The Vagus Nerve and Bowen Therapy

The Vagus nerve is the 10th of 12 sets of cranial nerves and originates at the brain stem. The two branches of the vagus nerve exit the brainstem just below the occipital bone, traveling alongside the carotid arteries and jugular veins in the neck and then “wander” through the body interacting with visceral organs including the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, small and large intestines, pancreas, kidneys and spleen. The vagus nerve is most popularly associated with the fight/flight, rest/repair responses in the body. It is responsible for the mind/body communications that keep the body in balance between instances of stress and times of rest.

The first recorded observations of the vagus nerve were made by the Greek physician Claudius Galen (130-200 AD). Galen had studied the nerve by dissecting Barbary apes and pigs, but more importantly by observing the physical and psychological dysfunctions that occurred from the severed vagus nerves in injured gladiators which he treated.

When the vagus nerve is aggravated, damaged or severed, the communication pathways between the body and the brain are disrupted and dis-ease can result. Some of the most common symptoms of vagal nerve dysfunction are; decreased lung capacity, racing or irregular heart beat, blood pressure issues, migraines, weight gain, sluggish digestion, GERD, acid reflux, constipation, IBS, gallbladder, kidney and blood sugar irregularities, chronic inflammation (which is linked to cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases), trouble functioning socially, anxiety, depression, PTSD and more.

You don’t have to be a gladiator to have vagus nerve damage and disruption. Cervical spine misalignments, muscle tension, bad posture, sports injuries, car accidents, surgery, emotional traumas and just plain and simple chronic stress can be the root cause and loss of such an important mind/body connection.

Bowenwork therapy works directly with the nervous system by opening up those pathways that may have been disrupted. By performing gentle “moves'' over specific points on the body (over muscle, tendons, ligaments and nerves), the Bowenwork practitioner can awaken the communication in the nervous system and encourage the body to make adjustments to musculoskeletal alignment, fascial tension, lymphatic flow, blood circulation and inflammation. Pain is often quickly relieved as the cycles of tension held in the body's tissues are disrupted and reset. Emotional and energetic imbalances are often also addressed in the same session by opening pathways and breaking up “energy bundles'' allowing for natural energy movement through the body. Because Bowenwork moves are performed gently, without force or discomfort, the client finds it easy to let go of worries and fully relax. It is not uncommon for a client to fall asleep on the table and gurgling in the abdomen is heard as digestive action is stimulated. The process is slow, gentle and precise to communicate safety and care to the body, encouraging the best environment for healing. It is recommended to start with sessions once a week for six weeks, rest for four weeks, and then reevaluate what needs to be further addressed to get the desired results.

The vagus nerve is part of an incredible and intricate system that regulates the entire body. Research regarding its effects and importance has been ongoing for thousands of years and continues to be proven an integral piece of our health and well being, both physically and mentally.