The Hydro CIRCUIT experience

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The Vagus nerve is actually a bundle of nerves leading from the gut through the heart and to the brain. It’s the longest cranial nerve and has communication with every organ. It’s 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. It alerts the brain to release neurotransmitters when inflammatory proteins called cytokines are present. These neurotransmitters help the body repair then reduce 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. 

Cold Plunges and the Vagus Nerve

Cold plunges are tough at first, but they can greatly improve the function of our Vagus nerve. How? Because the initial shock of the cold water will make you take a short sharp breath in, and you will have an initial reaction to want to get out of there or to tense your muscles. As you deliberately take a long slow exhale, and relax your muscles, you start to adjust to the cold. When this happens, the sympathetic nervous system slows down, and the parasympathetic system takes over, directly affecting the Vagus nerve.  It’s important to keep your breath steady when being exposed to the cold water to keep the parasympathetic system working. This is difficult to do however with practice what you will notice is that other neurochemicals will also be released such as endorphins that will have a lasting positive impact. You don’t have to plunge for very long. Thirty seconds to 1 minute is ample enough time.