Traditionally, the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) was viewed as a balance between two systems: rest and digest (parasympathetic) and fight or flight (sympathetic). Polyvagal Theory introduces a three-level hierarchy, explaining how the body responds based on its unconscious assessment of safety or danger a process known as neuroception. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) controls all involuntary functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion. Polyvagal Theory explains that it works in three states, not just two. These states are based on how safe or threatened your body automatically feels at any given moment.

The nervous system naturally moves through these states in sequence, shifting from safety to survival when needed.

Green – Ventral Vagal (Safe & Connected). When the body feels safe, you feel calm, present, and socially engaged. Breathing is steady, your voice is warm, and your body functions optimally. This is the ideal state for healing, learning, and socializing.

Yellow – Sympathetic (Fight or Flight). When danger is perceived (real or imagined), the body prepares for action. Heart rate increases, muscles tense, and feelings like anxiety, irritation, or frustration may arise. Social connection decreases as survival becomes the priority.

Red – Dorsal Vagal (Freeze or Shutdown). When a life-threatening situation is sensed, the body may shut down or dissociate. This is an automatic survival response where energy drops and awareness may feel numb or disconnected.

The vagus nerve often referred to as the “wandering nerve” is one of the most influential yet commonly overlooked components of the nervous system. As the longest cranial nerve, it extends from the brainstem through the chest and into the abdomen, linking the brain with vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and digestive system. Because of its extensive reach, it plays a crucial role in physical health, emotional balance, and mental well-being.

Acting as the body’s primary communication pathway between the brain and internal organs, the vagus nerve constantly sends signals that help determine whether the environment feels safe or threatening.

The vagus nerve plays a central role in resilience, emotional regulation, digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. Learning how to support it empowers you to create lasting health, calm, and recovery. As awareness grows, the benefits of chiropractic care for vagus nerve function are becoming increasingly recognized.

The vagus nerve plays an important role in regulating the body’s relaxation response, helping support communication between the brain and organs such as the heart, lungs, and digestive system. As a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system, it helps the body shift from a state of stress and tension toward rest, recovery, and balance. Chronic stress, poor posture, and physical tension can place additional demands on the nervous system, affecting how the body adapts to everyday challenges.

Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine, nervous system, and overall body function. By improving spinal mobility, reducing muscle tension, and supporting healthier movement patterns, chiropractic adjustments may help reduce physical stress on the body and encourage better nervous system balance. Some research suggests that chiropractic care may influence aspects of autonomic nervous system function, including vagal activity, although further research is needed to better understand these effects.

In addition to chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors may recommend lifestyle strategies such as breathing exercises, stretching, posture correction, exercise, and relaxation techniques to support nervous system health. By addressing musculoskeletal tension and promoting healthier movement, chiropractic care may be a valuable component of a wellness plan designed to support relaxation, resilience, and overall well-being. Chiropractic care does not directly treat the vagus nerve but may help create conditions that support optimal nervous system function.