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.
Martha Hall, DAOM, ACN, NCCAOM
Martha E. Hall is an acupuncturist and herbalist with a busy practice in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. She graduated with a doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, and is a certified Applied Clinical Nutritionist. She holds a National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine certification and belongs to the International Foundation for Nutrition and Health.