Try This Vagus Nerve Maneuver To Calm Anxiety With Parkinson’s

Anxiety is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s. Anxiety is not just a reaction to the diagnosis of Parkinson’s, but instead, a part of the disease itself, caused by changes in brain chemistry. Up to 40 percent of people with PD will experience some form of anxiety.

It can appear as nervousness, irritability, worry, or fear. Physical symptoms may be nausea, trouble breathing or swallowing, racing heart, sweating, and increased tremors.

If anxiety escalates, you may experience a panic attack, which usually starts suddenly with a sense of severe physical and emotional distress. Fortunately, there are things you can do to manage these symptoms.

I advise people to talk it over with their doctor first, and then you can safely add this quick tip to help your body naturally calm your system down.

There are several great actionable ways to get out of fight-or-flight mode (sympathetic nervous system) and to a calmer place (parasympathetic nervous system).

How? By stimulating the vagus nerve, the main part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like digestion, heart rate, and a calm mood. The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve, extending from the brainstem through the neck and ribs to the abdomen. When working correctly, the vagus nerve keeps your body in homeostasis (balanced functions).

The following video will help you stimulate your vagus nerve to help keep you calm and improve your symptoms. 

Instructions for the Vagus Nerve Stimulation:

• Sit or stand quietly and simply take your fingers and massage lightly in a small circle under and back of the ear at the base of the skull. Avoid the front of the neck where the carotid artery is located.

• Add the 4-3-5 breathing pattern, through your nose only, while continuing to massage the vagus nerve location:
  • Inhale for four counts
  • Hold for three counts
  • Exhale for five counts
• Do this for 10 rounds, especially in the morning to set yourself up for a great day!

💜 Kimberly