Understanding Vagal Tone and Its Impact on Children's Health
At Neurohealth Wellness, we are dedicated to supporting families by promoting optimal health for children from the very beginning. One critical, yet often overlooked, area of children's health is vagal tone. The vagus nerve, which is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, plays a central role in regulating stress responses, digestion, immunity, and emotional balance. A strong vagal tone in children can aid in better physiological and emotional regulation, whereas low vagal tone can contribute to a range of developmental challenges.
Here, we’ll explore the factors that can lower vagal tone in children and how certain interventions, including the use of a Myomunchee, can help enhance their overall health and development.
Factors Contributing to Lower Vagal Tone in Children
1. Stress (In-Utero, Birth, and Environment)
Stress during pregnancy, a challenging birth process, or ongoing environmental stress can all impact a child's vagal tone. Prenatal stressors, including maternal anxiety, trauma, or exposure to toxins, can influence a baby’s nervous system even before birth. Additionally, the birth experience itself, especially if complicated, can disrupt a newborn's ability to self-regulate, which is closely tied to vagal tone.
2. Difficult Birth Experiences
Complications during birth, such as a caesarean section, the use of medical instruments, or a prolonged or medicated labour, can place added stress on a newborn’s system. These events may affect the baby’s developing nervous system and the vagus nerve specifically, impacting vagal tone. Supporting these infants with gentle, early interventions can help mitigate some of these challenges.
3. Infections
Frequent infections, particularly those affecting the respiratory or digestive systems, can be taxing on a child’s nervous system and may lower vagal tone. Recurrent infections create an ongoing stress response, disrupting the body’s natural healing and regulation mechanisms.
4. Excessive Swaddling or Lack of Movement
Physical movement is crucial for the healthy development of the nervous system. Overuse of swaddling, or prolonged time in restrictive devices like car seats and Bumbo chairs, can limit a child’s natural movement, which is essential for developing motor skills and nervous system regulation. Encouraging regular, age-appropriate movement stimulates the vagus nerve and promotes healthy vagal tone.
5. Poor Diet and Food Intolerances
Diet plays a fundamental role in a child’s health, including their vagal tone. Food intolerances or an inadequate diet can stress the digestive system, which impacts vagus nerve function. Sensitivities or inflammatory responses to certain foods may disrupt gut health, creating additional stress on the nervous system.
6. Poor Tongue Function or Low Tongue Posture
The positioning and function of the tongue are surprisingly important for vagal tone, as they affect feeding, breathing, and even the way a child engages with the world. When tongue function is compromised, it can lead to issues with feeding and airway development, both of which are linked to the vagus nerve. Early interventions, such as the Myomunchee, can help address these challenges.
7. Heightened Gag Reflex
An overly sensitive gag reflex often indicates low vagal tone and may suggest an imbalance in the nervous system. This can interfere with feeding and swallowing, impacting overall nutrition and growth. Addressing a heightened gag reflex can lead to improved feeding patterns and help support healthier nervous system function.
The Myomunchee: A Valuable Tool for Supporting Vagal Tone
One practical tool that can aid in improving vagal tone in children is the Myomunchee. This Australian-made device is a soft, chewable mouthpiece designed to help children strengthen their jaw muscles, improve tongue posture, and support overall oral function. By encouraging natural chewing motions, the Myomunchee can help stimulate the vagus nerve, promoting better vagal tone.
Using a Myomunchee daily can aid in improving oral muscle tone, which benefits breathing patterns, digestion, and even emotional regulation. As children chew on the Myomunchee, it helps activate the cranial nerves, including the vagus nerve, which supports improved vagal tone. Additionally, Myomunchee use can positively impact the development of a child's palate and airway, setting a solid foundation for lifelong health.
For children with poor tongue function, low muscle tone in the face and jaw, or challenges in oral development, the Myomunchee can be a gentle, effective intervention. By incorporating the Myomunchee into a child’s routine, we can support not only their physical development but also their neurological and emotional well-being.
Supporting Healthy Vagal Tone in Children
At Neurohealth Wellness, we take a holistic approach to paediatric care, working with families to support children’s development in all areas, including vagal tone. Chiropractic care and other specialised paediatric interventions can address alignment issues and nervous system imbalances that may impact the vagus nerve.
In addition to chiropractic adjustments, tools like the Myomunchee, along with guidance on movement, diet, and stress reduction, can create a supportive environment for healthy vagal tone. For some children, complementary care such as speech therapy for tongue posture, nutritional advice for dietary needs, and movement assessments may further support their nervous system.
Encouraging parents to reduce stress, support natural movement, and explore helpful tools like the Myomunchee can make a significant difference in a child’s development. At Neurohealth Wellness, we are here to support your child’s growth and help them thrive.
To learn more about how we can assist your family, contact us at Neurohealth Wellness on (02) 9905 9099 or book online.
