Increasing Vagal Tone

[secondtry]

Most AFers agree that the Vagus Nerve is a key subject. Just read in the Good Health Naturally magazine a useful article on the VN and a handy summary of ways to increase Vagal Tone:

Regular exposure to cold water

Slow breathing down to 6 per minute

using vocal chords ie singing, humming, gargling or chanting

meditation yoga or tai chi

All the above I use and confirm in my case beneficial.

[BobD Volunteer]

As I'm sure you know, we promote the slow deep breathing regularly for the control of ectopic activity.

[secondtry in reply to BobD]

Yes, where I need to improve is to get the slow breathing & other beneficial actions into a daily routine as that is probably necessary to have a measurable impact on vagal tone.

[jeanjeannie50]

Never will I expose myself to cold water again! I caught pneumonia when I was doing that (cold showers). Also some people feel water as being lots colder than others and I'm one of them that does. Even a heated swimming pool can feel chilly to me. I agree with you on all your recommendations though.

The last time I swam in a pool my heart took off big style. I'm not a wimp and used to train in that same pool twice a week before AF. I also used to swim in the sea, with a group of friends, from one beach to another. I've been assured a swimming pool at a local hotel has warmer water and will give that a try once a wound on my leg has healed.

Thank you for reminding us of the other things that can help too. I'm humming to myself now.

Jean

[secondtry in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Yes Jean I am mindful of your warning re pneumonia previously. I have therefore stopped a very brief cold end of shower until weather warmer. That and splashing my face with cold water several times a day works for me.

[babs1234]

so if you go into AF a cold shower is beneficial or a cold shower as a preventative?

[secondtry]

I haven't tried stopping AF with a cold shower yet. A very brief cold end of shower as a way of improving vagal tone and possibly keeping AF at bay.

[Rosie0202]

Interesting ideas for controlling AF. I have it permanently but whatever the effects on a daily basis, I am always ok when singing.

[LindaDaisy]

Be warned. I started humming. Soon I was doing constantly. Husband complained as did other relations. No telling what other people who were more polite were thinking at this irritating habit. It’s been over a year now and much as I try I still can’t stop doing it.

[secondtry in reply to LindaDaisy]

But did it stop your AF??

[LindaDaisy]

unfortunately no as I’m in permanent AF now and ablation is not an option. However I feel a lot better as it’s better than going in and out.