You\u2019ve probably heard that it is the longest nerve in the body, named vagus\u2014not because it\u2019s lazy, but because it wanders through the body like a vagabond.<\/p>\n\n
It is part of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the body\u2019s involuntary functions. It\u2019s easy to understand: this ANS is divided into two parts\u2014one is the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which prepares you for action, and the other is the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which acts as the off switch, and the vagus nerve is part of this.<\/p>\n\n
It is the \u201cgreat highway\u201d<\/em> that connects the brainstem with almost all essential organs, helping the body switch to rest mode\u2014relaxation, recovery, regulation of heart rate, and breathing.<\/p>\n\n Since about 80% of its fibers are sensory, we can say the vagus nerve acts like a psychologist: the organs \u201ctell\u201d it how they are, and it reports that to the brain, with \u201cthe impact this has on our mind, our thoughts, and perhaps even our feelings\u201d<\/em> (Dr. Kevin Tracey).<\/p>\n\n To understand this, we first have to consider the type of dysregulation or dysfunction that could affect the vagus nerve\u2014whether it comes from hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, or from a hyperresponse of the vagus itself.<\/p>\n\n When the response is due to vagal hyperactivation, we will have several approaches to consider:<\/p>\n\n Inflammatory processes<\/span>: since the intestinal microbiome communicates with the brain through the vagus nerve, this brain\u2013gut pathway is key. As neuroscientist John Cryan says: \u201cWhat happens in the vagus doesn\u2019t just stay in the vagus.\u201d<\/em> Irritative or compressive processes<\/span>: adhesions or tissue compressions along the path of the vagus nerve. Processes of insufficient maturation of the central nervous system<\/span>: where the Hering\u2013Breuer reflex and its modulation must work in perfect interrelation with the phrenic nerve. Since in newborns the inspiratory maneuvers that promote air entry in conventional pediatric respiratory physiotherapy can only be performed through instrumental physiotherapy, it is valuable for professionals to have additional tools\u2014especially as demand in this highly vulnerable age group is growing in the pursuit of excellent quality care.<\/p>\n\n Understand whether the vagus nerve dysfunction is due to an increase or a deficit of activity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Understand the interrelation of the respiratory system with other systems\u2014and therefore with other types of professionals.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Have manual therapy tools to regulate the action of the vagus nerve\u2014releasing it and increasing its mobility to restore its function, and therefore respiratory function.<\/strong><\/p>\nHow does vagus nerve dysregulation affect the respiratory system?<\/h2>\n\n
3 Keys to Successful Respiratory Treatment<\/h2>\n\n