The Vagus Nerve and Acupuncture

The vagus nerve is a central part of the parasympathetic nervous system —your rest and digest mechanisms. It plays a key role in regulating essential bodily functions such as mood, immune activity, digestion, and heart rate. It is a vital communication pathway between the brain and the gastrointestinal system, transmitting signals from internal organs to the brain through its afferent fibers. (Breit et. al 2018) One of my favorite things that acupuncture does among its many functions is, calm the nervous system down.

Acupuncture point zusanli is one of the most commonly used points. I love using this on those who are struggling with digestion or low immunity. An animal study by Lim et. al found that acupuncture stimulation at the point zusanli activates the vagus nerve and contributes to anti-inflammatory effects in the spleen during acute inflammation. Stimulating the vagus nerve can modulate immune responses via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex, potentially involving T cells and macrophages, which protect your body from external pathogens. Acupuncture also affects neuroinflammatory responses that regulate functions of neurons, microglial and astrocytes as well as synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. These are significant processes in the brain, spinal cord, retina and peripheral nervous system. This study implies that there is a wide range of functions from using the point zusanli for many inflammatory conditions. (2016)

I also often use auricular acupuncture to help people reduce feelings of anxiety or stress because of it has swift and lasting effects. Boehmer et. al’s 2020 study showed that auricular acupuncture led to an increase in heart rate variability (HRV), which indicates stronger parasympathetic activity. This also shows the ability to recover from stress and physical strain more easily.

You might also be interested in reading: How Does Auricular Acupuncture Work?, What Are The Sensations I’m Feeling During Acupuncture?,

Sources

Boehmer, A. A., Georgopoulos, S., Nagel, J., Rostock, T., Bauer, A., & Ehrlich, J. R. (2020). Acupuncture at the auricular branch of the vagus nerve enhances heart rate variability in humans: An exploratory study. Heart Rhythm O2, 1(3), 215–221.

Breit, S., Kupferberg, A., Rogler, G., & Hasler, G. (2018). Vagus nerve as modulator of the brain–gut axis in psychiatric and inflammatory disorders. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 44

Lim, H.-D., Kim, M.-H., Lee, C.-Y., & Namgung, U. (2016). Anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture stimulation via the vagus nerve. PLOS ONE, 11(3), e0151882