As we round into the holidays our stress levels tend to be on the rise. After Halloween, the rest of the year whizzes by – and this can be a bit stressful.
AcuPatching can be a simple, easy way to help induce the body’s relaxation response within just 30 minutes of applying the patch!
How is this done?
By combining acupoint stimulation of the vagus nerve with the relaxation response induced by the Aeon phototherapy patch. Stimulating your vagus nerve helps turn off the body’s stress response. The vagus nerve facilitates the mind-body connection and it’s the cabling behind the “heart’s emotions” and “gut instincts.”
Vagus nerve stimulation does the following:
• Slows the heart rate
• Calms the mind
• Oxygenates the blood
• Lowers blood pressure
• Relaxes tense muscles
The vagus nerve can be activated in a number of ways including cold water immersion, deep and slow breathing, meditation, exercise, laughter, massage, singing, humming, chanting and gargling as well as supplements including probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids.
HOW TO: Apply the Aeon patch behind the right ear.
I prefer the Aeon patch because it reflects particular wavelengths of light, which decrease inflammation and induce the relaxation response. By placing it behind the right ear, you’re stimulating a branch of the vagus nerve, which in turn promotes brain balance, sleep, digestion, and emotional balance. Buy it HERE.
OPTIONAL: Add SP 6 Complete Behind the Left Ear This patch, which has been found to balance the hypothalamus and help regulate the HPA axis – vital to supporting healthy hormone and stress response, as well as adrenal function. Apply behind the left ear or on the leg at either the left Stomach 36 or left Spleen 6 acupoints to help maximize the regulating effect on the vagus nerve. Buy it HERE.
When you or your child are under stress or are experiencing anxiety, adding in vagal nerve regulation through phototherapy patches is an easy, set-it-and-forget-it way you can help restore the body back to balance and activate the body’s restorative powers. And if you’re in a pinch and don’t have an Aeon or SP 6 Complete patch handy, use whatever patches you do have and apply them behind your ear.
