The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve that controls the stress response, regulates digestion, modulates the immune system, and releases an anti-inflammatory neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. People with chronic diseases experience low level inflammation and emotional stress on a day-to-day basis, partly due to inadequate function of the vagus nerve. The book describes practical, science-based techniques that can be used to improve vagal performance with the goal of restoring and maintaining mind-body health.

The Vagus Nerve in Therapeutic Practice - a science-based guide is aimed at complementary medicine practitioners and holistic healers such as massage therapists, biofield practitioners, nutritional therapists, aromatherapists and energy healers. It will explain how practitioners can adapt their modalities to stimulate the vagus nerve, together with other cranial nerves and the limbic system (ventral vagal complex), to enhance their clients’ experience and improve outcomes.

The book will provide a clear understanding of the importance and benefits of self-regulating the autonomic nervous system, focusing on the vagus nerve. A main feature will be practical, evidence-based methods that can be used to stimulate the ventral vagal complex, each illustrated by a case history from a complementary medicine or holistic practice. The author addresses the anatomy and evolution of the vagus nerve, including its possible role in promoting social engagement, using the polyvagal theory as a model. The functions of major branches of the vagus nerve and other neighbouring cranial nerves are discussed in turn; in each case the mechanism by which neural stimulation improves relaxation and health is outlined, and a practical way to engage the nerve branch and limbic system is described with the help of a case study.

An addendum will include charts that summarise the various exercises described throughout the book, as well as routines for utilizing combinations of the exercises on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. The book will enable healthcare professionals to attain a solid grasp of the clinical significance of regulating the vagus nerve and provide them with easy to follow ways to do it.