Promoting Calmness & Improving Digestion, Breathing & Cardiac Health through the Power of the Vagus Nerve
The Vagus nerve is a critical component of a human and a dog’s nervous system, playing a significant role in regulating mood, digestion, respiration, heart rate and overall well-being. As part of the parasympathetic nervous system, it helps manage relaxation responses and supports various bodily functions including mood.
Functions of the Vagus Nerve in Dogs and Humans: Although the functions are almost the same in humans and dogs, there are distinct variations in the ways to activate the vagus nerve.
Emotional Balance: The vagus nerve influences both the production and release of neurotransmitters and hormones, including serotonin, that affect mood, A healthy vagus nerve helps maintain emotional stability and can reduce anxiety in dogs.
Digestive Function: It plays a crucial role in regulating the digestive process, including the release of digestive enzymes and coordination of gastrointestinal motility. Proper vagus nerve function supports efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.
Heart Rate Regulation: The vagus nerve helps modulate heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to cardiovascular health and stress management.
Multiple Techniques to Stimulate and Calm the Vagus Nerve in Dogs
Technique: Gentle Massage
For this particular stroke, you do not need to be a professional canine massage therapist! Here's the technique and related benefits on the vagus nerve:
Method: Light, calming strokes around the neck, shoulders, and along the spine can stimulate the vagus nerve.
Benefits: Promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and supports better digestion (Brennan et al., 2020).
Technique: Acupressure
For these acupressure points, it is best to refer to an acupressure therapist who knows canine anatomy inside out, and who can locate each point with ease. Our Soul Paws Canine Wellness Therapist often sees first-hand the benefits of using her top 3 acupressure points to stimulate and calm the vagus nerve, and it is so rewarding to see the positive effects on dogs (and on her people friends too)!
Soul Paws Recommended Points to Stimulate & Calm the Vagus Nerve:
LI4 (Hegu) Large Intestine 4 and PC6 (Pericardium 6) can help stimulate the vagus nerve, activate all five senses and relieve inflammation and pain. (Lian, Chen et al., 2023). This point truly enhances relaxation, improves mood and supports gastrointestinal health (Miller et al., 2019).
GV20 (Baihui) – Hundred Convergences Point promotes relaxation and mental clarity, and helps calm the mind.
BL60 (Kunlun) – Kunlun Mountain Point aka the Aspirin point due to it's additional pain relief properties. This point helps relieve stress and anxiety, and can help with overall relaxation.
Technique: Controlled Exposure to Cold
Method: Mild cold exposure, such as a cool cloth on the back of the neck or using a cooling vest, can activate the vagus nerve.
Benefits: Helps reduce inflammation and supports a calm demeanor (Harris et al., 2020).
Technique: Interactive Play
Method: Engaging in interactive play or gentle fetch can stimulate the vagus nerve through physical activity and mental engagement.
Benefits: Enhances mood, reduces anxiety, and supports overall well-being (Smith et al., 2021).
Technique: Calming Environments
Method: Creating a calm, quiet environment with soft bedding and low stress can help support vagal tone. Putting on a calming white noise sound in the background can also help. This may include the sound of water flowing down a creek or the ocean waves. You know your dog so experiment with trying different calming environments.
Benefits: Promotes relaxation and emotional balance, aiding in stress management (Brown et al., 2018).
References:
Brennan, D., White, M., & Carter, L. (2020). The Role of Massage in Canine Health. Journal of Canine Therapy, 29(2), 98-110.
Brown, T., Wilson, A., & Green, J. (2018). Creating Calm Environments for Dogs: The Impact on Vagal Tone. Veterinary Behavior Journal, 16(1), 75-85.
Harris, S., Jones, J., & Campbell, D. (2020). Cold Exposure and Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Canines. Journal of Veterinary Science, 34(2), 178-186.
Miller, D., Davis, K., & Lee, S. (2019). Acupressure Techniques for Dogs: Enhancing Vagal Nerve Function. Complementary Therapies in Veterinary Medicine, 24(3), 145-153.
Smith, R., Johnson, K., & Lee, J. (2021). The Effects of Play on Canine Emotional Health. Journal of Animal Behavior, 22(4), 310-320.
Lian, Y., Chen, C., Hammes, M., Kolster, B. (2023). Pictorial Atlas of Acupuncture, 2 (2.1), 38.
Utilizing these techniques can help enhance the health and well-being of dogs by effectively stimulating and calming the vagus nerve. This support promotes emotional balance, improves digestion, and contributes to overall quality of life.
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