Rebalance with Vagus

The vagus nerve is a major player in the parasympathetic nervous system which allows our bodies to “rest and digest”.

A client recently mentioned feeling guilty for getting a massage when the time could be spent doing other things. I thought my response - a brief explanation of how the body responds to external and internal stressors - might highlight the importance of taking a break to recharge then return to getting things done. This post introduces the role of the vagus nerve in the parasympathetic nervous system and how massage helps bring balance. It also mentions the physical and mental benefits gained from therapeutic massage (e.g., relaxed muscles, reduced stress, improved sleep quality). These benefits may result in more positive, life-affirming interactions with family members, friends and community.

At fibre: A Homespun Spa, clients may choose a Rebalance Session. This session combines integrative reflexology and a series of “holds” at acupressure points to help the client have an overall sense of well-being. The rebalance session supports the function of the vagus nerve. In an online article, the Cleveland Clinic notes the physical health benefits along with mental and emotional well-being from reflexology directed at the vagus nerve.

The Nervous System has two major branches: Central (brain and spinal cord) and the Peripheral (Somatic and Autonomic). The Autonomic Nervous System, the involuntary movements, has two parts: the Sympathetic (fight or flight response) and the Parasympathetic (rest and digest).

The nervous system includes the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which has two components - the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. The ANS controls unconscious activities (e.g., breathing, digesting, pumping blood).  The sympathetic system controls the “fight, flight or freeze” used to protect your body or quickly take an action when danger is perceived. The sympathetic state braces your body for action by increasing your heart rate, inhibiting digestion, dilating pupils and making other involuntary changes.

The vagus nerve exits the brainstem then makes connections with the spine, ears, voice box, throat, esophagus, chest, ears, heart, lungs and abdomen to support involuntary movements.

The parasympathetic system regulates the “rest and digest’’ phase. It helps calm your body after being in a stressful situation. The vagus nerve plays a major role in the parasympathetic system by relaying signals from your brain to your body. Please checkout this WebMd article for a description of the vagus nerve - the longest of the twelve cranial nerves - it is 75 percent of the parasympathetic nervous system. The Cleveland Clinic also provides an excellent article explaining the vagus nerve.

In December 2024, the World Journal of Clinical Cases published a study supporting the connection of specific points on the feet to the cerebral cortex and associated organs. The study “Effects of Foot Reflexology on Disease” found “foot reflexology…stimulates blood flow, nutrition and nerves through neural and endocrine regulation.”

At fibre: A Homespun Spa, the Rebalance Session uses integrative reflexology (aka “foot reflexology”) to support the vagus nerve. During reflexology, pressure and/or movement is applied to specific reflex points on the feet which correspond to specific organs and systems in the body.

By actively stimulating these reflex points associated with the vagus nerve, the Rebalance Session aims to activate the vagus nerve and initiate involuntary movements to support the body’s natural healing. Integrative reflexology may compliment traditional medical treatments; however, it is not a substitute for medical treatment.

An article about reflexology and the vagus nerve, notes how the vagus nerve plays an essential role in regulating bodily functions, managing stress, and promoting emotional well-being. The article explains how reflexology relies on mapping specific points on the feet to organs and structures in the body. By applying pressure to these points, the corresponding organ/structure is stimulated. It also describes potential physical and mental health benefits

  • “improved digestion, reduced inflammation, enhanced immune system function, increased relaxation response, and better heart health.”

  • experience a sense of calm and balance (i.e., reduces anxiety, promotes relaxation, improved sleep quality and enhance overall sense of well-being)

In 2020, Scientific Reports published a study on how effective massage is in reliably inducing relaxation. The study used standardized massage to stimulate the vagus nerve and “soft shoulder massage.” The article concluded both types of massage increased “psychophysiological relaxation”.

This study illustrates how any type of massage helps you access the parasympathetic nervous system and gain physical and mental health benefits. At fibre, several types of massage are offered. Two services are designed to stimulate the vagus nerve:

  • Rebalance Session, 50 minutes

  • Rebalance Massage, 90 minutes, begins with a 40 minute, customized massage and ends with a 50 minute Rebalance Session.

    Both start with a five minute foot bath to prepare your mind and body for the services. To thank you for reading this far, here’s a code for a 10% discount at fibre:

VAGUS

Code expires Monday, July 1, 2025.

*New clients see the online scheduler for a code that never expires.

Julia Donkin