1. Stimulates the Enteric Nervous System (Gut-Brain Connection)
The vagus nerve is a key communicator between the brain and the gut. Since about 80% of vagus nerve fibers send signals from the gut to the brain, viscera can:
- Activate the vagus nerve, shifting the body from a stress state (sympathetic) to a relaxed state (parasympathetic).
- Improve digestion and motility, helping with bloating, constipation, and irritable bowel symptoms.
2. Encourages Diaphragmatic Activation
The diaphragm is directly connected to the vagus nerve. Viscera often involves breathing techniques such as Voo’ing that encourage diaphragmatic movement, which:
- Activates the parasympathetic response, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Helps release tension stored in the diaphragm (which tightens under chronic stress).
3. Releases Fascial Restrictions Around the Organs
Chronic stress and trauma can lead to tightness in the abdominal fascia (connective tissue around the organs). This tightness can:
- Reduce vagal tone.
- Contribute to a stressed, contracted state in the nervous system.
Gentle but firm pressure in viscera can help release this stored tension, allowing the body to enter a more regulated state.
4. Helps Regulate Heart Rate & Blood Pressure
Since the vagus nerve influences heart rate variability (HRV), stimulating it through viscera can:
- Slow heart rate (helpful for anxiety and panic disorders).
- Lower blood pressure, reducing chronic stress effects.
5. Supports Trauma Release & Emotional Regulation
For people with stored trauma, viscera can be emotionally releasing. Since trauma often manifests as gut tension, releasing it can help:
- Reduce hypervigilance.
- Improve the ability to stay present and connected.
- Support better emotional processing and resilience.
Practical Techniques for Vagus Nerve Stimulation via Viscera
- Circular motions around the navel (clockwise for digestion).
- Gentle deep pressure under the ribcage (diaphragm release).
- Pairing with Voo’ing and slow, deep belly breathing (enhances the effects).
Viscera works as a direct access point to the vagus nerve by stimulating the gut, diaphragm, and fascia. It can help reset chronic nervous system dysregulation and restore a natural state of balance.
Click play below to listen to Dr. Reggie speak about the importance of Viscera in SRT.
We visited regi Melrose in long Beach ca around 2015 and were very impressed by her somatic work. Would like to learn more
thank you so much, yaron! hopefully you can join us for our live events coming up IN 2025, or you can join the 1-year SRT healing program that we start every january. the newsletters that come into your email inbox is where you will find announcements about all of that. you can also find these announcements at my APP -Dr. Reggie’s Toolkit- which is FREE at your APP store. lots of love and all the best. 🙂
Wow that Clear explanation is So So powerful! Thank You!
I am very interested in listening to more of free and short to the point explanation to understand how your work brings healing, If there are any sources like that please let me know Thank You!
wonderful! thank you, ruchy! there are more sources like this on my APP (which is free at your APP store) – called Dr. Reggie’s Toolkit (i believe) – and at my youtube channel – called Dr. Reggie Melrose – and also others that come through my newsletter, like the one you just received. stay tuned for more! looking forward. 🙂
Curious and interested to learn more.
hi michelle, there are many places to learn more including what i consider the best way, which is experientially. you are welcome to contact me through the website to request my list of practitioners. we would be happy to set up an appointment so that you could experience your own vagal tone and improve its functioning for greater wellness and joy. as healthy as you likely are, there are many ways to feel even better and have more of the experiences in life you would like to have. send us an email anytime and we’ll get right back to you. all the best.