Can you actually reset your vagus nerve?
No. But you can retrain it.
Quick hacks change the weather: how you feel in the next ten minutes. Daily practice changes the climate: how your nervous system responds six months from now.
In Episode 10 of LVL UP, Lawrence van Lingen explores the vagus nerve, the four states of the nervous system, and the difference between temporary relaxation and lasting changes in nervous-system regulation.
We examine what the vagus nerve actually does, why heart rate variability doesn't tell the whole story, and how walking, breathing, sleep, movement and aerobic training can help build a more resilient nervous system.
The conversation also examines the science of vagus nerve stimulation, including implanted medical devices, transcutaneous auricular stimulation and the emerging research on exercise, heart function, recovery and inflammation.
Topics include:
- State change versus trait change
- The four states: flat, regulated, wired but tired, and flatlined
- Heart rate recovery, resting heart rate and HRV
- Cold exposure, humming and box breathing
- Coherence breathing, walking in nature and progressive muscle relaxation
- Crawling, the pelvic floor and movement
- Implanted vagus nerve stimulation and Kevin Tracey's inflammatory reflex
- Ear stimulation, individual responses and the current research
- How to conduct a 30-day Nuropod experiment
The aim is to understand what creates lasting change, while separating established science from promising research and popular claims.
FREE COMPANION HANDBOOK AND FACT CHECK PDF
Read the Episode 10 handbook for detailed scientific references, research corrections and practical observations.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZCc3sYIL7lrphUCASNiOp41CKWgt7qWd/view
CORRECTIONS FROM THE LIVESTREAM
- Cutting one vagus nerve is survivable. Vagal branches were historically cut to treat ulcers.
- Rheumatoid arthritis implant trial: 35% versus 24% with sham at three months; approximately 53% at 12 months after crossover, not complete reversal.
- Serious device-related events occurred in 1.6% of participants in the arthritis trial. They were surgery-related and resolved.
- Ear stimulation has not been shown to increase cardiac output. One study found it unchanged despite increased stroke volume.
- The exercise study involved healthy adults outside exercise programs, not athletes.
- The sheep study used an experimental pacemaker, not a vagus nerve implant.
- Kevin Tracey's personal use of cold showers or ear stimulation could not be confirmed.
- Parasympathetic outflow comes from the brainstem and sacrum. The ganglion impar is part of the sympathetic chain.
- gammaCore is FDA cleared for migraine and cluster headache.
- Jonny Wilkinson's 2003 World Cup winner was an extra-time drop goal, not a penalty.
NUROPOD AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
I'm an affiliate of Nuropod (Nurosym in some regions, both made by Parasym). Purchases through the link below earn me a commission and provide an automatic discount.
Nuropod offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Check the current terms before purchasing.
Nuropod is a wellness device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Do not use it if you have a pacemaker or other implanted device, metal or electronic implants or jewellery near the tragus, previous vagus nerve surgery, a very slow heart rate or trigeminal neuralgia. Nuropod advises avoiding it during pregnancy. Never use it while exercising or driving.
NUROPOD AFFILIATE LINK
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=122612&awinaffid=1651581&clickref=1651581&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fnuropod.com%2F%3Fclickref%3D1651581
RA OPTICS BLUE LIGHT GLASSES
Discount code: LVLUP
https://ra-optics.myshopify.com/discount/LVLUP?rfsn=8856936.73aef8c
JOIN THE LVL UP MOVEMENT COMMUNITY
https://lawrencevanlingen.com/pages/memberships
FLOW ROPES & MOBILITY TOOLS
https://lawrencevanlingen.com/collections/flow-ropes-mobility-tools
FURTHER READING
Kevin Tracey, The Great Nerve
Eric Topol with Kevin Tracey, Ground Truths:
https://erictopol.substack.com/p/vagus-nerve-stimulation-and-the-immune
FOLLOW LAWRENCE VAN LINGEN
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawrencevanlingen/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lawrencevanlingen
Website: https://lawrencevanlingen.com
Mastery, not medals.
DISCLAIMER
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information shared is not a substitute for individualized advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you are experiencing pain, injury or a medical condition, consult an appropriate healthcare professional before changing your exercise or movement practices.
LVL UP MOVEMENT
Membership: https://lawrencevanlingen.com/pages/memberships
Flow Ropes & Tools: https://lawrencevanlingen.com/collections/flow-ropes-mobility-tools
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawrencevanlingen/
Educational and informational purposes only. Not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding injury, symptoms or medical concerns.
Mastery, not medals.
