Reflexology and The Gut-Brain Axis: New Ways to Access the Vagus Nerve for Digestive and Emotional Health
- Jennifer Johnson
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
This is a blog post for reflexology therapists, so get your ‘clinical’ reading-goggles on for some helpful tips and insights into the gut-brain axis, vagus nerve and health!
Start here: What is the gut-brain axis?
The gut-brain axis, also known as the microbiota-gut-brain axis, is a complex system that facilitates communication between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract.
How does the gut-brain axis work?
The vagus nerve, also called cranial nerve X, is a major nerve that connects the gut and brain, sending signals in both directions.
The gut microbiome, which is made up of bacteria and helps with serotonin production, communicates with the brain through the vagus nerve.
The gut microbiome can send incorrect messages to the brain when it's out of balance, which is called dysbiosis.
Dysbiosis has been linked to a number of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome.
This means the brain can influence gut function, and conversely, the gut can send vital information back to the brain. As these two systems respond to each other, they create a feedback loop. So how can reflexology affect this loop?
Reflex techniques for vagus nerve communication: ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’ perspectives
A new understanding of the bidirectional nature of the vagus nerve means that reflexology techniques applied to stimulate the parasympathetic system (otherwise known as the “rest and repair” or “rest and digest” system) no longer need to be limited primarily to a reflex well-used by reflexology therapists: the solar plexus reflex.
Additionally, reflexology can be used access the vagus nerve anywhere along its extensive and winding pathway, in a ‘top-down’ fashion by recreating its initial downward descent from the brain stem, via the reflexes for the brain and the lateral neck, and in a ‘bottom-up’ fashion via the reflexes to any of the organs it supplies.
Holistic considerations: stress and inflammation
Evolving research into the relationship between the vagus nerve and inflammation shows us that a compromised vagal response, also called low vagal tone and associated with high stress, correlates with higher inflammation. Reflexology stimulation of the vagus nerve (especially with repeated sessions) can enhance the vagus nerve’s ‘relaxation’ response - also referred to as high vagal tone - which, in turn, reduces inflammation.
Mental health focus: add the digestive reflexes
By applying reflex techniques to the digestive system reflexes with the added intent of affecting mental health, reflexology benefits are twofold:
First, promoting balance within the gut promotes a healthier environment for the microbiome to flourish. This can also help stimulate serotonin levels, as a whopping 90% of this anti-depression hormone is produced within the gut!
Secondly, enhancing “upward” communication from the vagus nerve attachments - from various digestive organs back up to the brain stem - can help the brain recognize a healthier gut, influence serotonin availability, and promote feelings of wellbeing.
What we learned, and going further…
The gut-brain axis, facilitated by the vagus nerve, highlights the remarkable connection between our physical health and mental well-being. A reflexology-based understanding of this relationship can empower us to take better care of our gut health, ultimately influencing our mood and emotional state. As reflexology therapists, this knowledge can add another dimension to your client care!
For specific reflexology techniques and a routine-based protocol that highlights holistic reflexology, check our courses!
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