A couple of years ago, I injured my vagus nerve, a crucial part of the nervous system that helps regulate essential functions such as heart rate, digestion, and the body’s relaxation response. Little did I know, but when the vagus nerve is damaged or impaired, it can trigger a cascade of problems—anxiety, digestive issues, difficulty managing stress, and much more. It can feel like your inner world is imploding, while your body continues to function as if everything is business as usual - aka I honestly thought that I was going to die while medical staff looked at me like I was a crazy lady making things up. That's because the disconnect between what’s happening inside and what’s visible on the outside makes it incredibly difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms don’t always align with what you might expect from a typical physical injury, which is why it often goes unnoticed.
The Struggle to Find Answers
I spent months going from doctor to doctor, trying to find answers for the range of symptoms I was experiencing. Despite multiple tests, my vagus nerve injury was never properly diagnosed. Instead, I found myself being referred to specialists who couldn’t quite pinpoint the issue. My anxiety and panic attacks escalated, and I felt trapped in a cycle of frustration and uncertainty. Imagine being a new mom holding your newborn fearing that you may faint and drop them because of the continues vertigo spells, the nausea, the headaches - you get the point, it was not a fun time.
During this not so fun time, I remembered something I had learned during my undergraduate psychology classes before the injury—we had been introduced to calming techniques, and one practice, in particular, stood out to me: yoga nidra. As any student would I had tried it simply for extra credit. I wasn’t fully convinced it would have much of an impact, but after the injury, I decided to give it a proper try, hoping it could help me manage the stress and anxiety I was now facing.
The Transformative Power of Yoga Nidra
I lay on the floor, closed my eyes, and listened to the voice guiding me through the practice. The first time I practiced it, I will admit, I was unsure, but something unexpected happened as the session continued. In just 20 minutes, I felt a profound sense of relaxation and lightness. I could tell that my body had entered a state of deep calm that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. When I “woke up,” it was like my brain had reset, and I felt remarkably clear-headed and peaceful.
While yoga nidra doesn’t directly heal the vagus nerve, it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which the vagus nerve plays a key role in. This helped activate my body’s natural relaxation response and reduce the stress and anxiety that had been overwhelming me.
Supporting the Nervous System to Promote Healing
So I decided to give it a serious try and commit to it. In the weeks and months that followed, I made yoga nidra a regular part of my routine, alongside chiropractic care and other methods aimed at rebalancing my body. By practicing yoga nidra consistently, I was able to reduce my anxiety, manage my panic attacks, and gradually regain a sense of balance in my life.
Yoga nidra, often described as "yogic sleep," offers a deeply restorative form of meditation that can help reset the nervous system, calm the mind, and alleviate stress. Despite only needing 20 minutes, this practice has profound effects, helping me feel as though I had rested for hours. Did I mention that soldiers with PTSD get treated with yoga nidra as well? That's how potent it is!
Why Sleep and Stress Management Matter
The importance of sleep and stress management cannot be overstated. In today’s fast-paced world, many people experience chronic stress and poor sleep, which are linked to a range of health issues, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Anxiety and depression
- Cognitive decline (memory, concentration)
- Weakened immune function
Yoga nidra serves as an accessible tool to counteract the effects of sleep deprivation and chronic stress, helping the body enter a state of deep relaxation and healing. Did I mention that soldiers with PTSD get treated with yoga nidra as well? That's how potent it is!
If you're struggling with stress, anxiety, or sleep issues, I highly recommend giving yoga nidra a try. You can find guided sessions online, including one from Ally Boothroyd on YouTube, which I’ve personally found to be incredibly helpful.
Happy Healing :)
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