Vagus Nerve: The Body's Calming Highway and How to Boost Its Tone
The vagus nerve is a vast brain–body network that helps regulate heart rate, breathing, digestion and inflammation; higher vagal tone is linked to better well-being, while low tone is associated with chronic stress and disease. Implanted or noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation can help certain conditions, but at‑home devices and hype lack robust proof. Realistic ways to improve vagal tone include regular exercise, slow nasal diaphragmatic breathing, mindfulness meditation, and, to a lesser extent, cold exposure—though none replace medical care or a healthy lifestyle.
