Vagus Nerve Massage For Stress And Anxiety Relief

Sukie Baxter - Whole Body Revolution

7 Mar 202115:29

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this video, Sukie Baxter from Whole Body Revolution introduces a simple vagus nerve massage technique to alleviate stress and anxiety. She guides viewers through gentle ear massages targeting specific points and stretches to stimulate the vagus nerve, which is linked to the body's parasympathetic response. Baxter emphasizes the importance of checking with a healthcare provider before trying new exercises and suggests that these practices can help with TMJ issues, tension headaches, and promote overall relaxation. The video encourages viewers to engage with their body's sensory feedback and provides a calming routine for immediate stress relief.

Takeaways

🧘‍♀️ Massage is a beneficial method for stimulating the vagus nerve and reducing stress and anxiety.
👂 The vagus nerve has auricular branches that connect to the ears, which can be massaged for relaxation effects.
💆‍♀️ Before beginning any new exercise, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it's suitable.
🔍 An initial assessment of ear tension can be done by gently pulling the ear away from the skull and comparing sides.
👂 The first area to massage for vagus nerve stimulation is the hollow above the ridge just above the ear canal.
💆‍♀️ Gentle circling motions should be used when massaging the ear, with minimal pressure to avoid discomfort.
🌀 Physiological responses such as changes in breathing or a sense of calm may be experienced during ear massage.
👂 The second area to massage is towards the back of the ear canal, again using gentle circular motions.
🤲 Additional massage techniques include gently stretching the ear in different directions to relieve tension.
👂 The final area to massage is just behind the ear, stretching the skin upwards and downwards to enhance relaxation.
📝 The script suggests that after performing these techniques, one should check for any changes in ear mobility and overall tension relief.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the vagus nerve massage technique presented in the video?
-The primary purpose of the vagus nerve massage technique is to stimulate the vagus nerve for stress and anxiety relief, helping to calm the nervous system quickly.
Who is Sukie Baxter and what does she specialize in?
-Sukie Baxter is the Founder of Whole Body Revolution, specializing in helping individuals rewire themselves for greater health, happiness, and success.
What should one do before starting any new exercises as suggested in the video?
-Before starting any new exercises, including the vagus nerve massage technique, one should check with their doctor or healthcare provider to ensure the exercises are appropriate for their health condition.
Which branches of the vagus nerve are the focus of the technique shown in the video?
-The focus of the technique is on the auricular branches of the vagus nerve, which are the branches that go to the ear.
How can one assess the tension in their ears before starting the vagus nerve massage?
-To assess tension in the ears, one can gently reach up and pull their ear away from the skull to feel how soft or firm the ear feels, and compare the tension or tightness between the two ears.
What is the first location on the ear where the vagus nerve can be accessed for massage?
-The first location on the ear where the vagus nerve can be accessed is in the little hollow above the ridge that is just above the ear canal.
What kind of motion should be used when massaging the identified area above the ear canal?
-When massaging the area above the ear canal, one should use gentle circles or back and forth motions, focusing on moving the skin rather than applying deep pressure.
What physiological changes might one experience during the vagus nerve massage?
-During the vagus nerve massage, one might experience changes in breathing, such as a sigh or a swallow, or a general sense of calm.
What is the second location on the ear where the vagus nerve can be accessed for massage?
-The second location on the ear where the vagus nerve can be accessed is at the back of the ear canal, towards the back of the head.
What additional massage can be done to indirectly help the nervous system calm, as suggested in the video?
-Additional massage that can be done includes gently stretching the ear away from the skull in different directions and massaging the skin just behind the ear, which sends sensory information to the nervous system to help it calm.
How might one benefit from the ear stretching exercises presented in the video?
-One might benefit from the ear stretching exercises by alleviating tension in the TMJ area, reducing tension headaches, and promoting a calming response in the nervous system.
What final massage technique is suggested for behind the ear, and what is its purpose?
-The final massage technique suggested is to take the skin just behind the ear and gently slide it up towards the top of the head and down towards the neck or chin, with the purpose of sending sensory information to the brain to promote relaxation of connected muscles.
What potential effects might one notice after performing the vagus nerve massage as described in the video?
-Potential effects after performing the vagus nerve massage may include a feeling of looseness in the ears, release of tension in the jaw and neck, softer eyes with less strain, and easier breathing through the sinuses, as the vagus nerve is connected to many functions in the throat, chest, and lower abdomen.

Outlines

00:00

😌 Introduction to Vagus Nerve Massage for Stress Relief

In the first paragraph, Sukie Baxter introduces a simple technique for massaging the vagus nerve, specifically targeting the auricular branches near the ear, to alleviate stress and anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before trying new exercises and suggests checking for ear tension before beginning the massage. The technique involves gently pulling the ear away from the skull to assess its flexibility and comparing the tension on both sides.

05:02

👂 Detailed Steps for Ear Massage to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve

The second paragraph provides detailed instructions for massaging specific areas of the ear to stimulate the vagus nerve. Sukie demonstrates how to locate and gently massage the hollow above the ear canal ridge and the area towards the back of the ear canal. She advises using gentle pressure and circular motions, noting that physiological changes such as changes in breathing or a sense of calm may occur. She also suggests spending time on each side as needed and checking for any differences in response between the two ears.

10:02

🤲 Additional Techniques for Vagus Nerve Stimulation

In the third paragraph, Sukie presents additional methods to stimulate the vagus nerve indirectly through the neck and surrounding tissues. She describes gentle ear stretching techniques that can help with TMJ issues or tension headaches and suggests working around the ear with these stretches. The focus remains on sending sensory information to the nervous system for a calming effect, with a reminder to be gentle and avoid discomfort or pain.

15:03

💆‍♀️ Final Massage Steps and Checking for Changes

The final paragraph concludes with the last area to massage, which is the skin behind the ear, stretching it upwards towards the top of the head and downwards towards the neck or chin. Sukie explains that this helps send sensory information to the brain, encouraging relaxation of connected muscles. She advises checking the ears for any changes in movement or tension and notes potential effects on the jaw, neck, eyes, and sinuses due to the vagus nerve's connection to various bodily functions. The paragraph ends with an invitation for viewers to share their experiences and to subscribe for more content.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Massage

Massage refers to the technique of manipulating muscles and other soft tissues of the body to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve well-being. In the context of the video, massage is specifically used to stimulate the vagus nerve for stress and anxiety relief. The script describes a simple technique to massage the ear, which is believed to calm the nervous system quickly.

💡Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve is the primary parasympathetic nerve in the body, which plays a critical role in the autonomic nervous system. It is responsible for various bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. The video focuses on the auricular branches of the vagus nerve in the ear, which are targeted for massage to achieve relaxation.

💡Stress and Anxiety Relief

Stress and anxiety relief refers to the process of reducing mental and emotional strain and promoting a sense of calm. The video script emphasizes the use of vagus nerve massage as a method to quickly alleviate stress and anxiety, suggesting that this technique can help viewers manage their nervous system and achieve a sense of tranquility.

💡Whole Body Revolution

Whole Body Revolution is the name of the program founded by Sukie Baxter, the speaker in the video. It is designed to help individuals rewire themselves for greater health, happiness, and success. The video script introduces this concept as the overarching philosophy behind the techniques taught, including the vagus nerve massage.

💡Auricular Branches

Auricular branches refer to the specific parts of the vagus nerve that extend to the ear. In the script, the focus is on these branches because they are accessible for massage and can be stimulated to potentially influence the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation.

💡Ear Tension

Ear tension is mentioned in the script as a possible sign of stress or strain that can be felt in the ears. The video instructs viewers to check for tension or stiffness in their ears before and after the massage technique, suggesting that ear tension may be relieved through the described vagus nerve massage.

💡Physiological Changes

Physiological changes refer to the bodily responses that occur as a result of certain stimuli or actions. In the context of the video, these changes may include alterations in breathing, such as sighing or swallowing, or a general sense of calm that one might experience during the vagus nerve massage.

💡TMJ Issues

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, issues refer to problems affecting the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. The script suggests that the ear massage techniques described can be beneficial for individuals with TMJ problems, as they can help alleviate tension in the facial muscles.

💡Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are a common type of headache characterized by a dull pain often felt on both sides of the head. The video script implies that the ear massage technique can help reduce tension headaches by easing the tension in the muscles around the ears and head.

💡Sensory Information

Sensory information in this context refers to the signals sent to the brain through the nervous system in response to physical sensations, such as touch or pressure. The video emphasizes that the gentle massage techniques provide sensory information to the nervous system, which can lead to a calming effect.

💡Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system is a part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration. The video script explains that the vagus nerve massage technique can calm this system, which in turn can provide stress and anxiety relief.

Highlights

Massage can stimulate the vagus nerve for stress and anxiety relief.

Introduction to Sukie Baxter, Founder of Whole Body Revolution.

Subscribers can find links to resources in the description box.

The vagus nerve is the main parasympathetic nerve of the body.

Focus on auricular branches of the vagus nerve for ear massage.

Consult a healthcare provider before trying new exercises.

Assess ear tension before starting the massage technique.

Technique involves gently pulling the ear away from the skull.

Identify the hollow above the ear canal for vagus nerve massage.

Gentle circular movements are used to massage the ear.

Physiological changes such as changes in breathing may occur.

Comparison of ear tension before and after the massage.

The back of the ear canal is another area to massage for vagus nerve stimulation.

Additional massage techniques can indirectly help the nervous system.

Gentle stretching around the ear can send calming sensory information.

Massage behind the ear can also contribute to relaxation.

The vagus nerve is connected to many functions in the throat and body.

Potential effects of vagus nerve massage are unique to each individual.

Encouragement to leave comments and subscribe for more videos.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

Vagus Nerve Activation | 10 Minute Daily Routines

Vagus Nerve Stimulation – 3 Tricks to Stop Anxiety Fast

5 Easy Ways to STIMULATE THE VAGUS NERVE

Unlock Inner Calm: 8 Easy Vagus Nerve Exercises

Eliminate Sciatic Nerve Pain FAST - 60-Second Sciatica Relief!

Vagus Nerve Reset - Quickly Stop Stress & Anxiety

Vagus Nerve Massage For Stress And Anxiety Relief

Takeaways

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the vagus nerve massage technique presented in the video?

Who is Sukie Baxter and what does she specialize in?

What should one do before starting any new exercises as suggested in the video?

Which branches of the vagus nerve are the focus of the technique shown in the video?

How can one assess the tension in their ears before starting the vagus nerve massage?

What is the first location on the ear where the vagus nerve can be accessed for massage?

What kind of motion should be used when massaging the identified area above the ear canal?

What physiological changes might one experience during the vagus nerve massage?

What is the second location on the ear where the vagus nerve can be accessed for massage?

What additional massage can be done to indirectly help the nervous system calm, as suggested in the video?

How might one benefit from the ear stretching exercises presented in the video?

What final massage technique is suggested for behind the ear, and what is its purpose?

What potential effects might one notice after performing the vagus nerve massage as described in the video?