The Vagus Nerve.

The vagus nerve is the tenth cranionerve and is a key component of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It plays a crucial role in the body's relaxation response, often referred to as the "rest and digest" mode, as opposed to the "fight or flight" stress response.

The vagus nerve is a complex nerve that extends from the brainstem down to the abdomen, touching various organs along the way. It has both afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) fibers, and it's involved in a wide range of functions, including heart rate regulation, respiratory function, digestion, and immune response. Additionally, the vagus nerve is often associated with the body's ability to manage stress and promote a sense of calm and well-being.

During Biodynamic treatments, contact is made with areas that relate to the vagus nerve, which is a key component of the parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system. The vagus nerve has a significant sensory component, with over 80 percent of its nerve fibres dedicated to relaying information about internal and external changes to the brain. This feedback is crucial for maintaining the body's homeostasis. Biodynamics, with its gentle touch and focus on the body's inherent healing abilities, is designed to be safe and reassuring for the nervous system.