SOWK 486 - Week 13 - Vagus Nerve with Guest Presenter Judy Dirks

VAGUS NERVE An Introduction Judy Dirks, LMHC

Mind, Body, Spirit, Relationships All Connected • Sensorimotor psychotherapy1: A comprehensive therapy that uses the body as both a source of information and intervention targets. • Practitioners of somatic therapy view the mind and body as intrinsically linked. They also believe that trauma and other chronic negative emotions can get trapped inside our bodies and affect our mental health even further.

Therapeutic approach which engages the body awareness as a powerful tool and intervention in therapy. Somatic psychotherapy Uses body awareness, movement, here and now grounding Teaches calming skills through co-regulation and self-regulation of nervous system Supports staying curious about body sensations, thoughts and awarenesses in and around the self

Nervous System- Internal alarm system receive general sensory information (pressure. temputure, pain and vibration) receive specific information from senses integrate sensory and bodily information and processes generate responses

Branches of the Nervous System Enteric System regulates the gut Sympathetic System flight, fight, freeze and fawn Parasympathetic System regulates rest and digest

VAGUS NERVES ARE IN BOTH PARASYMPATHETIC AND SYMPATHETIC

Vagus Nerve 80% of information comes through organs to the brain through the vagus nerve Impacts nearly every organ in the body Prevents inflammation, controls breathing, strengthens memory, controls heart rate, relays information from face to the brain, impacts creativity, higher cognitive functions and decision making.

Ventral (right) side of vagus nerve Facial muscles Inner ear Heart Lungs All parts connected to Social Engagement. Myelinated ( moves quickly )

Dorsal Vagus (left side of body) Abdomen and lower organs Guts (gut knowing) Liver, Kidneys, Gallbladder, Pancreas Not myelinated

Vagus Nerve controls wellness vs disease When damaged or low vagal tone Diabetes Weight management and appetite Gastroparesis, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Food Sensitivities Difficulty swallowing Parkinson’s Cardiovascular disease Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Sleep Problems And more

Polyvagal Theory: Stephen Porges There is a 3rd System: The Social Nerve System We are hard wired to be in groups and to be socially engaged. We use the face, eyes, ears to make those connections We seek balance and to be harmonious inside and outside When socially isolated more likely to go into fight, flight, freeze or fawn

FACIAL VAGUS NERVES • Always aware in social situations of what feels safe or doesn’t feel safe

Cold Exposure Increasing Vagul Tone: Stimulate Parasympathetic Nervous System Singing, Humming, Chanting, Gargling Deep Slow Breathing Practice Laughter and Socializing Omega-3 Fatty Acid Meditation, Yoga, and Exercise Massage

Social Media • https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8Cuwwra/