Understanding the Vagus Nerve and an exercise to stimulate the vagus nerve

The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body. It wanders throughout your body, with wide distribution connecting the brainstem to the body. The vagus nerve is a major part of how our bodies and brains function; without it, our bodies wouldn’t be able to do basic tasks, and by stimulating it we can receive powerful health benefits.
It helps the immune system and inflammation response to disease. It has four main functions: sensory, special sensory, motor and parasympathetic.

In Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve by Stanley Rosenberg, there are a few exercises you can do to reset your ventral vagus nerve. They include The Basic Exercise, The Half Salamander Exercise and The Full Salamander Exercise:
The Basic Exercise
1. Lie on back
2. Interweave fingers on both hands and place behind head
3. Without turning your head, look to the right
4. Remain here until you spontaneously yawn or swallow
5. Return to the neutral state with head and eyes straight
6. Repeat on the other side
Rosenberg says the reason you move your eyes is there is “direct neurological connection between the eight suboccipital muscles and the muscles that move our eyeballs.”

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DISCLAIMER: Watching these videos does not replace seeking out a mental health professional should you need one. If you are really struggling please seek out appropriate support for your country of origin. In the UK I would recommend your GP, emergency services, samaritans but this list is not extensive.