The vagus nerve

The vagus nerve is a long and important regulatory line that runs between the brain and many of the body's organs. It extends to many organs, from the heart to the gut, and plays a central role in the regulation of states of calm and rest. Polyvagal theory proposes that the different branches of this nerve are associated with different states. The vagus nerve is a two-way path of information between the body and the brain. The healthy working of this line is closely related to a person's capacity to regulate themselves.