1. Vagal Nerve Stimulation through Kundalini Yoga
Presented by Anne Ruitberg Taylor, Ph.D. annetaylor.com

2. Vagus Nerve: “the nerve bundle in the body devoted to trust and social connection […]” Dacher Keltner, PhD
Cranial X
“Nerve of Compassion”
Keltner, Dacher. Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life. New York: Norton,

3. Ik Tara: One Star Spirituality Vagus Nerve of Parasympathetic Nervous System
Body as Divine instrument with strings
Central “tuning string” of the body is the vagus nerve
72,000 vibratory strings or “surs”
Source: Yogi Bhajan KRI Library of Teachings
“The Mind Nerve”

4. How Is the Vagus Nerve Stimulated?
Western Model
Eastern Model
Pranayama, Kriya, Sound/Mantra, Meditation
Self-Mastery
2005 FDA approves VNS for depression. Device originally developed to treat epilepsy
Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS)
pioneered by Cyberonics, Inc.

5. Scientific Validation of Vagal Stimulation—Heart Rate Variation
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Inhalation inhibits the vagal nerve and heart rate increases
Exhalation activates the vagal nerve & heart rate slows down. The vagal nerve is the primary “brake” on heart rate
Heart rate variability is linked to vagal nerve activity
Vagus nerve is “loaded up with oxytocin receptors”
Oxytocin receptors: Keltner, Dacher. Born to be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life. p 244.

6. Ujjayi Pranayama (Ocean Sounding Breath)
Sinusoidal Heart Rate Variability Pattern
Sym
Balance
Parasympathetic

7. High Parasympathetic Activity
Coherent HRV
Incoherent HRV with Induced High
Parasympathetic Activity
Sym
Balance
Parasympathetic
High Sympathetic AND High Parasympathetic Activity

8. Technical Knowledge by Doing…
One-Star Spirituality
Image Courtesy of NASA
As taught by Yogi Bhajan—Master of Kundalini Yoga
Enough Talk…Let’s Do

9. Tuning In with the Adi Mantra:
Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo
Followed by the Mantra for Protection:
Ad Guray Nameh, Jugad Guray Nameh,
Sat Guray Namey, Siri Guru Devay Nameh

10. Ujjayi Pranayama (ocean sounding breath)
Inhale deeply & slowly.
Partially close glottis by constricting the back of the throat—gently.
Exhale & inhale slowly making an “ocean sounding breath.”
Vagus nerve travels through jaw area & is sensitive to vibrations

11. Left Nostril Breathing
Coherent HRV Pattern
0.1 Hz Power Spectrum
Simple & Highly Effective Technique

12. Left Nostril Breathing
Inhale slowly through left nostril
Exhale slowly through left nostril
The Left is the “Moon” side of the body—Ida Nadi
Slows, relaxes, & cools the body, mind, & spirit

13. Relaxation ≠ Coherence
HUMAN COMPASSION, KINDNESS, & GRATITUDE FOSTERS
A COHERENT STATE
“In the Zone”
0.1 Hz is “In the Zone” of Autonomic Nervous System Balance

14. Exercising the Central Vagus Nerve
Interlace fingers
Inhale to raise both legs/ Exhale to lower both legs
One cycle up/down approx 4 seconds
Arms remain up

15. Stretch Arms Overhead: Leg Lifts

16. Scissor Legs 1’ Apart Exhale & Lower, Inhale & Raise Legs Together

17. Shoulder Stand, then Bend Knees

18. Sa-Ta-Na-Ma
From Shoulder Stand, bring your legs alternately down to touch the floor behind your head. As one leg goes down, the other leg goes up.
Chant Sa-Ta-Na-Ma with the movement.

19. “God and Me, Me and God are One”

20. Deep Relaxation
With “Gong Bath”

21. Balancing Mind & Heart Unto Infinity
“So Hung”
“Infinity, I am Thou”
Inhale Whistle Breath:
“So”
Exhale through Nose:
“Hung”

22. Long Time Sun May the long time sun shine around you
All love surround you
And the pure light within you
Guide your way on
Sat Nam