🧠 The interaction between movements in the cervical/neck region (particularly around the C1/C2 vertebrae) and the parasympathetic nervous system, including the activation of the vagus nerve, is SUPER IMPORTANT for relieving the side effects of stress AKA tension 👎🏻👎🏻 The vagus nerve, a major component of the parasympathetic nervous system, exits the brainstem and travels down the neck, thorax, and into the abdomen. It is primarily involved in regulating internal organ functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, and plays a key role in the “rest and digest” response aka your STRESS response. 🔑 While there’s no direct mechanical stimulation of the vagus nerve through cervical spine movement, certain types (like these!) of neck movements have an indirect influence on vagal tone and can result in benefits for: 1️⃣ Muscle Tension Reduction: Relaxation of neck muscles can indirectly influence the parasympathetic tone, including vagal activity, as muscle tension and stress can have systemic effects on autonomic nervous system balance. 2️⃣ Psychological Relaxation: Relaxation and stress-reduction techniques that involve neck movements (like certain yoga or stretching exercises) can indirectly stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, potentially influencing vagal tone and causing RELAXATION…DM me “STRESS” to learn more about how we use these in our 30 Day Stress Detox Bootcamps! 3️⃣ Cervical Proprioception: As the cervical region has a high density of proprioceptors, movements can affect the sensory input to the central nervous system, which can indirectly influence autonomic function, including vagal activity. 4️⃣ Respiratory Influence: Neck movements can impact respiratory function, and there’s a strong interplay between breathing patterns and vagal activity. FOLLOW and SHARE to learn more about turning daily STRESS into STRENGTH!! 💪🏻 #stress #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressfree #stressless #health #relaxationtechniques #relaxation