Vagus nerve massage for the ear 👂 Auricular release 😌

[Moomin8]

I came across this video which shows how to massage your ears and, possibly, stimulate your vagus nerve. I tried it; it felt really relaxing 😌

It is said to 'relieve stress and anxiety' but whether it does, who knows🤷🏻‍♀️ but I enjoyed it 😊

BTW, I always clean any adverts up by using viewpure, so this is a YouTube video:

viewpure.com/LnV3Q2xIb1U?st...

If you would rather read than watch:

Posted on June 22, 2021 by Arianne Missimer

The external ear is one of the only places in the body that the vagus nerve is sending this peripheral branch to. In fact, the auricular branch surfaces as the afferent auricular vagus nerve, which means that the information from the periphery is going to the brain. Thereby, we are stimulating the ear from the periphery and signaling back to our nervous system to create a sense of calm.'

Anatomy

As the vagus nerve exits the medulla oblongata in the brainstem, it comes down into the jugular foramen. As it leaves the cervical vagus nerve, it branches out into this auricular branch of the vagus nerve. It also connects to the facial nerve, and therefore can promote relaxation of the facial muscles as well. It is also referred to as either the aldermen nerve or the Arnolds nerve.

How to Assess

Pull each ear slightly out to the side at the ear lobe, the middle of the ear, and the top of the ear. Assess to see which one feels more tense and/or which side feels more painful. Does it feel elastic or restricted?

How to Perform the Auricular Release

Place your finger right under the ridge inside of your ear. You want to think about pressing backward. Gently move your finger in slow, small circles. There shouldn’t be any pain or discomfort, although it may feel a little different side to side. Sometimes this will trigger a sigh, swallow, or yawn. That is a sign of relaxation of the nervous system. You should likely feel a sense of calm.

The second technique would be to come down almost as if you’re going to go into the eardrum with your finger. Gently press backward toward the back of your head, and perform slow, gentle circles. This could be done for one minute or as long as you feel like it is helping and it’s comfortable.

The third technique is performed by placing your finger on the skin behind your ear. You will gently pull the skin up towards the direction of your head, moving the skin over the tissue. This is a myofascial release. Hold until you feel a release. This could feel like your finger can move easier and the skin feels more elastic. It could also trigger a relaxation response. You can hold this for one minuet or longer if you find it to be beneficial.

The last technique is just gently pulling down on the ear lobe. This is considered a craniosacral technique, so it can have benefits for dizziness, headaches, and other neurological type symptoms. So, this is powerful for many different reasons, not just stimulating the vagus nerve.

After you finish one side then you would switch to the other, then reassess to see if it feels more elastic and not as irritated.

[Amnesiac3637]

I was sitting in the garden, read your post and watched the video. Am normally very sceptical where it comes to any of the ‘get better quick while I ask for a subscription’ type ‘health’ stuff on Youtube but gave it a go. It was surprisingly relaxing though when there’s a concentration on bits of your head with massage involved, it usually is. I don’t know whether it’ll make any difference and to be fair I’m not stressed (yes, really!) so I may benefit from the overall experience without it making a major difference.

Thanks for finding it and posting it - I enjoyed it too!

[Moomin8 in reply to Amnesiac3637]

That's brilliant! I'm not stressed either tbh - but it made me take time out for myself 🙂

[Sheila_G]

Interesting. It can't do any harm so I will give it a go when I feel stressed. Thanks for posting.

[Moomin8 in reply to Sheila_G]

I think it is something that be regularly practiced; it is quite grounding, so can be considered a mindful activity 😌

[Shelby37]

Thanks for the share 😊

[Mymymy]

Thanks for sharing😁

[Biofreak]

Just had a go Moomin but quickly discovered I would need to cut my nails first 😕. The space above the ridge is small and only the end of my nail fit in. Will try again when I have cut my nails otherwise I might put a hole in my head!🤣 Very interesting and thanks for posting.

[Moomin8 in reply to Biofreak]

💅 😬🤕😅

[Hidden]

I had my vagus nerve pierced in January. They have clinics all over: vnsdaith.co.uk/

[Moomin8 in reply to Hidden]

Really?? Ouch😵

[Hidden in reply to Moomin8]

Not at all. I was really shocked. No problems with healing either. It hurt slightly when the earring went through, but other than that nothing. You are given some healing stuff (essential oils & ting). You apply with an ear dropper once a day.

[Happy5]

Very interesting thanks for the info

[brownsnest]

Thank you SO much. I have tongue pain on the left side which is caused by compression of the Vagus nerve. I liked this exercise.