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.
Claudia Anrig, DC
Dr. Claudia Anrig practices in Fresno, Calif., and is the co-editor of Pediatric Chiropractic, 2nd Edition. For more information, including a brief biography, a printable version of this article and a link to previous articles, please visit her columnist page online.