🌿 FAQ: Massage Therapy and the Vagus Nerve

❓What is the vagus nerve and why is it important?

The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in your body. It runs from the brainstem through the neck and into the heart, lungs, and digestive organs. It plays a major role in your nervous system, digestion, heart rate, and ability to manage stress.A well-regulated vagus nerve helps your body relax, recover, and heal.

❓How does massage therapy affect the vagus nerve?

Massage therapy can stimulate the vagus nerve by:

• Activating the parasympathetic nervous system (your rest and digest mode)

• Releasing tension in the neck, jaw, and diaphragm—where the vagus nerve travels

• Lowering cortisol and systemic inflammation

• Enhancing breath and body awareness, which supports vagal tone

❓What type of massage is best for vagus nerve support?

Gentle, therapeutic modalities work best, such as:

• Craniosacral therapy

• Lymphatic drainage massage

• Myofascial release (neck, chest, diaphragm)

• Slow, rhythmic therapeutic massage

  Each session is customized based on your nervous system’s needs and comfort level.

❓What are the signs of low vagal tone or vagus nerve dysfunction?

Common signs include:

• Chronic anxiety or stress

• Digestive issues (like IBS, bloating, reflux)

• Trouble sleeping or staying asleep

• Fatigue or burnout

• Shallow breathing

• Poor recovery from illness or inflammation

❓Who can benefit from massage for the vagus nerve?

Massage that supports vagal tone is beneficial for people experiencing:

• Chronic stress or trauma

• Anxiety or panic attacks

• Digestive disorders

• Post-surgical or long-COVID recovery

• Autoimmune flare-ups

• PTSD, nervous system dysregulation, or burnout

❓How Do I Know If My Vagus Nerve Is Balanced?

When your vagus nerve is functioning well, your body tends to operate from a state of rest, regulation, and resilience. This is often referred to as "high vagal tone", and it can be felt in both body and mind.

Here are signs your vagus nerve may be balanced:

• Steady, calm heart rate with good variability

• Healthy digestion—regular bowel movements, minimal bloating

• Ability to relax easily after stress or exertion

• Restful sleep and easier time falling asleep

• Clearer thinking and improved emotional regulation

• Feeling connected, calm, and safe in your environment

• A body that shifts easily between activity and relaxation

If you notice these patterns improving over time—especially with regular massage, microcurrent, breathwork, or other vagus-supportive therapies—you’re likely increasing your vagal tone and overall resilience.

❓How many sessions do I need to see results?

While some clients notice a shift after one session, vagus nerve support is often most effective with regular sessions. Your therapist will work with you to create a care plan that fits your needs—whether that’s weekly, biweekly, or monthly.

❓Can massage therapy for vagus nerve support be combined with other treatments?

Yes! It works beautifully alongside:

• Mental health care (therapy, EMDR)

• Chiropractic or osteopathic care

• Functional medicine

• Breathwork and yoga

• Manual lymphatic drainage and microcurrent therapy

📍Massage Therapy and the Vagus Nerve are a good match for Healing. Interested in supporting your vagus nerve naturally?

Schedule a nervous system-focused massage session at Longwell Massage Therapy today and feel the shift from stress to calm—gently and naturally.

🔗 www.longwellmassagetherapy.com