Unveiling the Healing Potential: The Power of the Vagus Nerve in Treating Psychiatric Illness - A Hands-On Experience (Sponsored by the Integrative Medicine SIG)

Abstract: The vagus nerve is the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system, influencing the body's ability to induce relaxation and regulate emotions. Activation of the vagus nerve via manual modalities or interventional techniques can help restore balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems which has been shown to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, reduce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduce pain intensity, and increase heart rate variability. Studies show that therapies targeting the vagus nerve can improve the lives of patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and critical illness. Manual medicine techniques are often gentle with few absolute contraindications, safe in children, and can be performed in both the hospital and the office. This session, sponsored by the Integrative Medicine SIG, will expose participants to a variety of manual and interventional techniques that directly target the vagus nerve and includes both a didactic component and hands-on experience.

Dr. Ana Ivkovic will provide an overview of the neurophysiology of the vagus nerve followed by a brief review of implantable vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and its efficacy for depression and PTSD. (10 minutes)

Dr. Andrea DeSimone will explore two Chinese medicine modalities that regulate parasympathetic tone, including discussing evidence for acupuncture in treating mood disorders and combat-related PTSD as well as introducing Chi Nei Tsang, a form of abdominal massage that promotes wellbeing. (10 minutes)

Dr. Millicent Channell will discuss how Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (OCF) can augment treatment of mood disorders and assist in the management of critically ill patients. (10 minutes)

The latter half of the session consists of a hands-on experiential component during which participants will learn and practice beginner-friendly manual medicine techniques targeting the vagus nerve or parasympathetic nervous system that can be put into practice immediately. Dr. Rachel Sakla will lead the group through three 15 minute sessions. Each session will consist of a brief 5 minute overview followed by 10 minutes of hands-on practice in pairs. Each of the speakers will serve as table trainers during this portion of the workshop to facilitate hands-on practice and ease of asking questions. Techniques include thoracic outlet release, suboccipital decompression, doming the diaphragm, mesenteric release, and rib raising. Comfortable clothes are recommended but not required. (15 minute sessions; 45 minutes total)