The abdomen is home to many immune cells, which specific patterns of intense stimulation can stimulate, which can help to counter infection and reduce inflammation.
Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is an effective treatment for various conditions, including epilepsy, depression, and anxiety. More recently, VNS has been studied as a potential treatment for cancer.
One study found that deep abdominal massage combined with deep breathing (a vagal nerve stimulator) could decrease the size of lung tumours in rats and reduce the incidence of pneumonia. The authors suggest that this may be due to the ability of VNS to stimulate the immune system.
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve and is responsible for several vital functions, including heart rate, digestion, and immunity. Stimulation of the vagus nerve has been shown to increase the activity of Natural Killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell that helps fight off infection and disease.
Vagal nerve stimulation is a promising new treatment for cancer, and more research is needed to confirm its efficacy. However, the preliminary data is promising and suggests that VNS may be an effective cancer treatment.
This coming weekend we are looking at ways we can reduce pain and inflammation using yoga, meditation, abdominal massage, breath, yodelling and more…
Join us!
Ways to stimulate the vagus nerve:
- Yoga and Meditation via abdominal breathing (Bhastrika and Breath of Fire)
- Gargle or Yodel to this Sound of Music Song (The Lonely Goatherd)
- AND Sing loudly!
References
If you would like to contact Celia to learn more about the meditation teacher training journey, please do visit our Meditation Teacher Training Page or find us on Facebook or Instagram or contact Celia directly.