What is the Vagus Nerve and Why Does It Matter?

I've just had a client come in for Craniosacral Therapy asking how it could help stabilise their vagus nerve and get them out of a constant ‘fight or flight’ state. It inspired me to write this post, it’s something I’m passionate about, and I find it fascinating!

What is the Vagus Nerve and Why Does It Matter?

The vagus nerve is a key part of our nervous system it helps regulate everything from our digestion and breathing to our heart rate, mood, and even how we respond to stress.

When it’s working well, we feel calm, connected, and resilient. When it’s not, we might feel stuck in anxiety, overwhelmed, or constantly on edge. Poor vagal tone (how well the nerve functions) is linked to digestive issues, low mood, chronic fatigue, and so much more.

Fight, Flight… or Freeze?

Our nervous system is wired to keep us safe. When we feel threatened, we might:

• Engage socially talk it through, seek help.

• Fight or run the classic stress response.

• Freeze shut down completely when escape feels impossible.

Trauma can leave us stuck in these survival states especially freeze mode long after the danger has passed. That’s where Craniosacral Therapy can help.

How Craniosacral Therapy Supports the Vagus Nerve

Craniosacral Therapy gently works with the body to:

• Improve vagal tone

• Support regulation of the nervous system

• Encourage a shift from “stuck” fight/flight/freeze states into a calmer, more balanced place

• Activate the body’s social engagement system (so we feel safer and more connected)

It’s now widely recognised that trauma is held in the body not just the mind. CST offers a safe space to gently support the body in processing and releasing trauma without needing to re-tell the story.

Who Supports This Work?

Leading trauma experts like Dr. Stephen Porges (Polyvagal Theory), Dr. Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing), Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, and Dr. Gabor Maté have all spoken about the importance of body-based therapies like Craniosacral Therapy in healing trauma.

Supporting Your Vagus Nerve at Home

Alongside therapy, daily habits can help support your vagus nerve:

• Deep, slow breathing

• Cold water exposure

• Humming or singing

• Time in nature

• Safe connection with others

Why This Matters at Work

·         High stress at work keeps the body in fight-or-flight leading to tension, poor digestion, low mood, brain fog, and burnout. When the nervous system is stuck, so are people.

·         Supporting the vagus nerve helps staff feel calmer, think more clearly, and recover better from daily pressures which means better communication, resilience, and focus at work.

Let’s chat any questions please feel free to get in touch!