Use tuning forks (or just your hands) to increase vagal tone

The vagus nerve connects the brain to the heart, lungs, diaphragm, and digestive system. Its functions are complex, but it’s probably most well known for its role in regulating the parasympathetic nervous system. If the vagus nerve is functioning well, it helps maintain lower blood pressure and heart rate, stimulates good digestion, and helps us stay resilient in stressful situations.

Chronic illness, pain, and particularly Lyme disease can tax the vagus nerve, decreasing its “tone”, or ability to functionally manage stress. For those of us healing chronic conditions, gently stimulating the vagus nerve can help increase tone and bring it back on board. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing deeply, or problems with digestion, here are some simple tools you can use to help your vagus nerve regain its function.

Where is the vagus nerve?

The vagus nerve exits the brain and runs down the sides of the neck. From there it descends to the heart and lungs, the diaphragm, and the digestive system.

There are pressure points that stimulate vagal tone inside the ears, and right behind the jawbone under the earlobes. Acupuncturists often use the points inside the ears, but for home remedy purposes, I think the points behind the jaw are the most effective and easiest to access.

Tapping to stimulate vagal tone

One of the easiest ways to tone your vagus nerve at home is to use tapping. Very gently (it’s a sensitive area) and rhythmically, tap the soft spot right behind your jaw and below your earlobe with the tips of your fingers. You can experiment with tapping both sides at once, or just one side at a time.

As you tap, let your diaphragm relax; taking long, deep breaths and exhaling slowly. Both the tapping and the breathing will help get your parasympathetic nervous system up and running, decreasing anxiety and stress.

Using tuning forks for the vagus nerve

If you have tuning forks, they can be wonderful for stimulating vagal tone. I like the Acutonics tuning forks. I use their low Ohm fork for the points behind the jaw, as its low vibration is super calming.

It feels better to me to have someone else place the tuning fork on my body, so I can concentrate on receiving the vibration without the distraction of feeling it in my hands as well – but you can use tuning forks on yourself if need be. Just strike the fork to get it humming, and gently place it on or just above (if you’re sensitive) that same soft spot behind the jaw and below the earlobe. Hold the vibrating fork in place until the vibration diminishes.

You probably can’t do any harm stimulating this point for vagal tone, but I usually stop after two or three vibrations on each side. Not only is this point extremely calming, but it can also help with tension around the jaw and neck. As you stimulate the point, remember to relax into deep, diaphragmatic breathing.

A chakra point for healthy vagal tone

If you’d like another point for stimulating vagus nerve function, whether tapping or using a tuning fork, the third chakra is a great choice. It sits right at your solar plexus – in the center of your upper belly right below your lower ribs.

Stimulating the third chakra is particularly good for digestion. You may even hear your stomach making some noise as you relax into tapping or using a tuning fork here – I always take this as a good sign. Follow your body’s guidance as you explore this point with your hands or forks. Breathe deeply, relax, and let your body guide you.

Final thoughts

Really, anyone on Earth right now could probably use some gentle tools to relieve anxiety, soothe digestion, and lower our stress response. Toning the vagus nerve with tuning forks or tapping is easy, non-invasive, and completely free.

It may take a little practice to feel your body respond, especially if you’re healing chronic illness or Lyme disease. If you need help, try listening to a guided meditation such as the Anxiety Relief meditation on my site as you play with tapping or tuning forks. Working with a qualified tuning fork practitioner can also be a real help.

Thank you so much for being here. Rivers flow through you,

Shona