechanical feedback.

[@Drowbackmountain]

I tok a piercing bout ears that point u told are used with elektronisk...cluster headeck and trigimeniusnevralgi and missing myelin close all over from sholder and upp. Pluss some more snacks...and piersing low level laser and korriger of atlas and originale save my life...start 2001 and go down to 2018 and now im 16 again...feel so after a way go a Bit oppvard😅😅😅

[@doraperdikari1183]

🙏🙏🙏

[@babygonda1226]

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

[@mrrishiraj88]

👍

[@binathere2574]

I've never had big ears. 🤨

[@mddell24]

Well if you insist on "the internet of the body" idea, it is the old analogue (slow) internet.

[@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?

[@mddell24]

Supposition is just supposition. The "science" is vague and mostly theory. Please provide some science.

[@JoonaDanielTuhkanen]

Eiks åitäny näkemisestä kuolla

[@peterlanephotography]

Stimulating is OK but how to recover the function?

[@peterlanephotography]

What’s the name of this device?