How does the vagus nerve affect your sexual arousal + pelvic organs?

Ahh, the vagus nerve. It's funny how this nerve has basically become its own kind of celebrity. I mean, who would have ever thought that a nerve could gain such popularity and trending hashtags? But it has, and for good reason. Not only does the vagus nerve comprise 75% of our parasympathetic nervous systems*, but it's also the longest cranial nerve (meaning the longest nerve that travels from the brain into the body). And this nerve impacts everything from our breathing to our heart rate to our digestion to our arousal! But there are also some risks and concerns we should consider before we go all in on vagal toning, some of which may surprise you. Listen to the episode to learn:basics on the vagus nerve (anatomy, relationship to organs)why vagal response is not always a good thingsimple ways to enhance your vagal tonewhich pelvic organs the vagus nerve innervateswhy heart rate variability is important to trackhow the vagus nerve relates to sexual function and arousalwhy you want both sympathetic + parasympathetic activity for sexspecific ways to enhance your pleasure using vagal toningResources:FREE GUIDE: Track your cycle naturally (fertility awareness)Today's shownotes: Check out the references + resourcesEpisode 17: How stress messes with your hormonesEpisode 19: The importance of softening with Chaya Leia AronsonEpisode 39: Jade eggs and the practice of pleasure with Usha RoseEpisode 52: Beyond aphrodisiacs: Herbal approaches to enhance pleasure* I say 80% in the episode, but it's really 75%!If you loved this episode, share it with a friend, or take a screenshot and share on social media and tag me @herbalwombwisdom.  And if you love this podcast, leave a rating & write a review! It's really helpful to get the show to more amazing humans like you.  ❤️DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.Click here to send me a quick message :)