Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or emotionally drained? Struggling with sleep, digestion or low energy levels? Feeling constantly wired or completely fatigued? Or perhaps you’re wanting to feel more grounded, present and connected to your body? Firstly, know that you’re not alone! So many of us are stuck in survival mode, and operate on adrenaline everyday. But what if I told you there’s a way to support your nervous system, and draw you out of autopilot?! Enter Vagus Nerve Therapy!
What is the Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in your body, running from your brainstem down to your gut, stopping off at your heart, lungs, and digestive system along the way. It’s a key part of your parasympathetic nervous system, aka the rest and digest system. (Or calm response). That’s the system that brings your body out of fight-or-flight mode and into a state of calm, safety, and repair. During birth, parenting or life in general, that’s exactly the place you want your nervous system to be.
Why It Matters in Pregnancy and Birth
Now if you read my previous article in Puddle Magazine, you’ll know that I’m also a birth coach too, which is where my interest in the vagus nerve first began. As when your nervous system feels safe, your body can do what it was designed to do, without the interference of stress hormones like adrenaline. That means more oxytocin (aka the love hormone), less tension, greater feelings of safety, and a deeper sense of trust in your body. But when we’re flooded with fear, pressure, or uncertainty, the body tightens up and that can make birth feel longer, harder, or more overwhelming.
That’s where vagus nerve work comes in. By stimulating the vagus nerve through gentle techniques like touch, breath, sound, and intentional relaxation, we help the body switch from a place of “I’m under threat” to “I’m supported & safe.”
What Happens in a Vagus Nerve Therapy Session?
In our sessions, I create a calm, supportive space where we work directly with your nervous system. The treatment itself involves a combination of light touch to release & reset your fight-or-flight response, followed by sound frequency and energy healing to rejuvenate and reset the parasympathetic response system, creating equilibrium within the body. It’s subtle, but powerful.
People report feeling “Instantly calm & safe”, ”The anxiety drawing up & out of my chest”, “The stresses melting away”, “My anxious thoughts slowing down”.
And no it’s not just for birth, it’s for anyone! It’s brilliant during pregnancy and postpartum, or for anyone juggling stress, emotional load, or life in general. The beauty of VNT is everyone’s experience is completely unique, as it’ll target exactly what you’re needing in that present moment.
Curious to try it?
You can book a one-off Vagus Nerve Therapy session with me, or include it as part of your birth prep or postpartum care if you’re one of my pregnancy clients.
Becki Trigg is a certified hypnobirthing educator, mum, and holistic therapist specialising in nervous system support. Becki is passionate about empowering expectant parents with the knowledge, confidence and support to navigate their birth experience. She combines her professional training with personal experience, and empowers people through education, whilst nurturing their nervous systems too. Follow Becki on social media @birthingwithbecki, and visit her website:
www.birthingwithbecki.co.uk
