The human body is composed of an incredible amalgamation of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements.
As a society, we often tend to focus more on the external aspects of health and well-being; through nutrition, vitamins and supplements, juicing, fasting and exercising as the ‘most important pillars of health’. However, as a wellness space in the wilderness, we as the Healing House team understand that in order to allow for healing to take place, the core of a person needs to be accessed through the physical touch, movement or breath.

Modalities such as bodywork, breathwork and yoga encompass the whole aspect of a human being; body, mind, spirit- it is no secret. These holistic approaches not only address the physical body, but also have a profound impact on our nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve. In order for one to completely understand this process, it is vital to understand the nervous system and how it plays a part in unlocking deeper healing through influence on the parasympathetic nervous system and in particular, the vagus nerve.
Simply put, our nervous system is composed of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

The Sympathetic Nervous System

This system produces our “fight-or-flight” response to perceived threats. The sympathetic nervous system increases heart and breathing rates, slows down digestion and decreases the function of the immune response. It is healthy to activate our sympathetic nervous system during exercise and short-term stress. But ongoing stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system is not healthy. An excessive sympathetic overload leads to a prolonged state of stress, which often results in a range of physical and emotional symptoms such as digestive issues, poor immune system or getting frequently sick, anxiety or depression, and disrupted sleep.

The Parasympathetic Nervous System

The parasympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the body’s “rest and digest” system. It is responsible for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, regulating basic bodily functions and facilitating restoration and healing within the body. This is the main system that we focus on working as therapists and yoga teachers.

Vagus Nerves

How does the vagus nerves fit into these systems? The vagus nerves are part of the parasympathetic nervous system. Vagus means ‘wandering’ in Latin. The name reflects the long pathway and extensive branching of our vagus nerves. It is the longest cranial nerve, running from the brain, down the neck into the thoracic chest cavity, where it sends branches to the heart and lungs, then passes through the diaphragm to innervate nearly all of the abdominal organs, ending in the large intestine. Your left vagus nerve travels down the left side of your body, while the right vagus nerve travels down the right side of your body.

This nerve holds a central role in the body’s healing mechanisms. From its control of inflammation and immune responses to its influence on organ function and stress reduction, the vagus nerve contributes significantly to the body’s ability to heal itself.

With this in mind, what may seem to be a treat through a treatment in the Healing House, or a fun thing to do at a midday yoga class on the yoga deck, these wellness offerings at Londolozi form a web of vital preventative medicine modalities when looking at the science of what happens to the nervous system as a result.

The vagus nerve and nervous system of each person is actively supported through an array of hands-on treatments, specialized daily yoga classes, as well as guided breathwork and meditation sessions to reset the nervous system and allow for restoration and healing to occur.  Along with this, the ‘Body Activation’ treatment in the Healing House works further with a Himalayan Salt Heat Cabin followed promptly by a cold plunge pool, which further aids in many beneficial responses that regulate and enhance the body’s healing processes. The Body Activation has benefits such as reducing heart rate, promoting healthy digestion and metabolism, increasing blood flow to organs and reducing inflammation within the body.

How Does Body Work Access The Vagus Nerve?

Bodywork encompasses a variety of therapeutic pressure point and massage techniques. These techniques not only releases physical tension but also triggers the relaxation response by stimulating the vagus nerve. Many body work techniques involve touch and pressure on specific areas of the body. This tactile stimulation can activate the vagus nerve, leading to a state of deep relaxation and reducing stress. The physical release experienced through bodywork often goes hand-in-hand with emotional release. This is connected to the vagus nerve’s role in regulating emotional responses. Improved blood circulation through bodywork can help transport nutrients and oxygen to cells, supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

How Does Breathwork Affect The Vagus Nerve?

Conscious control of the breath, a key element of breathwork practices, is a powerful way to influence the vagus nerve. Slow, deep breathing patterns characteristic of breathwork techniques have been shown to increase vagal tone. This means a better-regulated parasympathetic nervous system and a stronger vagus nerve. The breath is a direct bridge to the nervous system. By calming the breath, you send signals to the body to relax and shift into a healing mode. Breathwork can aid in emotional regulation, helping individuals cope with stress, anxiety, and trauma, thanks in part to its effect on the vagus nerve. Why not try out the 4-7-8 breath? 

How Does Yoga Affect The Vagus Nerve?

Yoga is a holistic practice that unites physical postures, breath control, and mindfulness. Its impact on the vagus nerve and the parasympathetic nervous system is well-established. Many yoga postures and stretches stimulate the vagus nerve through gentle compression and stretching of specific areas, such as the neck and throat. Pranayama, the practice of breath awareness or yogic breath control, enhances vagal tone and promotes relaxation. Breath is a central element in yoga, connecting the mind and body of the individual. The mental aspects of yoga, including meditation and mindfulness, further activate the parasympathetic nervous system and support emotional well-being through elevated consciousness and moving with intent.

How Does Cold Plunging Support The Vagus Nerve?

Cold plunging has been seen to activate the vagus nerve. This happens as a result of cold water immersion, where the body responds to the cold water through releasing a stress response. This is followed by the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system by the way of the vagus nerve, working to return the core body temperature to normal. The vagus nerve sends messages to your brain that it is in distress, and in response, norepinephrine is released. This, along with other neurotransmitters or ‘feel-good hormones’ such as such as serotonin, cortisol, and dopamine, which play a crucial role in emotion and stress regulation. Cold showers are also an acute way of vagus nerve stimulation. When the body adjusts to cold, the ‘fight of flight’ system declines and the ‘rest and digest’ system increases, which is activated by the vagus nerve.

It is clear to see and understand the direct correlation of the vagus nerve to the parasympathetic nervous system and the importance of activating this system in a time where the world seems to demand more and more of our bodies and emotions.

At Londolozi, we realise the necessity for homeostasis to occur before healing begins to happen, and the first step to that is working with the nervous system of each person. This is done through body work and massage in the Healing House, guided breathwork and meditation, daily and private yoga classes, as well as the Body Activation offering cold plunges. These modalities all extend far beyond physical fitness, relaxation or cooling down. They serve as pathways to deeper healing by engaging the vagus nerve and the parasympathetic nervous system. By unlocking these systems, these practices promote emotional well-being, reduce stress, and enhance the body’s innate healing mechanisms. Through these holistic approaches, we gain a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and emotional health and tap into a deeper level of healing that goes beyond the external. When you’re next at Londolozi make sure to spend some time with us in the Healing House and on the yoga deck.