Stimulating the Vagus Nerve with Diaphragm and Tongue
Controlling your tongue and diaphragm gets lymph moving for a detox of the mind and body. Looking at the biological connection and the reset of how our chemistry organizes is pretty exciting:
Tongue and Fascial Connections:
The tongue is connected to continuous networks of connective tissue that wire with the vagus nerve and diaphragm. The purr in the throat during Pranayama Deep Breathing resets the parasympathetic nervous system with the vibratory feeling at the base of the tongue. The tongue travels to the center of the throat and stops at the hyoid bone, the only bone in the body not connected to another bone. Think of the tongue as a rudder for the body's connective tissue. By picking the tongue up, you are picking yourself up from the inside out. The line of our pelvic floor center is the soft tissue on the front side of our spine.
At Schoeder High School on May 10th 2025
An interesting trail of thought to notice is the initial response of insanity around "always thinking about what your tongue is doing." Yes, if you think of it like this, then it is insane. So, now we follow the mind to the 'always.' Always is an imagined reality. The lifted tongue relaxes the body out of a collapsed state and holds us up inside out. A powerful tool to be mindful of this very moment. When we remember to palate our tongue, we exercise awareness, not before or after. Awareness cannot be stored for later implementation. A false sense of self does not like this, as there is no longer a finish line or goal, but rather a developing relationship. This is part of the exercise of presence of mind. Excellent for all sorts of reasons. Read more on tongue on palate to understand myofunctional therapy.
In Chinese Medicine Meridian Lines represent energy lines - Qi - in the body.
In Chinese medicine, the systems of the body are managed by and receive feedback from the tongue on how to behave, and vice versa. The tongue gauges relational responses to the external and internal world, energizing the vehicle of data input and assessing how to behave in the immediate environment, also known as "How safe am I to relax?" These meridians also work with the pituitary gland, regulating the endocrine system. In rabbit posture, the instruction "Tongue in Mouth" means placing the tongue on the palate. Control of the tongue relaxes the spine for an even stretch and regulates major organs in the body, resetting bodily systems. The tongue resting on the palate energizes the isometric stretch of the spine by picking up the underside of the spinal connective tissue. These principles can deepen one's yoga practice with music, particularly music that works with the diaphragm, tongue, and breath. Our studio has a Group Didgeridoo Class coming up on Saturday, June 14th. The class includes video tutorials for you to begin training these principles of controlling your tongue with your diaphragm today. Stimulate your vagus nerve and drive your diaphragm. See the blog post on EXHALE FAT for more motivation to join us in playing the Didgeridoo!
“To master the secrets of the universe think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration”
Benefits:
Relaxes the body: Stimulates the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and helps manage stress.
Improves blood flow: Increases blood flow to the lungs and other parts of the body, helping to release toxins.
Enhances lung function: Helps expand lung capacity and improve the body's ability to metabolize nutrients.
Supports lymphatic system: Controlling the tongue and diaphragm helps drain the lymphatic system, responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body.
Helps with digestion: Rest, relax and digest is sympathetic.