How Vagus Nerve Exercises Work The vagus nerve runs from the brainstem down through the neck, chest, and abdomen. It connects to key organs like the heart, lungs, and gut. This nerve is the main pathway of the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the "rest and digest" response. This system balances the fight-or-flight reaction that triggers anxiety. The term vagal tone describes how well the vagus nerve functions. Higher vagal tone means your body recovers faster fr
