Vagal Tone & the Medicine of Sound Healing
The vagus nerve is one of the body's most extraordinary pathways ~ a long, shimmering thread of intelligence that travels from the brainstem down through the throat, heart, lungs and deep into our belly. Often called the "wandering nerve," (i.e. where the name comes from!) and it is the foundation of our parasympathetic nervous system … the “rest, digest and connect” system.
When our vagus nerve functions well, it is actively regulating our breath, digestion, heart rate and entire stress response. This balance is also known as vagal tone and it is linked with our emotional resilience, deeper resting states and in general, a steadier inner world. The constant alerts of modern life, endless to-dos, emotional pressures and the unspoken demand to always be "on" strain the vagus nerve. Low vagal tone shows up as anxiety, digestive discomfort, fatigue, irritability, disrupted sleep or that haunting sense of living just slightly outside of our own body/dissociation.
It is my deepest prayer that each session becomes a small sanctuary where your nervous system can reorganize itself toward balance, ease and a remembrance of your innate radiance.
Sound is one of the most potent medicines in my life. I discovered it while living in Los Angeles in my early 20’s and if you’ve never been … it’s a city that keeps one’s nervous system constantly stimulated (just google “Hollywood Boulevard” and you’ll see what I mean!") The vibrations of crystal bowls gently stimulate our vagus nerve through hearing yes, but more so through feeling.
In a sound bath, vibrations move through our chest, throat and the bones of our face, traveling through these areas that are rich in vagal pathways and deeply sensitive to sound. As the tones move through us, we feel this in action as our muscles might release, our breath might slow and we generally relax out of any grip we are tensing. This is our parasympathetic nervous system being activated ~ the vagus nerve responding to rhythm, tone and the subtelety of vibrational intelligence. In my sound therapy sessions, crystal bowls and gongs (and many other instruments!) offer a non-invasive, deeply accessible way to support our vagus nerve and restore harmony to the body's emotional + physical rhythms.
I'd love to support you on this journey. If you feel called, join me for a sound experience, retreat, or training.
