Vagus Nerve: The Wanderer…
Vagus Nerve - The Wanderer
"The vagus nerve, often called the “wanderer” for its vast reach throughout the body, serves as a vital bridge between the mind and body, shaping not only our digestion, but also our emotional well-being. In Jungian terms, it can be considered as a conduit between the conscious body-centered world and unconscious Psyche, allowing deep, instinctual wisdom to surface into awareness. When functioning optimally, the vagus nerve fosters a state of inner equilibrium—harmonizing the nervous system, regulating digestion, and fortifying resilience against stress.
The gut, sometimes referred to as our “second brain,” is in constant dialogue with the psyche, transmitting signals through the vagus nerve that influence mood, clarity, and self-regulation. When this connection is disrupted by trauma or chronic stress, our body’s ability to digest, both physically and emotionally, can be impaired. Through practices that enhance vagal tone—such as deep breathing, mindful movement, and self-inquiry—we restore balance, allowing a felt sense of safety and wholeness to emerge. This rebalancing process mirrors parts of Jung’s individuation journey: as we tend to the body’s signals with reverence, we cultivate a deeper relationship with the Self. Including the body in healing and individuation, is important in balancing ego with soul.
A simple yet profound way to engage the vagus nerve is through gentle neck massage, a somatic practice that soothes the nervous system and invites a state of receptivity. To begin, find a quiet place where you feel safe and grounded. Inhale deeply, feeling your breath expand within. Rub your hands together, generating warmth, and place your fingertips at the base of your neck. With slow, circular motions, massage along the sides of your neck, softening any areas of tension. Pay close attention to the carotid sinus area beneath the jawline, a key point for vagal activation. As you continue, visualize any held emotions dissolving, carried away like a river returning to the sea. Conclude the practice by gently stroking downward, inviting a sense of surrender and release. Pause for a moment, sensing the subtle shifts within—this is your body speaking, your unconscious offering its wisdom. Make time for several minutes of breath work, breathing in through the nostrils, and exhale through the mouth. Stay with your own rhythm and visually imagine an alignment of an axis radiating from the center of your body and simultaneously circling down into the Earth, and up through the crown of your head, reaching up to the sky . . . reaching beyond the clouds, up into the cosmos, to where you finally reach your favorite constellation, where the source of your energy resides as your eternal home.
By nurturing the vagus nerve with mindful care, we align body and psyche, fostering a profound sense of inner harmony. In doing so, we reclaim our innate ability to self-regulate, embody presence, and navigate life with greater ease and resilience.”
Class session, Active Imagination and Somatic Trauma Release, by Brenda Littleton, 2025.