It’s Not Always About the Vagus Nerve

In birth, in menopause, in stress, in sleep, there’s more going on, and we need to talk about it. 

The vagus nerve has become something of a wellness celebrity. On podcasts, in newspapers, in casual conversations, and even from health practitioners, I keep hearing misconceptions about its purpose, its power, and its limits. While the vagus nerve is an important part of the nervous system, it’s only one piece of a much larger system that shapes how we feel, heal, and respond to the world.

These misconceptions are snowballing, as confusing information spreads—causing us to miss out on an essential understanding of how our bodies work. As a birth educator and certified menopause and nervous system-informed coach, I’m motivated to clarify.