The vagus nerve is actually a bundle of nerves leading from the gut through the heart and to the brain. They are responsible for relaying messages from the brain to the heart and intestines. It’s the longest cranial nerve and has communication with every organ. Its main function is to power the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system plays a role in regulating our heart rate, sexual arousal, and gastrointestinal activity. The Vagus nerve also works tirelessly to control inflammation.
Another function of the vagus nerve is to trigger the release of acetylcholine which controls muscles, dilates blood vessels, and slows down our heart rate.
It is this very nerve that is stimulated during deep diaphragm breathing to help regulate our breath and heart rate.
