The Vagus Nerve—The Key to Calm, Recovery, and Health?

What to know

A nerve of great importance The vagus nerve is the longest of the body's cranial nerves; it extends from the brainstem and branches out to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and intestines The vagus nerve controls physiological functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing, and is also closely linked to our mental health Recent research suggests that the vagus nerve also plays an important role in regulating a healthy immune system. But how does the vagus nerve actually work? What happens when the nerve is stimulated, for example, through electrical stimulation? How can the vagus nerve play a role in the treatment of autoimmune diseases as well as stress, anxiety, and depression? And can we influence the vagus nerve ourselves in our daily lives to improve our health and well-being? Learn more from a neurobiologist with a Ph. D. in health sciences Karen Johanne Pallesen, who, among other things, studies the connection between the vagus nerve, stress, and recovery, and a physician and Ph. D.