By Atul Vyas
In the brain-gut axis bidirectional communication, the Vegas nerve plays an important role. The Vegas nerve is a cranial nerve originating from the stem of the brain through the neck, and thorax and runs down to the abdomen. This nerve represents the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which oversees crucial bodily functions such as control of mood, immune response, digestion, and heart rate.
It is the connection between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract which sends information about the inner organs to the brain. There is research evidence suggesting that Vegas nerve stimulation is effective in the treatment of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and inflammatory bowel disease.
There is also evidence that gut bacteria affect emotional behavior by affecting the activity of the Vegas nerve. The vagal tone, i.e. stimulation of the Vegas nerve regulates the stress responses and can be influenced by breathing exercises or pranayama and yoga.
There are many yogic techniques for toning and simulation of the Vegas nerve that is considered an important regulator of the viscera; Bhujangasana is one of them. In Sanskrit, Bhujanga means “Cobra.” As the final position of this pose resembles the hooded snake; hence it is called Bhujangasana. In Gheranda Samhita describes it as a pose in which the lower part of the body from toes up to the naval touch the ground while the palms are kept on the ground and the head is raised like a Cobra.
Technique
- Lie down on the ground on your belly, legs together pointing outward, hands by the side of the body, and forehead resting on the ground
- Bending hands at the elbows, place palms on the ground on each side of the shoulders
- Raise the body above the naval off the ground
- Raise the chin and turn the head backward as much as possible
- After ten seconds bring the body back to the ground starting from the upper part, abdomen, chin, and forehead
Note of Caution
- Do not jerk the body
- The naval and lower part of the abdomen below should not be raised
- Put minimum weight on hands
- For people suffering from Hernia, ulcerative colitis, vaginitis, and hepatitis, this pose is forbidden
Benefits
- It relieves constipation, indigestion, and flatulence
- Considered very important in “Sankhprakshlana” – a yogic practice of cleansing the entire gut system
- Very effective for Asthma, Dyspepsia, and Vata diseases
- Makes spine flexible
- Helps to cure gastritis, gastric ulcer, low blood pressure, and kyphosis
- Helps in lower back pain, hydrocele, and colitis
- Increased pelvic circulation
- Increases Lymphatic flow
- Increases oxygen consumption
(The author likes to be called a “Yoga Scientist.” He is a celebrity yoga trainer and has trained several top Hollywood and Bollywood stars. He has trained for years under many eminent yoga gurus including his illustrious mother Daya Vyas, the first lady yoga guru of India.)