Check out this excerpt from Ashley Laderer’s article for Charlie Health to learn how cold exposure can stimulate the vagus nerve and help you shift from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest.”
When your body is exposed to cold water, it triggers an inborn physiological response known as the mammalian diving reflex or response. The response activates your vagus nerve, slows down your heart rate, and helps you calm down. While engaging in cold exposure may not be the most comfortable, research shows it is an effective way to improve heart rate variability and vagal tone.
Ways to practice cold exposure for vagus nerve stimulation include:
- Taking a cold shower
- Doing a cold plunge
- Submerging your face in a bowl of ice water
- Holding an ice pack on your neck
The article discusses other ways to stimulate the vagus nerve including deep breathing, making certain sounds, physical exercise, and massage. Read more in the original post.
