The Vagus Nerve at Oyster Bay Yoga

The vagus is the tenth cranial nerve. It is long and complex, traveling from the brain all the way down to the colon, along the way relaying messages between the brain, respiratory, digestive and nervous system. Since our breathing, digestion and heart rate are all connected to the vagus nerve, this neural pathway can help the body and mind find homeostasis through a variety of practices. These include many yoga postures, conscious breathing and mindfulness exercises that stimulate the vagus nerve.

This class will introduce a variety of breathing techniques and yoga poses that activate the vagus nerve and increase our overall sense of well-being. These practices help us come into the "rest and digest" part of our nervous system, known as the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps decrease anxiety, stress and inflammation. We will integrate these breathing techniques into our asana practice, discovering how combining these practices can elevate our feelings of comfort and safety. You will leave feeling restored and refreshed, with new tools to help manage stress and anxiety both on and off the mat.