Unveiling the Vagus Nerve: A Gateway to Spiritual Harmony Through Nasal Breathing
In the realm of spiritual practices, understanding the intricacies of our own physiology can be a profound gateway to deeper connection and harmony. One such vital component of our inner landscape is the vagus nerve, often referred to as the “wandering nerve” due to its extensive reach and influence throughout the body.
It has also been coined the Pneumogastric Nerve, which in Greek, the word pneumo means breath and is a part of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for staying calm, resting and digesting.
The Vagus Nerve system and the inner and outer brain is also floating or buoyant in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).
This intricate nerve originates in the brainstem and travels down the spinal canal. From the neck, passing through all major organs, including the throat, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, gall bladder and stomach, eventually reaching the depths of the sacrum, genitals and perineum.
The Vagus Nerve also travels through the pineal and pituitary glands, the lips and the tongue. It plays a pivotal role in regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate, mood, digestion and emotional responses.
The Vagus Nerve is connected through all 7 energy centres of the physical body, or Chakra points, namely:
1. Root Chakra (Base of Spine)
2. Sacral Chakra (Below Belly Button)
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Stomach)
4. Heart Chakra (Heart)
5. Throat Chakra (Mid-Throat)
6. Third Eye Chakra ( 3rd Ventricle-Pineal/Pituitary Glands- Between & Behind the Eyes)
7. Crown Chakra (Top of the Head/Fontanel).
Nasal breathing serves as an intimate dance partner to the vagus nerve, offering a pathway to amplify its effects. When we breathe diaphragmatically and rhythmically through our nose, we engage a channel that harmoniously communicates with the vagus nerve, creating a unique synergy between respiration and the nervous system.
This channel or pathway could also be referred to as our Micro Cosmic Orbit. This orbit is connected as one energy channel when the lips are closed and the tongue is placed on the roof of your mouth behind the top teeth.
In Daoist Philosophy, these 2 channels are the Governer Channel (Ren Mai) and the Functional Channel (Du Mai). Both start or run through the perineum, with the Ren Mai finishing at the top lip, and the Du Mai finishing at the bottom lip. As you can establish, connecting the two together forms one big energy circuit, or Micro Cosmic Orbit.
Unlike mouth breathing, which primarily engages the upper chest and shoulders, nasal breathing activates the lower diaphragm, allowing for a deeper and more rhythmic flow of breath. This deliberate exchange of air initiates a cascade of responses within the body, fostering a state of calmness and relaxation.
The benefits of this harmonious union extend far beyond the physiological realm. As we delve deeper into the practice of nasal breathing, we unlock the potential for heightened spiritual experiences. This intimate connection with the vagus nerve can lead to profound states of meditation, weightlessness, stillness, enhanced intuition, and a heightened sense of inner silence and presence.
Intentional, mindful nasal breathing, taps into the vagus nerve’s innate capacity to instill a sense of peace and tranquility. This pathway becomes a sacred conduit, journeying within, exploring the depths of our consciousness, and ultimately aligning with our higher self.
As spiritual enthusiasts, embracing nasal breathing as a companion on our journey can be a transformative practice. Nasal Breathing offers a tangible pathway to unlock the boundless potential that lies within us. Ultimately leading to a deeper connection with the universe and our own inner divinity.
So, let us embark on this sacred journey, allowing the dance between the vagus nerve and nasal breathing to guide us towards profound spiritual awakening and self-realisation.
Read further about creating more self awareness and realisation through contemplation and reflection.
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