How's your vagus nerve doing today? Not sure? You can use heart rate variability testing to determine one's vagal tone and it's also used as an an indicator of general health. A high HRV correlates to better health and longevity while a lower HRV indicates being in a stress state and overall poorer health.
But you may not have access to HRV testing equipment.  So here's a simple test you can do yourself at home to indicate how your vagus nerve is functioning! Grab a flashlight and stand in front of a mirror. Open your mouth wide and say 'ah,ah,ah,ah' in short bursts. See that thing hanging down at the back of your throat? It's called an uvula and if you have good vagal tone at the moment, it will lift up evenly when you say ah, ah, ah. (You may need to use your finger to press your tongue down so you can see your uvula.) If it doesn't raise up or leans to one side or the other, your vagus nerve is exhibiting some dsyfunction and it's time to slow down, breathe deep and maybe set up an appointment with me!
This simple technique is from the wonderful book Accessing the Healing Powder of the Vagus Nerve by Stanley Rosenberg.
And the discussion about the VAGUS NERVE continues...Did you know there are 2 branches to the vagus nerve with different functions?

The older, mammalian branch is called the dorsal branch. Its function is to keep us frozen as an adaptive mechanism to help us survive to either fight or flight again. Unfortunately, one can also get stuck in this mode if you've experienced trauma or your body is continually in overdrive.
The newer myleninated ventral branch is responsible for 'the good life' where your body's immune response is healthy, you are engaged with others and you feel calm and grounded.
Activating your vagus nerve using bodywork such as massage or reflexology are great yet a daily routine of deep and slow breathing, humming or chanting, laughter yoga, meditation or splashing cold water on your face can keep your vagus nerve in good shape!

And here's another tidbit about our lovely vagus nerve...

One of the most important neurotransmitters to support brain function is acetylcholine. It is released by the VAGUS NERVE to help support your heart rate, breathing, digestion, detoxification, brain function and movement.
Stimulating the VAGUS NERVE with natural, non-invasive methods can support the release of acetylcholine, and with it, optimal function of your brain, including clear focus, strong memory and enhanced decision making.

Got a headache?  Neck pain? Vertigo? Tinnitus?  If so, grab a pencil and try out this occipital percussion technique from Dr Mandell: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kikuQOK5d3E&t=302s

Let's go to Vagus!  The vagus nerve that is.  I enjoyed listening to Lone Sorensen discuss the vagus nerve, the 10th cranial nerve and the longest nerve in the body in a recent webinar I attended. And I am delighted to now offer a protocol designed to stimulate the Vagus Nerve! (No gambling necessary.)

Tell me about the vagus nerve...It's the 10th cranial nerve and the longest nerve in the body, originating in the brainstem, wanders through all 7 cervical veterbrae and heads on down to the gut. It oversees many crucial functions, communicating motor and sensory impulses to every organ in your body.  And it has a large role in invoking the parasympathetic nervous system - the one that helps you relax and digest.

Have stress?  Posture problems particularly in the neck? Dehydrated?  Toxin exposure? Any of these things (& more) may damage your vagus nerve.  There are many self-care ways you can stimulate your vagus nerve; humming, gargling, meditation, deep breathing and more.  Those are wonderful ways and should be used daily.
If you are looking for a more intensive option, I now offer the Vagus Nerve protocol.  While mostly done on the face, it also includes the ear and feet.  Special pricing in Sept 2019: $30 for the vagus nerve protocol.

The Tibetan medical system is based upon a synthesis of the Indian (Ayurveda), Persian (Unani), Greek, indigenous Tibetan, and Chinese medical systems. It embraces the traditional belief that all illness ultimately results from the "three poisons" of the mind: ignorance, attachment and aversion. 
The Tibetans have a theory that life energy is found in the cerebral spinal liquid, fluid relates to the whole central nervous system and spinal cord. By correcting the vertebral position it is possible to obtain release of the autonomic nervous system, either stimulating or inhibiting the effect thereof, depending on the organ or or area affected.
The Tibetan Reflex Therapy technique is based on using reflex areas corresponding to the spine  and therefore is a relaxing way to treat muscle pains anywhere in the body as well as impacting your entire body.  A session includes a base treatment done on the back of the skull, neck and shoulders.  Then, based on your health situation, additional techniques are performed on the head and face.
I've just completed the course and case study (June 2019).  Now I'm ready to gain more experience!  Schedule a 1 hour session for the special price of $35 that includes the basic 7 step face work and the Tibetan base treatment.  Offer valid July 2019. Wearing a lightweight cotton top will make it easier for you to experience the full effect when I work on your neck and shoulders. 

It's time to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. Kick off your shoes and feel the bare grass on your toes. Research has shown that connecting to the Earth’s natural energy (called EARTHING), by walking barefoot on grass, sand, dirt or rock can diminish chronic pain, fatigue, insomnia and many other ailments.
I also think it's perfect antidote to always wearing shoes - a barefoot walk will exercise different muscles in your foot.

Learn more about Earthing: https://chopra.com/…/grounding-the-human-body-the-healing-b…

Treat yourself to a short reflexology foot massage in between appointments!

yohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACBc-2yPghY&list=PLMDGj3MHLm-cVt7mXeuFPRvXSHJZAKjFK

SHARING SELF-CARING IDEA #8:
Let's pretend we have a hula hoop and do some HIP CIRCLES! Why? It's an easy and fun exercise to do, doesn't cost anything except a few minutes of your time, it reduces lower back pain, increases hip flexibility & strengthens your core.

Okay, here's how...do a hula hoop motion. Work up to 50 rotations in one direction. Stop. Do 50 circles in the other direction.
https://workoutlabs.com/exercise-guide/hip-circles/

Activate your STILL POINT. This craniosacral technique calms the respiration of the skull and may provide relief from migraine headaches, lower stress levels and help you sleep.Here's how to make a still point inducer using 2 tennis balls and a sock. Put both of the tennis balls into the sock so that they are touching and tie a knot in the sock so the tennis balls do not have any room to move around. Of course, there are options for purchasing online.

Next, lie on the floor near the sofa so you can let your calves rest on it - allowing more relaxation. Place the inducer at the back of the skull, just above the 2 bumps where the spine meets the skull. Hold for 10-15 minutes.
Do not use this technique if you have had a stroke or serious brain injury.

SHARING SELF-CARING IDEA #6: Boost your immune system with this simple technique called the Thymus Thump.  Here's how;
1. Take a deep full breath.
2. Using your fingertips or side of your fist tap up and down about 2-3"s along your sternum, between and above your mammary glands.  (The thymus is located behind the 3rd rib, but any vibrations along the length of the upper sternum will stimulate it.)
3. Do this for 15-20 seconds and continue to take regular slow breaths.
4. Do 1-3 times a day or up to 4 during times of acute illness.

SHARING SELF-CARING IDEA #5: Many people suffer from Plantar Fasciitis.  If you have this painful condition, an hour foot reflexology session will start with lower leg work to release some of the muscles that are connected to the foot - making the session even more effective.  Here's yet another way for you to support yourself at home. Two stretches to heal plantar fasciitis from Mark's Daily Apple:  youtu.be/RRDC8erSNqw