Accessing the healing power of the vagus nerve

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1. ekanesFeb 2022
   I’ve been learning a lot about this. It’s pretty wild. Anyone interested in this should look up Polyvagal Theory.

   This related book with a strange name has been incredible to read. “Accessing the healing power of the vagus nerve.”

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2. lutzkeNov 2022
   > I'm slowly coming to the realization that my baseline anxiety level is way higher than of the average person. For no apparent reason.

   One book that may be of interest to you:

   Born Anxious, by Daniel P. Keating: discusses epigenetics and how methylation can predispose certain individuals to higher baseline levels of stress and anxiety.

   Other books which may not be revelant to you, but would perhaps be of interest to others reading these comments:

   The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk: Talks about the imprints trauma leaves on the mind and the body, and shines a light on how ineffective and misguided many of the mainstream, frontline treatments offered to people with histories of trauma are. (Just because you don't meet the criteria for PTSD, doesn't mean you haven't experienced some form of trauma.)

   Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve, by Stanley Rosenberg: I haven't finished this one yet, but it discusses the three fight/flight, social engagement, and freeze/depression states of the nervous system, as described in the Polyvagal Theory put forward by Stephen Porges. I've been told by a clinician with a career in working with trauma survivors that the Polyvagal Theory is a key piece of the puzzle in treating trauma. Even if you're not dealing with the effects of trauma, I think you may still find this book interesting, as it describes how we can get locked into states of anxiety one the one hand, or lethargy on the other, finding it difficult to simply relax and be present for our lives.

   Author Gabor Maté - I'm not sure if he has any books concentrating specifically on anxiety, but his work seems interesting. Episode 1869 of The Joe Rogan Experience, where he was the guest, was quite illuminating.

   Molecules of Emotion, by Candace B. Pert: I haven't started this one yet, but it talks about how the body and mind/brain/nervous system aren't as separate as many of us may like to think. It sounds interesting.

   Some lifestyle changes that may help with anxiety and other mental health conditions, including depression: (completely anecdotal, I am not a doctor, etc.)

   * Regular, vigorous aerobic exercise, e.g. running five kilometres three times per week. Can't run five kilometres? Check out 'Couch to 5K.' I find that vigorous exercise seems to help 'burn off' anxiety and stress and make it easier to relax. (as recommended by Keating in Born Anxious.) Additionally, depression often goes hand-in-hand with anxiety, and "the efficacy of exercise in decreasing symptoms of depression has been well established." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC474733/)

   * Yoga: teaches one to listen to and befriend one's body. When one is constantly anxious and on alert, the body can tend to be constantly tense, ready for action.

   * Diet: the so-called Mediterranean diet seems to be quite healthy: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7536728/ I'm not sure if eating healthy has been shown to help with anxiety, but can it really hurt?

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