In my clinics, I am seeing more and more people with symptoms of anxiety. They come to me usually with physical problems like tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back. This is because that’s what I am know for in my community. Often they have been to see their medical team because they know they are “not right”
Yes, my first choice is utilising the EMMETT Technique around the tense areas and also using the beautiful Recovery protocol. I will also want to relax the whole body and so I choose to use the EMMETT Lymphatic protocol. I also have other techniques that I am constantly learning and many will support the Vagus Nerve. One of these was developed by Kim Dowdell and was something I learnt on her Vagus courses. It is a way to support the Vagus using acupressure on the source points of the meridians in the body and works beautifully to calm the body.
There is a lot spoken about the Vagus Nerve at present and recently I took a course with Dr Perry Nickelston from Stop Chasing Pain where I learnt even more practical technique to integrate into my treatments.
What caught my attention first was The Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and explains how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) influences emotions, social behaviour, and physiological responses to stress.
It describes three hierarchical states:
1. Ventral Vagal (Safe & Social) When we feel safe, the ventral vagus nerve supports calmness, connection, and social engagement.
2. Sympathetic (Fight or Flight) In response to perceived threats, the sympathetic nervous system activates, increasing heart rate and preparing for action.
3. Dorsal Vagal (Shutdown/Freeze) If the threat feels overwhelming, the dorsal vagus nerve triggers a shutdown response, leading to dissociation, numbness, or collapse.
This theory helps explain how trauma and stress affect the nervous system and highlights the importance of safety and connection in healing.
The vagus nerve, promoting a balanced autonomic nervous system. Here are some key complementary approaches:
1. Manual Therapies
Emmett Technique – Gentle muscle release techniques can stimulate vagal tone, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Massage Therapy – Especially around the neck, shoulders, and diaphragm, massage can activate the vagus nerve and enhance parasympathetic function.
Craniosacral Therapy – Helps release restrictions in the nervous system, encouraging vagal regulation.
2. Breathwork & Movement
Diaphragmatic Breathing – Slow, deep breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, calming the nervous system.
Yoga & Tai Chi – Gentle movements combined with breath work improve vagal tone and stress resilience.
3. Sound & Vibration Therapy
Humming, Singing, Chanting – Vibrations from vocalisation stimulate the vagus nerve.
Listening to Low-Frequency Sounds – Certain frequencies (e.g., binaural beats) can enhance vagal function.
4. Cold Exposure
Cold Showers or Splashing Face with Cold Water – Brief cold exposure can activate the vagus nerve and build nervous system resilience.
5. Acupuncture & Reflexology
Acupuncture – Certain points, particularly around the ear, influence vagal activity.
Reflexology – Foot and ear reflex points can help balance the autonomic nervous system.
6. Nutrition & Lifestyle
Probiotics & Gut Health – The gut-brain connection is closely linked to vagus nerve function.
Mindfulness & Meditation – Encourages relaxation and improves vagal tone.
I will often suggest that clients with anxiety look for a combination of therapies to help them and to maintain them in a comfortable state.