The vagus nerve and depression

The brain is made up of two nuclei that manage emotions: the amygdalae. There is a network of nerve fibers that make a bridge between the frontal cortex and the amygdalae.

Researchers have demonstrated that these connections are crucial in how we manage emotions, keeping in mind that it is the role of the frontal cortex to regulate the stress response handled by the amygdalae. When connections between the frontal cortex and the amygdalae are compromised, it can be more difficult to manage our emotions.

Transcutaneous stimulation of the vagus nerve has demonstrated positive effects on the relationship between the frontal cortex and the amygdalae.

Stimulation of the vagus nerve brings the body into a state of calm. It could be because of this effect that it is easier for the frontal cortex to connect and administer the stress response, which is the amygdales’ job.

When one considers that transcutaneous stimulation is not readily available for all, one could think that improving posture can contribute to decreasing stress that the body manages, which can favor a parasympathetic state.

It could be for this reason that calibrated clients often report that they manage emotions better!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27559632