The Vagus Nerve & Regulation Skills
By Jessica Jordan, MS, OTR/L
Oh Vagus. No, not Vegas the city of lights, lots of auditory input, great food and where inhibition goes out the window, but rather the miraculous vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the 10th cranial nerve (labeled CN X), it is the longest cranial nerve in the body, and the main anatomical component of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) (Pinna and Edwards, 2020). The vagus nerve is pretty darn cool and has both sensory and motor connections, as well as parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions.
The scope of the vagus nerve has recently been discussed leading implications suggesting much more than just visceral functions, but for this conversation I’d like to share why the vagus nerve is so important for therapy purposes. Like mentioned previously, the vagus nerve is directly linked to the PNS which plays a major role in regulating our heart rate. If we can find direct ways to activate the vagus nerve which will slow down an accelerating heart, then we can assist someone with self regulating!
In the recent 2022 Autism Symposium hosted by PESI, Dr. Gibs listed the following vagal maneuvers which I believe can be included into a session, specifically an occupational therapy session in order to immediately activate that vagal response.
Using straws & whistles
Gentle eyelid and ear massage
Trumpet breathing
Self regulation is more than just a simple exercise though. I believe there are a few foundational skills needed, one of which includes a mind-body connection. Occupational therapy can assist any individual with that mind and body connection, however it may look. Let us know if you have the opportunity to practice these vagal maneuvers and what your response is!