Ep. 188: The Vagus Nerve, Fertility & The Fight-or-Flight Trap: Why Slowing Down Heals

Dec 30

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode, Dr. Jane sits down with Dr. Elissa Chambers to unpack the vagus nerve, nervous system regulation, and how all of it connects to fertility. From breathwork and yoga to ear massages and emotional healing, they explore how low vagal tone shows up in digestion, hormones, sleep, and stress and how to build it back up. You’ll also hear how beliefs like “resting makes me lazy” can keep your body stuck in overdrive, and why slowing down is often the hardest but most powerful medicine. They share real patient examples, daily practices, and one-liners you’ll want to write down. If you’re tired of being told to “just relax,” this episode gives you the science and strategy behind why that advice actually matters.

ABOUT DR. JANE’S PRACTICE:

Dr. Jane is a Naturopathic Doctor and a Natural Fertility Expert. She and her team of expert practitioners help couples navigate infertility for 1+ years, get to the root cause of their struggles, heal, and bring healthy babies home.

After having a family member struggle with infertility and experiencing a miscarriage herself, Dr. Jane realized how little support and education women receive. She is on a mission to change that. Since 2020, she has dedicated her practice to fertility, where she and her practitioners work with couples 1:1, running functional lab work, customizing treatment plans and providing her couples with the support they need to get pregnant, have a stress free pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Learn more about Dr. Jane’s practice: www.drjanelevesque.com/practice

Apply to work with Dr. Jane & her team: www.drjanelevesque.com/application

Join to receive Dr. Jane's weekly Fertility Files: https://link.getcmm.com/widget/form/JStvkHpRAamc7VwPMEQE

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Understanding the Vagus Nerve and Its Importance

03:01 Vagal Tone: The Key to Stress Management

06:00 The Connection Between Relaxation and Fertility

09:00 Exploring Core Beliefs and Their Impact on Health

11:54 The Gut-Brain Connection and Intuition

14:49 Empowering Patients to Trust Their Bodies

17:58 Understanding Heart Rate Variability and Vagal Tone

20:54 Lifestyle Changes for Stress Management

23:57 Complex Cases and Holistic Approaches

26:54 The Journey of Health and Well-being

30:06 Personalized Care in Chiropractic Practice

TAKEAWAYS:

The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve and crucial for autonomic functions.

Vagal tone is similar to muscle tone; higher tone means better stress management.

Practices like diaphragmatic breathing can enhance vagal tone.

Emotional beliefs can hinder relaxation and affect health.

The gut-brain connection is vital for overall well-being.

Stress responses can impact fertility and reproductive health.

Individualized care is essential for effective treatment.

Healing is a non-linear journey that requires patience.

Lifestyle changes can significantly improve vagal tone.

Understanding one's body and instincts is key to health.

ABOUT NATURAL FERTILITY:

Pregnancy is a natural process, so if it’s not happening or it’s not sticking, something is missing. Join Dr. Jane, a naturopathic doctor and a natural fertility expert, every Tuesday at 9am for insightful case studies, expert interviews and practical tips on optimizing your fertility naturally.

If you’ve struggling with infertility, pregnancy loss, women’s health issues or just want to be proactive and prepare yourself for the next big chapter in your life… this show is for you.

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