Reduce inflammation with yoga.

Yoga, the Vagus Nerve, and Inflammation

There has been a lot of conversation recently about the vagus nerve and its role in our health and wellbeing, so I wanted to share a simple introduction to what the vagus nerve is and why it is often discussed in relation to yoga.

The vagus nerve is one of the twelve cranial nerves in the body. It is unique because it has both sensory and motor functions. In simple terms, it helps carry information between the brain and many of the body's organs and systems, while also influencing functions such as breathing, digestion, heart rate, and movement.

One of the reasons the vagus nerve receives so much attention is because of its role in the body's relaxation response, often referred to as the "rest and digest" state. When this system is activated, the body is better able to recover from stress and maintain balance.

This is where yoga can play an important role.

Through mindful movement, conscious breathing, and moments of stillness, yoga encourages us to slow down and become more present. We learn to breathe more deeply, move with awareness, and cultivate a sense of ease within both the body and mind.

Over time, these practices can help regulate our stress response, reduce physical tension, and support overall nervous system health. Because chronic stress is associated with increased inflammation throughout the body, practices that promote relaxation and nervous system regulation may help support the body's natural ability to maintain healthy levels of inflammation.

In their book Beating Endo, Dr Iris Kerin Orbuch and Dr Amy Stein write:

"The more we influence the vagus nerve through yoga, the less we experience inflammation in our bodies."

They go on to explain that yoga's influence on the vagus nerve may help counter some of the physical effects associated with chronic pain, including muscle tension and blood vessel constriction, while also supporting the body's natural pain-regulating mechanisms.

So why is inflammation important?

Inflammation is not inherently bad. In fact, short-term inflammation plays an essential role in helping the body heal from injury and fight infection.

However, when inflammation becomes chronic or persists for long periods of time, it has been associated with a range of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.

While yoga is certainly not a cure-all, it is one of many supportive practices that can help us care for our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Each time we step onto our yoga mat, we are doing far more than stretching our muscles or improving our flexibility. We are creating space to breathe, regulate our nervous system, reduce stress, and cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves.

It's a beautiful reminder that the benefits of yoga extend well beyond what we can see on the surface, supporting our health, vitality, and wellbeing both now and into the future.

With gratitude,

Jodie