🎙From “vagal push-ups” to inflammation to trauma healing, the vagus nerve is everywhere in bodywork and wellness talk—but what does the science actually say? And more importantly, what does this mean in actual practice?

🔍 Key Topics:

00:00 – Intro: Why is everyone talking about the vagus nerve?

00:02 – Personal stories: Our first encounters with vagus nerve ideas

00:05 – Vagus hype: From “vagal push-ups” to miracle claims

00:07 – What is the vagus nerve, really? Anatomy and function

00:10 – Afferent vs efferent signals: What the vagus is actually doing

00:13 – Polyvagal theory: Helpful insight or oversold model?

00:17 – HRV, breathwork, and cold plunges: What’s the real science?

00:23 – Can touch influence the vagus nerve? A look at massage and manual therapy

00:28 – How to talk about vagus-related ideas without hype

00:33 – What we can do to support nervous system regulation

00:37 – The power of presence, safety, and attunement

00:41 – Cautions about vagus-based marketing and client language

00:45 – Wrap-up: What’s real, what’s helpful, and what we’ve learned

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🎁 Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites! 

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(The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)