"Thoroughly researched, clearly explained, and beautifully illustrated...[this book] provides powerful insights and actionable steps for regulating the nervous system."--Alex Korb, Ph.D., Neuroscientist, Personal Development Coach, and Author of The Upward Spiral A somatic approach to treating trauma, anxiety, and depression has never been more popular. Perhaps that's because recent studies show that 80% of mind-body communication originates in the body --the vagus nerve is the superhighway that facilitates this communication. Healing Through the Vagus Nerve walks you through how the nervous system and the vagus nerve function, with approachable, non-academic language and helpful illustrations. Amanda Armstrong (founder of Rise as We) teaches all about vagal tone and the impact it has on your mental health and everyday life. Then, a variety of exercises and practices provide an adaptable approach to improving nervous system function: Breathing techniques including diaphragmatic breathing, physiological sigh, voo breath, and the Valsalva techniqueMassage techniques for the ear, neck, and abdomenVisual techniques including lateral eye stretches, eye pushups, orienting, eye cupping, and gaze openingPhysical techniques including cold exposure, yoga, and moreFeaturing relatable client stories, key details of the author's own journey healing her nervous system, and a selection of entry points to help engage with the process, Healing Through the Vagus Nerve is a complete guide to improving your stress response through optimizing your vagus nerve and nervous system. Learn how to work with your nervous system instead of against it.