Anthony Goldsmith
One of the simplest things I often recommend is working through the tongue. It’s an easy way to interact with the vagus nerve and help bring the parasympathetic system back online.
Gently press your tongue into your left cheek and hold for about 10 seconds, then switch to the right side for another 10. Let the jaw relax as you do this, no clenching. The teeth can gently touch or hover, whatever feels natural, but keep the jaw relaxed. I usually suggest rolling the tongue slightly until a deep, spontaneous sigh shows up. When it does, that’s the nervous system letting go. You may also yawn or feel a release through the face and neck.
I often get clients who are surprised by how effective this feels. You’re not really doing much, yet the body responds. That’s the nervous system recognising safety. Do this 4–5 times.
This simple drill works through both the vagus nerve and the hypoglossal nerve, two key pathways involved in autonomic communication and regulation.
