Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/885423
facial expression has a two-way relationship to vagal function) 4 ; improving gut health; exercise and rest; and, especially, reducing sources of physical, mental, and social stress. But as hands-on practitioners, with our pragmatic perspective, our question is often, "So how can I touch it, and in what way, that might help?" THE VAGUS IN YOUR EAR The ear is the only place where the vagus nerve reaches the surface of the body (via its auricular branch, Image 2). In fact, transcutaneous (skin) stimulation of this particular branch of the vagus is being studied as a treatment for numerous vagal-modulated conditions, and already has European clearance for treating epilepsy, depression, migraines, and chronic pain. 5 In our Advanced Myofascial Techniques series at Advanced-Trainings.com, we use several different ear techniques for working with conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain (since the vagus nerve can be a powerful pain modulator, via its calming and neuroimmune effects), as well as for migraines and headaches. Watch Til Luchau's technique videos and read his past articles in Massage & Bodywork's digital edition, available at www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com, www.abmp.com, and on Advanced-Trainings.com's Facebook page. "Vagus Nerve Technique" The Vagus Nerve Technique Purpose • Increase vagal nerve activity through gentle stimulation of sensation. Indications • Migraines and other headaches • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and temporomandibular joint dysfunction • Stress, anxiousness, or sympathetic autonomic nervous system arousal • Perhaps palliative in a wide array of conditions mediated by the vagus nerve, such as tinnitus, mood issues, digestive issues, immune function and autoimmune conditions, pain, and others Instructions • Use gentle touch, pressure, or light traction on the ear's concha (deepest bowl), ear canal, and the scalp just behind the ears, to gently stimulate sensation in the ear's vagus-innervated areas. • For migraine or TMJ pain, look for areas of sensitivity, and for active movements of the jaw, eyes, and face that evoke, relieve, or relate to the pain felt. Movement Cues • "Let your exhale be even slower, fuller, and longer." • "Let your tongue rest in your mouth." • "Let's hum a little tune … and meanwhile, let your neck and jaw stay relaxed." • For migraines: "Look left and right with your eyes." • For TMJ pain: "Gently, slide your jaw away from your ear." For More Learning • "TMJ" and "Migraines" in the Advanced Myofascial Techniques series of workshops and video courses. • Advanced Myofascial Techniques (Handspring Publishing, 2016), Vol. 2, Chapters 15, 18. A B M P m e m b e r s e a r n F R E E C E a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / c e b y r e a d i n g M a s s a g e & B o d y w o r k m a g a z i n e 95 Green: vagus nerve (X) —auricular branch. Violet: mandibular nerve (V3) — auriculotemporal branch. Orange: lesser occipital nerve (C2) and greater auricular nerve (C2, C3). Courtesy Primal Pictures, used by permission. 2