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Gargling, Meditation And Yoga Activates Vagus Nerve

Gargling, Meditation And Yoga Activates Vagus Nerve

Gargling: Gargling with water is an unusual but effective exercise.

  • How to do it: Take a sip of water, tilt your head back, and gargle for 30-60 seconds.
  • Why it works: Gargling stimulates the muscles connected to the vagus nerve.

Meditation and Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices help calm the mind and body by stimulating vagal activity.

  • How to do it: Practice mindfulness by focusing on your breath or using guided meditation.
  • Why it works: Meditation promotes a relaxed state and enhances vagus nerve function.

Yoga and Tai Chi: Gentle movements and controlled breathing in yoga or tai chi are highly effective.

  • How to do it: Incorporate poses or routines that focus on breathing and relaxation, like child’s pose, cat-cow, or tai chi’s flowing movements.
  • Why it works: These practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system and improve vagal tone.

Image credit: Akshay Gupta https://pixahive.com/photo/salamba-bhujangasana-sphinx-yoga-pose/ (CC0, Free to use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 30, 2025
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Ways To Stimulate Vagus Nerve

Ways To Stimulate Vagus Nerve

Deep Breathing: Deep, slow breathing is one of the easiest ways to stimulate the vagus nerve:

  • How to do it: Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4, hold for 4, and exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 6-8. Repeat for 5-10 minutes.
  • Why it works: It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate and reducing stress.

Cold Exposure: Cold exposure can reset the stress response by stimulating the vagus nerve. 

  • How to do it:
    • Splash icy water on your face.
    • Take a cold shower or alternate between hot and cold water.
    • Use an ice pack on your neck or upper chest.

Cold stimulates vagal activity, which can improve mood and reduce inflammation.

Humming, Chanting, or Singing: The vagus nerve is connected to the vocal cords, so using your voice can stimulate it.

  • How to do it: Sing your favorite songs, chant “Om,” or hum softly for a few minutes.
  • Why it works: Vibrations in the throat activate the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation.

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1260585  CC0 Public Domain

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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What is Vagal Tone And Factors Influencing Vagal Tone

What is Vagal Tone And Factors Influencing Vagal Tone

“Vagal tone” refers to how well the vagus nerve functions.

A high vagal tone supports:

  1. Better heart rate variability (HRV), an indicator of cardiovascular health.
  2. Enhanced emotional stability.
  3. Reduced risk of chronic diseases and mental health disorders.

A low vagal tone can lead to:

  1. Anxiety, depression, and stress.
  2. Poor digestion, inflammation, and weakened immunity.
  3. Cardiovascular and metabolic issues.

Image credit: By Manu5 – http://www.scientificanimations.com/wiki-images/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67073886

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Emotional Well Being, Organ Health And Healing Influenced By Vagus Nerve

Emotional Well Being, Organ Health And Healing Influenced By Vagus Nerve

Enhances emotional wellbeing: Vagal tone (the strength of vagus nerve function) is closely tied to emotional resilience and mental health. Higher vagal tone is associated with lower anxiety, better emotional regulation, and a greater ability to cope with stress.

Facilitates communication between organs: It helps coordinate organ functions to maintain homeostasis (the body’s stable internal environment). For example, it sends signals from the brain to the stomach to begin digestion or from the lungs to slow breathing during rest.

Plays a role in reflexes: It is involved in reflex actions like coughing, swallowing, sneezing, and gagging. Proper vagus nerve function ensures these reflexes work efficiently, protecting the body from harm.

Promote healing and recovery: By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the vagus nerve helps the body repair itself after injury or illness. It reduces oxidative stress and enhances cellular recovery.

Image credit: Photo from University of Minnesota Medical School. https://twin-cities.umn.edu/

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Digestion, Healthy Gut And Anti Inflammatory Action of Vagus Nerve

Digestion, Healthy Gut And Anti Inflammatory Action of Vagus Nerve

Supports digestion: It controls the digestive system by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and promoting gut motility. A healthy vagus nerve ensures proper nutrient absorption and helps prevent issues like bloating, indigestion, and constipation.

Maintains a healthy gut-brain connection: The vagus nerve forms a crucial link in the gut-brain axis, influencing mood, emotions, and mental health. A healthy gut, supported by vagal activity, produces neurotransmitters like serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone).

Reduces inflammation: The vagus nerve has anti-inflammatory effects. It helps regulate the immune system and prevent chronic inflammation, which is linked to conditions like autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and depression.

Image credit: Image by Steve Morissette from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Keep Vagus Nerve Happy And Healthy For Better Mental And Physical Health

Keep Vagus Nerve Happy And Healthy For Better Mental And Physical Health

The vagus nerve is one of the most important nerves in the human body because it serves as a key communicator between the brain and various organs. Vagus nerve is the longest nerve that starts from the brain and ends in colon. Its proper functioning is essential for maintaining physical and emotional health.

 

Importance of Vagus nerve:

 

Connects the brain and body: The vagus nerve is the primary component of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), often called the “rest and digest” system. It connects the brainstem to vital organs, including the heart, lungs, digestive tract, liver, and kidneys, regulating their functions.

 

Helps managing stress: The vagus nerve plays a critical role in counteracting the “fight or flight” response of the sympathetic nervous system. Activating the vagus nerve helps the body relax, lowers stress hormones (like cortisol), and restores balance.

 

Regulates the heart and breathing: It helps slow down the heart rate and regulate blood pressure, ensuring cardiovascular health. The vagus nerve is involved in calming breathing patterns, especially during stress or physical activity.

 

Image credit: Anatomy, Head and Neck: Anterior Vagus Nerve (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ )

References:

 

Digestion, Healthy Gut And Anti Inflammatory Action of Vagus Nerve

 

Digestion, Healthy Gut And Anti Inflammatory Action of Vagus Nerve

 

Emotional Well Being, Organ Health And Healing Influenced By Vagus Nerve

 

Emotional Well Being, Organ Health And Healing Influenced By Vagus Nerve

 

What is Vagal Tone And Factors Influencing Vagal Tone

What is Vagal Tone And Factors Influencing Vagal Tone

 

Ways To Stimulate Vagus Nerve

 

Ways To Stimulate Vagus Nerve

 

Gargling, Meditation And Yoga Activates Vagus Nerve

 

Gargling, Meditation And Yoga Activates Vagus Nerve

 

Laughter, Massage And Guided Imagery Exercises Helps Vagus Nerve

 

Laughter, Massage And Guided Imagery Exercises Helps Vagus Nerve

 

Eating Gut Friendly Food Supports Vagus Nerve

 

Eating Gut Friendly Food Supports Vagus Nerve

 

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Clove home remedies

Ways To Use Clove In Home Remedies

Clove is a powerful spice widely used in Indian home remedies for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Do you know it belongs to the same family as Guava and Eucalyptus! Clove is a fragrant spice commonly used in culinary, medicinal, and therapeutic practices. It comes from the flower buds of the clove tree and is rich in bioactive compounds that contribute to its powerful health effects.

What makes clove unique in-home remedies? Different chemical compounds present in clove exhibit various curing properties.

  1. Eugenol: Primary active compound (~70–85% of clove oil). Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial.
  2. Beta-caryophyllene: Anti-inflammatory and may interact with cannabinoid receptors (known as CB2).
  3. Tannins: Astringent and antimicrobial; contribute to digestive support.
  4. Flavonoids: Like kaempferol, quercetin are present in clove responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  5. Saponins: Immune-boosting and cholesterol-lowering potential.
  6. Triterpenoids: Preliminary studies show that clove is also an anti-cancer agent and helps in boosting liver function.

1. Clove for toothache: The main active compound in clove – Eugenol is a natural anesthetic and antiseptic.

  • You can keep one clove on affected tooth and bite it slow and gently. Or crush a clove and put it in cotton and place it in affected tooth.
  • Alternatively, apply clove oil (diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil) directly to the aching area.

2. Clove for cold and cough: Clove helps in relieving throat irritation, acts as an expectorant, and has antimicrobial properties.

  • Dry roast 2–3 cloves and crush them. Mix with a spoon of honey and take it before bedtime.
  • Or boil cloves in water with a pinch of turmeric and drink when it is warm.

3. Clove for bad breath (halitosis): Clove kills odor-causing bacteria and freshens breath.

  • Chew 1–2 cloves after meals or use clove-infused water as a natural mouthwash.

4. Clove for respiratory relief (asthma, bronchitis): For those who suffer from asthma or bronchitis clove acts as a natural decongestant and has bronchodilator effects.

  • Boil cloves with few Tulsi leaves (holy basil), ginger, and black pepper to make an herbal tea.

5. Clove for indigestion and bloating: Reason is, Clove stimulates digestive enzymes and helps reduce gas.

  • Mix clove powder with a little honey and take it after meals.
  • Or add few cloves while brewing herbal teas like cumin-coriander-fennel tea.

6. Clove for fever: Do you know clove helps reduce inflammation and boosts immunity?

  • Mix clove powder with honey and black pepper. Take it twice daily during mild fever or viral infections.

7. Clove for skin infections and acne: Clove is antibacterial and helps reduce inflammation.

  • Apply a paste of clove powder and honey to pimples.
  • Dilute Clove oil with coconut or other carrier oil (1 drop clove oil and 10 drops of carrier oil) can also be dabbed on acne spots.

Precautions:

  • Always dilute clove oil before using it on skin or gums. And
  • Avoid overuse, especially in children or during pregnancy.
  • Consult a healthcare professional for persistent or serious conditions.

Image credit:

  • Image by abuyotam from Pixabay (Dry cloves: Free to use under Pixabay content license)
  • AmonHeijne, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons (clove flower buds)
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 29, 2025
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Covid Variant J1

Return Of Covid-19? Resurgence of Covid-19 Variant JN.1 Is Reported In Many Countries

According to WHO and CDC and other health reports, there is a resurgence of Covid-19 also known as Coronavirus, mainly in Asian countries. The JN.1 variant informally referred as J1 is a subvariant of the Omicron lineage of the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2).

Apart from Singapore, Thailand, China and Hong Kong – India also reported 257 active Covid-19 cases with Kerala state reported most number of cases. According to reports, so far the patients are exhibiting mild symptoms of Covid.

JN.1 is highly transmissible, which has led to its rapid spread in several countries.

Current spread of JN.1 :

Singapore: Weekly COVID-19 cases surged from 11,000 in late April to over 14,000 in early May. Subvariants LF.7 and NB.1.8, descendants of JN.1, now account for more than two-thirds of sequenced cases.
Thailand: Reported a sharp increase in cases, from 6,000 to over 33,000 within a few days.
Hong Kong: Test positivity rates more than doubled in four weeks, from 6.21% to 13.66% between early and mid-April.
China: The Chinese CDC noted a jump in COVID-19 positivity among patients with flu-like symptoms, rising from 7.5% to 16.2% between March 31 and May 4.
India: As of May 19, 2025, India reported 257 active COVID-19 cases, with the majority detected in Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
United States: As of January 5, 2024, the JN.1 variant accounted for approximately 62% of all circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.

 Factors contributing to the surge:

  • Waning immunity: Many individuals have not received booster vaccinations in over a year, leading to decreased immunity.
  • Increased transmissibility: JN.1 is more transmissible than previous variants, contributing to its rapid spread.
  • Public gatherings: Increased travel and public gatherings have facilitated the spread of the virus.

Key characteristics:

Highly transmissible: Even more than previous Omicron subvariants.
Immune evasion: Shows increased ability to escape immunity from vaccines and past infections, though not completely.
Mild to moderate illness: For most people, especially those vaccinated or previously infected, the symptoms tend to be similar to other Omicron variants (cold-like).

Symptoms: Apart from regular Covid-19 symptoms those who were infected exhibited intense exhaustion. Common symptoms include –
·       Sore throat

·       Runny nose

·       Fatigue

·       Cough

·       Fever

·       Headache

·       In some cases: shortness of breath or gastrointestinal issues

Vaccine effectiveness

  • Vaccines still help: They continue to provide good protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
  • Updated boosters: Fall 2023 and 2024 boosters (monovalent XBB.1.5-based) offer some cross-protection against JN.1, although slightly reduced.

 Public health perspective

WHO classified JN.1 as a variant of interest (VOI) in December 2023. Variant was closely monitored due to its rapid spread and mutation profile. Precautions remain same as Covid pandemic time:

  • Masking in crowded areas
  • Staying home when sick
  • Vaccination and boosters
  • Good ventilation
  • Good hygiene practice

Public health response:

  • Preventive measures: Authorities recommend wearing masks in crowded areas, maintaining hygiene, and getting booster vaccinations.
  • Surveillance: Health agencies are closely monitoring the situation and conducting genomic surveillance to track the spread of JN.1 and its subvariants.
  • References:

1.       https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news

2.       https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/lifestyle/health/

3.       https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/

4.       World Health Organization (WHO)

5.       https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/healthcare/covid-19-resurgence-in-asia-all-about-jn-1-variant-19606478.htm

Image credit: Image by Julián Amé from Pixabay (free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 22, 2025
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