The vagus nerve

A key regulator of the nervous system, stress and overall health

The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve (also known as cranial nerve X) and plays a fundamental role in the nervous system.
It is the longest nerve in the human body and a central component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions and promotes relaxation, recovery and healing.

The vagus nerve originates in the brainstem and travels through the neck to the chest and abdomen, connecting and influencing multiple organs along its pathway.

Main Functions of the Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve has four primary functions:

• Regulation of internal organs – it controls heart rate, breathing and digestion, influencing the heart, lungs, liver and intestines.
• Brain–body communication – it transmits signals from the brain to the body and from the body back to the brain.
• Emotional regulation – it is closely connected to the limbic system, which governs emotions and memory.
• Inflammatory response modulation – it communicates with the immune system and helps regulate inflammation.

When the vagus nerve becomes inflamed or dysfunctional, a wide range of symptoms may appear due to its extensive influence on multiple systems.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Abdominal bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
• Delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis)

Cardiovascular Symptoms

• Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmia or tachycardia)
• Chest tightness or discomfort
• Low blood pressure, potentially causing dizziness or fainting

Respiratory Symptoms

• Shortness of breath or irregular breathing
• Sensation of tightness in the throat

Neurological Symptoms

• Headaches or migraines
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Voice changes, such as hoarseness or loss of voice

The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in emotional regulation, particularly in anxiety.

It acts as a biological bridge between the brain and the body, influencing organs such as the heart, lungs and intestines.

The vagus nerve is essential in balancing:

• the sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”)
• the parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation and recovery)

During stressful or anxiety-provoking situations, the sympathetic system dominates: heart rate increases, breathing becomes shallow and rapid, and the body prepares for action.

The vagus nerve works to restore calm, slowing the heart rate, deepening breathing and promoting physiological recovery.

When the vagus nerve is impaired or chronically inhibited by stress, this return-to-calm mechanism may fail, contributing to persistent anxiety.

Common anxiety symptoms—such as palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath and the sensation of a lump in the throat—are often linked to vagal dysfunction.

The vagus nerve is deeply connected to the gut, often referred to as “the second brain.”

Intestinal symptoms frequently seen in anxiety—such as cramping or bloating—may be associated with reduced vagal activity.

When vagal function is compromised, several digestive disorders may emerge, including:

• Gastroparesis, causing bloating, nausea and impaired digestion
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), linked to altered gut–brain communication
• Chronic inflammation

The vagus nerve–gut connection goes far beyond digestion: it directly affects physical, emotional and neurological health.

Improving vagal function is therefore essential for restoring gut health and overall well-being.

Because the vagus nerve is a core component of the parasympathetic nervous system, its proper function is essential for health and recovery.

Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive approach to stimulate the vagus nerve and relieve symptoms associated with vagal dysfunction.

Through specific spinal and neurological techniques, chiropractors aim to:

• remove neural interference
• improve spinal alignment
• optimize brain–body communication

In relation to the vagus nerve, chiropractic care may:

• directly stimulate vagal activity, improving communication with internal organs
• reduce systemic inflammation through natural regulatory mechanisms
• activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and recovery

At Milano Chiropratica – Studio Mazzini, we focus on identifying the root causes of vagus nerve dysfunction.
We use highly specific and gentle techniques, developed through years of clinical experience and scientific research, adapting them to each individual case.

Our approach goes beyond biomechanics, embracing a 360-degree therapeutic model based on functional neurology.

Book your visit at Milano Chiropratica – Studio Mazzini.
We will help you restore energy, clarity and nervous system balance through our integrated, drug-free approach.