The Basic Exercise by Stanley Rosenberg (Video)
The video by Amit from Yobu provides a step-by-step guide to performing a basic exercise from Stanley Rosenberg's book "Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve." This exercise aims to help improve vagus nerve function, which is crucial for relaxation and stress management. Here's a breakdown of the exercise:
Preparation:
Begin by sitting upright comfortably.
Gently turn your head from side to side, noticing any differences in movement or discomfort between the two sides. If there's any discomfort, rate it on a scale from 1 to 10.
Starting the Exercise:
Lie on your back (preferable for beginners).
Interlock your fingers and place them behind your head.
Feel the weight of your head resting in your hands and be aware of the sensation of your fingers at the back of your head.
Eye Movement:
Keeping your head centered, turn only your eyeballs to the right as far as comfortably possible.
Hold this position for 30 seconds to a minute.
During this time, you might experience a spontaneous yawn, sigh, or swallow. This is a natural response indicating relaxation.
Switching Sides:
After completing the time on one side, bring your eyes back to the center and rest for a moment.
Then, repeat the process by turning your eyes to the left, holding for 30 seconds to a minute.
Finishing the Exercise:
Bring your eyes back to the center.
Slowly sit up, maintaining an upright posture to ensure proper body alignment.
Repeat the initial head-turning motion and observe any changes or improvements in movement and comfort.
The exercise is simple and can be done daily or every other day. It's designed to promote well-being by engaging the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in the body's relaxation and stress response systems.