The Vagus Nerve & Holistic Treatment | Speech Therapist in NYC

The Power of the Vagus Nerve in Holistic Treatment Practices: Viewpoints from a Speech Therapist in NYC

Vagus comes from the Latin word meaning “to wander.” This nerve is a long, traversing nerve that travels down through the right and left sides of your body. As a speech therapist in NYC, I find its gentle influence on voice and emotion especially meaningful in my work.

What makes the vagus nerve so powerful?

The left vagal nerve travels down the left side of the body, while the right vagal nerve travels down the right side of the body. We all have 12 cranial nerves. The vagus nerve is the 12th cranial nerve, and it is one of the longest nerves in the human body.

It travels from the base of the brain to the nerve branches of the face, neck, and connects to many of the body’s major organs. The vagus nerve exits through the medulla oblongata into the lower brainstem, and then connects to your neck, chest, heart, lungs, abdomen, and finally the digestive system.

All in all, the vagus nerve is crucial in controlling the autonomic nervous system functions. It controls many of the unconscious functions of the body, such as your breathing, heart rate, digestion, and immune system responses. The branches of the vagus nerve then extend from the brain stem into the ears, lungs, heart, and gut.

The next time you get a “gut feeling,” that is your brain communicating with your abdomen – via your vagus nerve – perhaps trust that intuitive feeling!

The vagus nerve can play an important role in your child’s well-being and self-regulation abilities, something we often consider during speech therapy sessions in NYC. It controls the involuntary functions of the body and has an important role in regulating the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

What is the autonomic nervous system?

The autonomic nervous system is made up of two main branches.

The parasympathetic (rest & digest) branch and the sympathetic (fight or flight) branch. These branches work in conjunction with each other to keep a child’s nervous system calm and regulated.

The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that controls the involuntary functions of your body, such as breathing, digesting, sweating, and swallowing.

The parasympathetic nervous system controls your stress responses. The sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems make up the autonomic nervous system, which controls the involuntary mechanisms of the human body.

By harnessing the power of the vagus nerve, your child can learn to regulate their nervous system throughout their day with ease!

At-Home Exercises from a Speech Therapist in NYC

Here are some simple exercises you can try at home to calm your child’s (and your own) nervous system – using the power of the vagus nerve!

1. Breath deeply in and out through your nose, while your lips are softly closed.

Bonus points: hold your pointer finger up in front of your nose and give the instructions: “smell the flower, blow out the candles.”

2. Humming can activate the vagus nerve as well, as it runs past the vocal folds. I invite you to gently hum with your child. Take a gentle breath in and then slowly and gently begin a sustained humming sound.

Bonus points: you can practice being a hummingbird or a bumblebee. And the parent can pretend to be a flower, while the child buzzes around the flower.

3. A splash of cold water on your face or a cold compress on your neck or wrists can also stimulate the vagus nerve and provide a reset for the nervous system, if you are in a moment of panic or overwhelm.

4. Singing a beloved tune can also help to calm and regulate the nervous system, while powering up that vagus nerve!

5. Mindfulness and meditation practices can also help to improve stress, immune, and inflammatory responses within the body.

If your child could benefit from more individualized support, Chatty Child integrates holistic approaches into our speech therapy sessions with a speech therapist in NYC.

Through these fun vagal nerve activation exercises, one can activate the power of their vagus nerve and improve their overall digestion, mood, well-being, and self-regulation!

Chatty Child’s experienced and creative speech therapists in NYC and occupational therapists provide holistic and creative therapeutic care both in-person and online across all of New York State.

To book an in-person or online speech therapy assessment and treatment sessions with Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, please visit our website at: www.chattychild.com; email: info@chattychild.com; or call: 347 491 4451

Sincerely,

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP

Helping Your Child Feel Safe, Heard, & Regulated with a Speech Therapist in NYC

At Chatty Child, we believe that speech therapy in NYC is about more than just articulation. It’s about connection, regulation, and whole-child well-being. By integrating nervous system-informed practices like vagus nerve support, we help children feel safe, grounded, and confident in their communication.

Here’s how to get started with a speech therapist in NYC:

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to talk about your child’s needs and learn how we can support their growth.
Book a comprehensive evaluation to assess communication strengths and identify areas for support.
Begin individualized speech therapy sessions rooted in empathy, regulation, and connection.
Watch your child thrive in voice, in confidence, and in their ability to engage with the world.

Whole-Child Support Services in NYC to Help Kids Grow with Confidence

Beyond our foundational pediatric speech therapy services in NYC, Chatty Child offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to nurture your child’s growth and equip families with the tools they need:

InterAct – A dynamic therapy experience blending theater, movement, and storytelling to strengthen expressive language and imagination.
Occupational Therapy – Helps children build coordination, regulate sensory input, and gain the skills they need for independence in daily routines.
Teletherapy – Convenient virtual speech and occupational therapy appointments, available to families throughout New York State.
Tutoring – Tailored academic support in literacy, writing, and creative thinking to enhance school performance and self-esteem.
Functional Nutrition – Child-focused nutrition support aimed at promoting healthy growth, emotional wellness, and daily balance.
Consulting – Expert collaboration for families, educators, and therapists to create consistent, supportive environments.
Programs – Interactive group classes that foster curiosity, emotional development, and joyful engagement through hands-on learning.

Let’s work together to support your child’s development in communication, connection, and everyday confidence.

Meet the Author: A Holistic Speech Therapist in NYC

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a nationally certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience working as a speech therapist in NYC, where she specializes in pediatric speech and language development. Beyond her clinical expertise, Heather is also a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, a trauma-informed provider, and a proud neurodiverse and differently-abled individual. Her personal experiences deeply influence the compassionate, individualized care she provides.

Heather’s journey as a differently-abled person inspired her to create Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive and empowering practice devoted to helping children thrive. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book designed to encourage self-expression, confidence, and social learning, complete with a teaching guide for parents and educators.

As a dedicated speech therapist NYC families trust, Heather offers both in-person services at her Tribeca clinic and virtual sessions throughout New York State. Through personalized, holistic care, she and her team help children grow in communication, confidence, and connection.

Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC

Creating Possibilities .. one child at a time ..

Chatty Child Provides Pediatric Speech & Occupational Therapy & Classes in Tribeca, Manhattan, NYC – In Person at 325 Broadway Suite 403 New York, NY 10007 & serving the entire state of New York including: NYC, Westchester, Hudson Valley, Long Island via online therapy in New York State.