🎙From “vagal push-ups” to inflammation to trauma healing, the vagus nerve is everywhere in bodywork and wellness talk—but what does the science actually say? And more importantly, what does this mean in actual practice?In this episode, Til and Whitney take a grounded, myth-busting look at the vagus nerve’s role in health, relaxation, and hands-on practice. They explore what we can clearly influence through bodywork, what’s misunderstood, and how to work with and think about this vital nerve in our hands-on practices. 🔍 Key Topics: 0:01:50 Introduction to the vagus nerve0:02:07 Early experiences learning about the vagus nerve0:03:40 Chair massage and vagal responses0:03:40 EMT training and vagal response demonstrations0:04:03 Early research on heart rate variability0:05:23 Steven Porges and polyvagal theory origins0:05:46 Anatomical overview of the vagus nerve0:06:15 Nerve pathways and innervation0:08:44 Branches to the ear and other body parts0:08:44 Ventral and dorsal vagus nerve divisions0:10:01 Parasympathetic nervous system explanation0:11:11 Evolutionary perspectives on vagal function0:12:44 Vagal tone and heart rate variability0:14:38 Mechanisms of heart rate regulation0:15:04 Breathing and its impact on vagal tone0:19:47 Breathing techniques for vagal stimulation0:21:15 Humming, chanting, and vocal effects0:23:15 Social regulation through sound0:25:24 Cold exposure and vagal response0:26:35 Diving reflex0:27:00 Physiological changes in response to cold0:28:07 Can we "treat" the vagus nerve?0:32:27 Limitations of direct nerve manipulation0:35:14 Holistic approaches to nervous system regulation0:35:39 Identifying clients who might benefit from vagal tone work0:36:14 Vagus nerve and inflammation0:38:12 Changing perspectives on manual therapy approaches0:39:39 Role of education in treatment0:41:16 Ear stimulation techniques0:42:52 Cautions about ear work0:44:46 Polyvagal theory overview0:45:59 Criticisms of polyvagal theory0:46:21 Misconceptions about vagus nerve stimulation0:49:25 Key takeaways about vagus nerve0:50:24 Importance of context in nervous system regulation0:51:49 Comparing vagus nerve to mystique of psoas muscle0:52:41 Sponsor acknowledgments0:53:24 Closing remarks and contact information Resources discussed in this episode:  Article: Luchau, Til: 'Working with the Vagus Nerve' Massage & Bodywork, 2017. https://bit.ly/luchau-workingwiththevagusnerve  Sponsor Offers:  Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com.  ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking.  Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,. Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet Fascia Research Congress: save $100 when you use the coupon code "THINKING" at https://www.frscongress.org/  💡 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts with us! info@thethinkingpractitioner.com  ✨ Rate, review, and share! Help others discover The Thinking Practitioner podcast. 🎁 Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites!  Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com  Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com   About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com (The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)