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.
Jane Grissmer, MAc, Dipl. Ac.
Jane Grissmer is the founder and co-director of Crossings Healing & Wellness in Silver Spring, Md. She is also division chair of theory in the Master of Acupuncture program at the Maryland University of Integrative Health. Contact Jane with questions and comments regarding this article at jgrissmer@crossingshealing.com.