Healing trauma from the body.


Keep your mind and body healthy and in balance. 

The vagus nerve is a nerve that starts in the brainstem and travels through the neck, chest, and abdomen. It is the nerve responsible for the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and relaxation. There are many ways to support the vagus nerve which includes:


Deep breathing, particularly diaphragmatic breathing, is one of the most effective ways to support the vagus nerve. This is because deep breathing sends a relaxation response throughout the body, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm. Cold showers or cold exposure therapy. Researchers have found that cold showers or cold exposure can stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to improved mood, increased focus, and reduced inflammation. Movement in the form of Yoga and stretching can help to release tension in the body and promote relaxation. Certain poses, such as downward dog and fish pose, are particularly effective at stimulating the vagus nerve.


Singing, chanting, and humming can help to stimulate the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This is because these activities involve controlled exhaling, which is related to the vagus nerve. Mindful meditation  can help to activate the relaxation response, supporting the vagus nerve and reducing stress. This can be as simple as focusing on your breath, a mantra, or a peaceful image.


Tapping into the vagus nerve and using it every day can have a powerful effect on your wellbeing, promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving mood. By incorporating practices that stimulate and support the vagus nerve into your daily routine, you can improve your overall health and wellbeing.


When the vegas nerve is in trauma response it can manifest itself in a physical response. 

The fight-flight-freeze response (or "flop" response) is a natural physiological response to stress, danger, or threat. However, when this response is activated frequently, it can lead to chronic stress and anxiety. We can regulate the trauma response with further and additional techniques: 


Deep breathing is one of the most effective ways to calm the fight-flight-freeze response. When you breathe deeply, it sends a message to your brain to slow down and relax, reducing stress and anxiety.


Mindful meditation can help to shift your focus away from the stressor and into the present moment. This helps to calm the fight-flight-freeze response and reduce stress.


A body scan involves focusing on different parts of your body, one by one, and intentionally relaxing each part. This helps to release the tension that is built up in your body when the fight-flight-freeze response is activated.


Exercise is a great way to reduce the fight-flight-freeze response. It helps to release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters, and it also helps to burn off the excess energy that can build up when you're stressed.


Nurturing activities, such as taking a warm bath, practicing self-care, or spending time in nature, can help to calm the fight-flight-freeze response and promote relaxation.


Remember, the fight-flight-freeze response is a natural response to stress, but it's important to find ways to calm this response so that it doesn't become chronic. By incorporating practices that promote relaxation and calm into your daily routine, you can learn to manage your stress and anxiety in a healthy way.


Living in a constant state of "flight or fight" can have negative effects on the body's organs and systems, including:


The Cardiovascular system - In response to stress, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this can put a strain on the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of heart disease. The Respiratory system. During the fight or flight response, breathing becomes rapid and shallow. This can lead to hyperventilation or shortness of breath, which can cause dizziness or lightheadedness.


Our Digestive system can suffer terribly and the body's response to stress can cause changes in the digestive system, leading to gastrointestinal problems such as acid reflux, bloating, and constipation. Chronic stress can also lead to inflammation in the digestive tract, which can exacerbate conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).


The Immune system can be compromised by chronic stress, which can lead to increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune disorders, or chronic inflammation. The Nervous system can fall out of sync with its programming. Chronic stress can have lasting effects on the nervous system, leading to changes in brain chemistry and neural connections that can contribute to anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders.


Living in a constant state of "flight or fight" can cause damage to multiple organs and systems in the body, affecting cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, immune, and nervous systems. Taking care of your overall health by managing stress and adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, ample sleep, and nutritious diet can help to mitigate the impact of chronic stress on your body.


Practicing mindfulness as a daily part of routine can help to release the trauma response in a healthy and somatic way and support healing internally, mindfully and externally.


If you feel you would like support, and you feel therapy may be the answer. I offer 15 minute free insight calls, for you to have the chance to discover how therapy might support you. Visit my website for more information. 


www.mindfulmomentstherapies.co.uk


Or email

enquiries@ mindfulmomentstherapies.co.uk


Call today for a new tomorrow. 

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