BIBLIOTHERAPY: Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve: Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism by Stanley Rosenberg

Stanley Rosenberg is an expert cranial sacral and Rolfing bodyworker with over 30 years of experience. He wrote, Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve: Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism as a practical guide to understanding cranial nerve function for psychological and physical well-being, building on Stephen Porges’s Polyvagal Theory.

The vagus nerve is the 10th of our 12 cranial nerves, it is the longest in our bodies, it has two branches, it is central to our survival, involved in our stress and relaxation responses, and our ability to connect with others. It regulates many of our organs and influences our emotional state.

Rosenberg believes conditions such as depression, fibromyalgia, COPD, PTSD, migraines, and neck problems along with a huge list of symptoms outlined in this book are related to cranial-nerve dysfunction. 

He covers the anatomy and physiology in detail of the 12 cranial nerves. I think what will be most interesting for you as a reader, is to try the simple, yet profound techniques he shares to balance your connective tissues and increase your cranial nerve function. I have located videos on YouTube that demonstrate a few of Rosenberg’s techniques listed in his book:

The Basic Exercise (balance suboccipital muscles, vagal nerve dysfunction, increase social engagement & bloodflow to brainstem)

SCM Exercise (stiff neck, migraine)

Twist & Turn Exercise (resets trapezius, lengthens spine, deepens breathing, counteracts forward head posture)

Play around with these practices and see if they create more ease and a sense of regulation in your body! Coriander Living Collective teaches tools and techniques to work with your nervous system. Schedule your intake session now for clients in MN/WI!