The Vagus Nerve and the Developing Nervous System
Growth & Development: What Is the Nervous System?
From the moment we’re born, our nervous system—the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves branching throughout the body—drives every moment of growth and learning. It is the master control system, guiding everything from movement and coordination to emotion, digestion, and immune health. Early childhood is a period of rapid and sensitive nervous system development, laying the foundation for lifelong wellbeing.
Vagus Nerve: The Calm Connector
The vagus nerve gets its name from the Latin word "vagus," meaning "wandering." It truly lives up to its name—this nerve wanders far and wide throughout the body, branching to nearly every major organ from the brain all the way down to the abdomen. As the largest and longest cranial nerve, the vagus is a key player in the parasympathetic nervous system—the part known as “rest and digest.”
This “wandering nerve” helps slow the heart rate, promote calm and relaxation, stimulate healthy digestion, regulate immune function, and support deep sleep. It’s also deeply involved in emotional regulation, which is crucial for kids as they grow and learn new ways of managing stress and excitement.
What makes the vagus unique is its extensive reach and powerful influence. It forms a direct line of communication between the brain and organs like the heart, lungs, stomach, and intestines. As the backbone of the parasympathetic side, its job is to keep the body balanced—counteracting the “fight or flight” reaction with soothing signals that help us recover, restore, and build resilience. For growing children, a healthy vagus nerve supports emotional wellbeing, robust immunity, and optimal digestion, making it a true guardian of childhood development.
Why Chiropractic Helps—and How Our Approach Changes With Age
Chiropractic care is all about supporting the body’s natural ability to regulate and heal—starting with the nervous system. For babies, gentle and specific techniques help release tension and stress that can arise from a traumatic birth, rapid growth spurts, or the everyday knocks and falls of early life.
As children grow, chiropractic adjustments are always adapted to be low-force and age-appropriate. For toddlers and older kids, care focuses on encouraging healthy movement patterns, improving coordination, and reaching developmental milestones. This helps keep their growing nervous systems balanced, supporting their journey through each unique stage of development. Every adjustment is thoughtfully tailored, ensuring comfort and safety while helping your child’s body thrive naturally.