Earth & Immune Series, Part 3 - Vagal Healing
We’ve already seen in the Earth and Mind and Earth and HRV series that grounding affects vagal tone. This matters because vagal tone reflects the activity of the vagus nerve, the body’s longest cranial nerve and a central part of the parasympathetic nervous system. The vagus nerve helps regulate heart rate, digestion, and immune function.
When vagal tone is strong, the immune system works with more precision. It can dial back inflammation by limiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This happens through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The vagus nerve releases acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that tells immune cells to ease up on cytokine production. Less inflammation, better control.
The vagus nerve also communicates with immune organs like the spleen. It helps control how many immune cells get released into the blood. This keeps immune responses proportional. It also lowers the risk of autoimmune activity where the body attacks itself.
Studies show that improving vagal tone boosts immune regulation and reduces systemic inflammation. Grounding appears to do exactly that. Two separate studies recorded improved vagal activity through heart rate variability (HRV) in grounded individuals. Details are in Earth & HRV and Earth & Mind.
As always, if you’re interested in learning more about grounding, check out Earth & Water.
References:
Bonaz B, Sinniger V, Pellissier S. Anti-inflammatory properties of the vagus nerve: potential therapeutic implications of vagus nerve stimulation. J Physiol. 2016 Oct 15;594(20):5781-5790. doi: 10.1113/JP271539. Epub 2016 May 1. PMID: 27059884; PMCID: PMC5063949.
Pavlov VA, Tracey KJ. The vagus nerve and the inflammatory reflex--linking immunity and metabolism. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2012 Dec;8(12):743-54. doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2012.189. PMID: 23169440; PMCID: PMC4082307.
Thayer JF. Vagal tone and the inflammatory reflex. Cleve Clin J Med. 2009 Apr;76 Suppl 2:S23-6. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.76.s2.05. PMID: 19376977.
Bonaz B. Anti-inflammatory effects of vagal nerve stimulation with a special attention to intestinal barrier dysfunction. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022 Oct;34(10):e14456. doi: 10.1111/nmo.14456. Epub 2022 Sep 12. PMID: 36097404; PMCID: PMC9787579.
Chevalier, Gaetan & Sinatra, S.T.. (2011). Emotional stress, heart rate variability, grounding, and improved autonomic tone: clinical applications. 10. 16-21.
Passi R, Doheny KK, Gordin Y, Hinssen H, Palmer C. Electrical Grounding Improves Vagal Tone in Preterm Infants. Neonatology. 2017;112(2):187-192. doi: 10.1159/000475744. Epub 2017 Jun 10. PMID: 28601861; PMCID: PMC5542808.
