The ‘wanderer’, the ‘reset button’, the ‘safety switch’ – the vagus nerve has many names and its role in helping shift the body out of stress mode and into a state of rest and recovery has been celebrated in recent years by the wellness industry. But what exactly is the vagus nerve, and why would you want to stimulate it with the yōjō?
The vagus nerve is the longest of the 12 cranial nerves, carrying vital signals between the brain and body. It runs from the brainstem through the neck and into the chest and abdomen, playing a key role in regulating the parasympathetic nervous system – the body’s ‘rest and digest’ mode. When the vagus nerve is well regulated, it can support a range of wellbeing functions, including a slower heart rate, improved digestion, reduced stress-related inflammation, and better focus, sleep and recovery after exercise.
