Transformational life coach Peter Winslow possesses more than 15 years of experience in helping people make radical life changes. Since launching his Scottsdale, Arizona-based life-coaching company, GoldMind, LLC, Peter Winslow has raised awareness of the mind-body connection and its impact on healing, pain management, and emotional well-being.
The vagus nerve, a cranial nerve that runs from the base of the brain to the digestive system, is a crucial part of the mind-body connection. The nerve is involved in processing tactile sensations and managing muscle movements and heart rate.
Taking deep breaths causes the vagus nerve to release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is vital for the body’s relaxation response. However, if the myelin sheath that wraps around the vagus nerve is weakened, it can slow signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
This weakening of the myelin sheath can be a result of several factors, including diet and sleep quality. A weak or impaired vagus nerve has been linked to depression and low stress tolerance. Eating a balanced diet and practicing deep breathing are thought by some experts to strengthen the vagus nerve.
