Head & Eye Tilt

Good for resetting during an anxious moment

3:06

I encourage you to think about this technique as part of your pre-game. What do I mean? Well, the quality of our “performance” (say its listening to someone, getting through a dental procedure, running a race, taking a test, dealing with a sassy teenager, etc) depends on getting into the right state of being. Most of our performances are best given when we are in the Ventral Vagus State. This is named after the important Vagus nerve that is the master controller of our states. This is our calm but attentive state, it’s when we have capacity to access muscle memory (such as hitting a baseball) and when we can read non-verbal cues in social situations. One of the most important skills to have is the ability to consciously shift your system into this Ventral Vagus state. 

The Salamander can help you do this and it comes from the book "Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve" by Stanley Rosenberg.

https://www.amazon.com/Accessing-Healing-Power-Vagus-Nerve/dp/1623170249

When you do the Salamander, you bring your head to the same level as the rest of your spine. The side bending movement releases muscle tension between your ribs and thoracic spine, contributing to freedom of movement of your ribs and promoting optimal breathing. 

Check out the book for much more explanation of how to assist your body with relaxing by working with your Vagus Nerve.  

Disclaimer

Information in these videos is for educational purposes only and is provided only as general information for stress reduction. It is not intended to create and does not constitute a professional relationship between Jean Manz, LMFT and the viewer and it is not meant to diagnose or treat any individual disease. Stop the techniques at any time if you feel discomfort. Please consult a medical or mental health professional if you are concerned about your health or mental and emotional well-being.