We interviewed Stanley Rosenberg about vagus nerve healing. You can watch the replay below. Please note that you will be asked to enter your email address at the 30-minute mark to finish viewing the video.
What Is the Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve, also known as cranial nerve ten (denoted by the Roman numeral X), is the longest nerve in the body, running from the brain stem through the eyes, heart, lungs, and digestive tract. Inhibition of the vagus nerve is known as “fight or flight”, a state in which the sympathetic nervous system is activated.
Because the vagus nerve connects so many different organs and symptoms, its inhibition can lead to commonly known symptoms of anxiety and/or fear such as:
- Pupil dilation
- Increased heart rate
- Shallow breathing
- Digestion inhibition
- Secretion of stress hormones such as epinephrine, cortisol and norepinephrine
- Increased blood glucose
Cranial-nerve dysfunction, including cranial nerve X (the vagus nerve), can contribute to the symptoms of individuals with:
- Trauma
- Migraines
- Asthma
- Poor digestion
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Poor social engagement
- Withdrawal
In This Webinar
Stanley discussed how nervous system dysfunction can lead to these symptoms. Using the polyvagal theory of Stephen Porges PhD, Stanley discussed how he uses his craniosacral and Rolfing skills to bring about vagus nerve healing to bring the client to the desired state of social engagement.
Key Discussions
Parental and Teacher Social Engagement
The social engagement of parents and teachers is critical in creating a supportive environment for children. This engagement helps in dealing with challenges like ineffective teachers and student authority, ultimately aiding children’s development and behavior.
Cranial Nerve Functionality and Speech Issues
Assessing cranial nerve functionality is crucial. Rather than focusing on nerve damage, it is essential to consider nerve dysfunction and how it impacts speech and breathing. Creative and adaptive approaches can improve outcomes.
Healing through Vagus Nerve Exercises
Vagus nerve exercises can be beneficial for children with various conditions, including low muscle tone, autism, cerebral palsy, and others. These exercises aid in achieving optimal vagus nerve function, promoting emotional resilience and returning to a state of positive social engagement.
Importance of Feeling Safe
The feeling of safety in one’s environment is foundational for appropriate autonomic nervous system function. Children’s behavior and development are significantly influenced by their sense of safety, which is impacted by the behavior and emotional maturity of parents and caregivers.
Impact of the Autonomic Nervous System
Understanding the new model of the autonomic nervous system, which includes dorsal vagus, ventral vagus, and spinal sympathetic chain, is crucial. These circuits impact overall health, emotional resilience, and social behavior, underscoring the importance of exercises and therapies aimed at maintaining proper autonomic function.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 New model has two distinct vagus nerves.
10:09 Children need to feel safe at home.
14:59 Parent’s emotional state impacts child’s well-being profoundly.
18:49 Promoting social engagement by stabilizing life.
26:13 Monitoring and improving breathing function through nerves.
31:15 Thor reunited with brother with autism, made breakthrough.
38:15 Supportive environment and understanding can yield progress.
43:08 Assess uvula and neck muscles for health.
47:49 Observing voice modulation indicates vagal function.
53:43 Social engagement improves behavior, breathing, heart function.
56:19 Transform trauma therapy into simple ventral vegas therapy.
01:00:54 Fainting is a dorsal vagus state.
01:09:18 Nerve dysfunction, cranial nerve involvement in speech.
01:15:23 Report on breathing solutions for asthma treatment.
01:21:10 Taught rap singer works with kids in LA.
01:25:11 Recommend experienced practitioners for holistic healing courses.
01:30:57 Fall, pain, massage, relief, temporary, unavailability.
About Stanley Rosenberg
Stanley Rosenberg is the author of Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve: Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism.He has been a student of movement and mind-body disciplines such as tai chi, chi kung, yoga, meditation and stretching for more than 40 years.
He has been a Rolfer since 1983, a craniosacral therapist since 1987, and has studied with his main teacher, the French osteopath, Alain Gehin, for over 25 years. He runs the Stanley Rosenberg Klinik in Copenhagen, Denmark. You can find out more about him and his practice at www.stanleyrosenberg.com

Disclaimer
This webinar is not a substitute for medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, or consultation with a medical professional. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on to make determinations related to treatment of a medical condition. Documenting Hope has not verified and does not guaranty the accuracy of the information provided in this webinar.
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