Often as Naturopathic Doctors, we treat the gut to treat the brain. There are a lot of theories behind the brain-gut connection but the highway between the two is the Vagus Nerve. This nerve runs from the brain to the gut and is in charge of the parasympathetic response called “rest and digest”.
When dealing with patients with any kind of digestive disorder, stress, anxiety, depression or insomnia, part of the treatment is to activate the vagus nerve.
How can you do this at home?
Humming, singing and chanting
Gargling (try salt water or colloidal silver for the added anti-microbial benefit)
Deep belly breathing & meditation
Cold showers (finish your showers with 30 seconds of cold)
Laughing and socialization
Naturopathic Treatments:
Food sensitivity testing and a gut healing protocol
Candida, SIBO and dysbiosis testing and correction
Specific nutrients such as B6 and Zinc - IV therapy and booster shots
Acupuncture & auricular acupuncture
My favourite way is auricular acupuncture, which connects directly to the vagus nerve. I will write more about this in an upcoming post.
Happy Holidays
Dr Batting, ND
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