Working with the Vagus Nerve
Practical applications for daily life and wellbeing.
Many people struggle with symptoms or clusters of symptoms without a medical cause that have a significant impact on their life and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Some of the common symptoms are chronic stress, anxiety, fatigue, digestive issues, poor recovery, muscle tension, pain sensitivity, sleep disturbances, recurring inflammation, or a constant sense of being “stuck” in patterns of dysregulation. As practitioners, we may notice that these clients seem unable to benefit fully from otherwise appropriate interventions like changes in nutrition, lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, breathwork, medication, or mindfulness. When you are experiencing this in your own body or recognise this in your clients, the vagus nerve can be an
The vagus nerve not only plays a central role in regulating the body’s stress response, it also plays a vital role in supporting communication between the brain, digestive system, immune system, heart and lungs. When vagal function is compromised, all these systems are affected.
In this three-part course, we will explore the anatomy and function of the vagus nerve, its relationship with the autonomic nervous system, and its influence on the digestive system and immune health. Each session combines accessible science with easy to apply practices that you can apply in daily life or integrate into your therapeutic work.
What to Expect
Each session includes a blend of theory, guided practices and opportunities for reflection and discussion. The theory we discuss will be translated into practical tools that can be integrated into everyday life.
You will leave each session with a deeper understanding of the vagus nerve related to daily life experiences and a collection of effective practices to support regulation, digestion, breathing and overall wellbeing.
What You Will Learn
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The anatomy and functions of the vagus nerve
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How the vagus nerve relates to the autonomic nervous system
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Common signs and symptoms associated with reduced vagal function
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The brain-gut axis: relationship between the vagus nerve and digestion
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How breathing influences vagal activity and nervous system regulation
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The connection between the vagus nerve and immune function
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Practical exercises and daily rituals to support vagal health and resilience
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How to apply this knowledge in personal practice or professional settings
Who Can Join
This course is open to yoga therapists, yoga teachers, healthcare and wellbeing professionals, as well as anyone interested in learning more about the vagus nerve and its role in health. No prior knowledge of anatomy, physiology or yoga therapy is required. Participants are welcome whether they wish to deepen their professional understanding or explore these practices for their own wellbeing.
Suze Retera is a psychologist, IFS- and somatic therapist, TRE® provider, orthomolecular therapist, and yoga and yoga nidra teacher. In her practice in Amsterdam, she combines these modalities into a holistic approach with the body as the focus point of healing. By releasing experiences through the body, insights, and sustainable healing can occur.
Details:
Dates:
29, 30, and 31 July
Time: daily from 16:00 - 18:00 hrs
Locatie: Online
Prijs: €59 incl. BTW
Recordings:
All sessions will be recorded and made available to watch in your own time.
Language:
This course will be taught in English