As we know, stress negatively affects our health, and ‘technically’ translates into an imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems—that is, between the system that automatically regulates fight-or-flight reactions and the one for rest and growth.

The parasympathetic system is primarily managed by the vagus nerve, which innervates most organs, including the stomach, intestines, and heart, and is responsible for regulating the heart rate, for example, and complex digestive functions.

It has been discovered that osteopathic treatment focused on the upper cervical area works very well to modify the function of the vagus nerve, thereby influencing the parasympathetic branch of the central nervous system. Some researchers have scientifically measured this effect through heart rate studies, using an electrocardiogram before and after treatment.

Specifically, the osteopathic technique of condylar decompression was used, a very delicate area where the vagus nerve emerges between the occipital region of the skull and the first cervical vertebra, where the vagus nerve was thus contacted.

Since the vagus nerve is closely adjacent to the musculoskeletal structures of the suboccipital region in this area, it is possible that local inflammation, edema, muscle spasms, or other dysfunctions may compress and/or alter the biochemistry of the vagus nerve, worsening its function.

The study highlights the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment on heart rate regulation in a parasympathetic sense, thus demonstrating how it can reduce stress by acting on vagal function.