What Is the Vagus Nerve?
It’s the longest nerve in your body, starting from your brain and going all the way to your stomach and other organs. Es como una autopista de emociones sending signals up and down, helping you feel calm or alert.
When you feel safe and connected, your vagus nerve helps your body relax. When you’re stressed or scared, it helps you prepare to fight, run, or freeze.
Why It Matters in Healing
Much of our trauma doesn’t live in words, vive en el cuerpo. In your heart rate, your breath, your gut. The vagus nerve helps regulate all of this.
When your vagus nerve is activated in a healthy way it:
- Slows your heart rate
- Calms your breath
- Helps you feel grounded
- Signals that you are safe
This is why somatic (body-based) healing is so important. We’re not just talking about healing, we’re feeling it, through the body.
Ways to Support Your Vagus Nerve:
- Deep breathing (especially slow exhales)
- Humming or singing (vibrations activate the nerve!)
- Cold water on your face or neck
- Gentle movement like walking or stretching
- Connection– safe hugs, eye contact, or laughing with someone you trust
“Antes pensaba que mi ansiedad era solo mental. Pero luego me di cuenta que mi cuerpo también estaba gritando. El corazón, la panza, el pecho, all of it trying to speak.”
Your body remembers everything but it also knows how to heal. Supporting your vagus nerve is like giving your nervous system a gentle reminder: “You’re safe now, mija. You can breathe.”
If you’re curious about somatic healing or want to feel more connected to your body again, our team at Latinx Talk Therapy is here for you.
