One of the longest nerves in the body is known as the vagus nerve (VN). The VN is the 10th pair of cranial nerves that originates at the brain stem in the medulla oblongata. This nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a part of the ANS. Research suggests ear acupuncture can activate the VN.
Alexis Rotella, LAc, MAc, CNC
Alexis Rotella is director of The Jade Spring Health Center in Arnold, Md. She practices Classical Five-Element acupuncture and also maintains an art and haiku blog at www.alexisrotella.com.