The Vagus Nerve, Cultivating Whole Body Radiance & Yoni Eggs!
True confession…I am a closet science nerd. I’ve always had a curious spirit to understand the ‘why’ in the world. This curiosity led me to go deeper layer by layer in my own journey and studies of the physical, mental, emotional and energetic levels of the body.
My background is in nutrition, which led me to study esthetics, then yoga & movement, which led me into breathwork & somatic therapy, which led me down the path of studying sexuality and intimacy.
Every level is so interwoven, it’s just a matter of where we enter onto the journey.
What is the Vagus Nerve?
Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve is the 10th of 12 cranial nerves, which sprawl out from the brain and into the body like an intricate network of roots. The vagus nerve is the longest and most complex of all the cranial nerves. Each of the nerve networks work as lines of communication between the brain and the body’s systems and organs.
The vagus nerve is the ::Queen:: of the Parasympathetic System, which assists in controlling the body’s relaxation responses, controls digestion, heart rate, respiration, sexual response and immune regulation.
The Sympathetic Nervous System works as our flight and flight response, while the Parasympathetic System is our rest and digest response. It’s our healing system.
Branches of the vagus nerve are connected to the heart, the lungs, the immune system, the digestive system and the pelvic floor.
When our nervous system is stressed, we can experience many different aspects of dysregulation ranging from depression, anxiety, brain fog, lack of concentration, chronic pain, gut issues, headaches, hormonal distress including PMS,infertility, autoimmune disorders, etc.
Research shows that when someone is depressed, they have low vagal activity which leads to less-active facial expressions. When there is low vagal activity in the digestive system, it can interfere with proper digestion. The vagal response through activation or deactivation is connected to a slew of hormones such as cortisol regulation (hence the rest and relaxation response). It is also connected to the amount of inflammation that the immune system produces. An estimated 75 percent * of all parasympathetic nerve fibers in the body come from the vagus nerve running through organs including the stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, kidneys, bladder, anal sphincter, vagina and penis. *Sourced through ncbi.
It is believed that the vagal nerve stimulation may activate the release of oxytocin, noradrenalin and serotonin…Aka, the feel good neurotransmitters that we crave and thrive on!
Simple Ways to Activate the Vagus Nerve:
-Deep breathing
-Dancing, Yoga and other forms of Movement
-Massage
-Laughter
-Singing and Chanting
-Cold Showers
So how is the vagus nerve connected to yoni eggs?!
The vagus nerve, which leads from the lowest part of the brainstem, the medulla, loops all the way down into the pelvic floor, the cervix and the vagina.
When a woman inserts a yoni egg into the vagina, the vaginal walls are activated as she contracts and releases/relaxes all the muscles in the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is essentially awakened, exercised and massaged through the squeezing and releasing practices with the yoni egg.
The stimulation of muscles and connection of breathing activates the vagus nerve. The neural biofeedback loop responds through the body by releasing more of the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters, an increase in blood flow/oxygen which can ease pain, increase pleasure, healing and a deep sense of relaxation in the body.
Many different schools of thought believe that the life force energy stored in the pelvic floor is essential for maintaining energy levels, vitality longevity and radiance in the body.
How I guide women to working with a yoni egg practice:
I work with women 1:1 and in groups, both live and virtually through ‘Yoni Egg Yoga’ practices. This is an integrative approach connecting breath practices, movement and visualizations.
Research has shown that using yoni eggs can support pelvic floor health, urinary health, digestive health, sexual health and overall well-being in the body.
Some of the many benefits that can be accessed through a yoni egg practice:
-Gain control of the perineum and all groups of pelvic floor muscles
-Improve bladder control and bladder health
-Reduce PMS, menstrual cramps, breast discomfort; as through regular practice it can increase blood flow to pelvic organs and help move stagnant energy.
-Support Orgasmic Health: including vaginal, cervical and uterine orgasms
-Regular practice stimulates the bartholin gland inside the vagina that is responsible for producing lubrication. One of the first effects women experience is feeling juicier, which can ease vaginal dryness during intercourse
-Stimulate reflexology points of all the major organs in the body
-Can help to release stored emotional and energetic imprints, as the vaginal tissue holds onto these psychological blockages
-Overcome traumatic experiences, as it can promote and encourage a sense of trust back in the body
-Cultivate and enhance a deeper and more loving relationship with one’s body
-Awaken creative energy, passion, libido and sexuality
There are just a few contraindications of working with a yoni egg including:
-Pregnancy (can induce uterine contractions)
-IUD (can stimulate the cervix and dislodge the device, which can lead to tearing of the tissue)
-Yeast Infection or pH imbalance
-During menstruation (it is extremely beneficial pre/post bleeding)