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Supporting Your Vagus Nerve: A Gentle Path to Emotional and Physical Wellbeing

    Home THE WELLNESS EMPORIUM Supporting Your Vagus Nerve: A Gentle Path to Emotional and Physical Wellbeing

    Supporting Your Vagus Nerve: A Gentle Path to Emotional and Physical Wellbeing

    By Violeta | THE WELLNESS EMPORIUM | 0 comment | 18 August, 2025 | 0

    Have you ever felt butterflies in your stomach before a big moment? Or a tight chest when you’re stressed? These sensations aren’t just “in your head”, they’re your nervous system speaking. And at the heart of it all is something called the vagus nerve.

    As a holistic and integrative psychologist, I often talk to clients about how our mind and body are deeply connected. One of the most powerful ways to support emotional healing is by caring for our nervous system and the vagus nerve plays a central role in this process.

    Trauma lives in the body

    Trauma isn’t just stored in the mind, it lives in the body. In the book Trauma and the Body, Pat Ogden and Clare Pain explain how past experiences, especially overwhelming or unsafe ones, can leave our nervous system stuck in survival mode, even long after the threat is gone.

    Many people tell me, “But that happened years ago.” And yet, their body still reacts as if it’s happening now. A smell, a tone of voice, or even silence can trigger an internal alarm. The heart races. Muscles tense. The stomach clenches. You freeze, flee, or fight, not because you’re overreacting, but because your body remembers.

    In somatic therapy, we work gently with the body’s language – sensation, movement, breath – to help it find safety again. We don’t just talk about what happened. We invite your body into the present moment, where healing can begin.

    Why the vagus nerve matters

    The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in your body and one of the most powerful. It forms a direct communication pathway between your brain and your gut, as well as your heart, lungs, and other organs.

    It plays a central role in your parasympathetic nervous system, what we often call the “rest and digest” system, helping your body slow down, feel safe, and heal.

    When your vagus nerve is well-regulated, your digestion flows more smoothly, your mood feels more balanced, and you’re better able to handle stress and feel safe in your body. But when it’s underactive, overwhelmed, or disrupted, which can happen with chronic stress, trauma, or inflammatory conditions, you might notice symptoms like bloating, irregular bowel movements, brain fog, anxiety, poor sleep, or even flares of IBS.

    Supporting vagus nerve health is one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, ways to care for both your gut and your mind. And the good news? There are gentle, natural ways to activate it.

    Gentle ways to support your vagus nerve:

    These practices may seem simple, but they can have a profound effect over time. Think of them as ways to remind your body: You are safe now.

    1. Slow, deep breathing: Try inhaling for 4 counts, and exhaling for 6 to 8. Long, slow exhales that encourage deep belly breathing, where the belly inflates and relaxes, stimulates the vagus nerve and helps your system shift from fight-or-flight into calm.
    2. Cold exposure: A splash of cold water on your face or a 30-second cool shower can reset your nervous system and bring you back into your body.
    3. Humming or singing: The vagus nerve runs through your vocal cords. Gentle humming, chanting, or singing can stimulate it and create a calming, grounded effect.
    4. Somatic movement: Practices like slow yoga, mindful walking, or gentle stretching help discharge tension and reconnect you with your body’s inner rhythms.
    5. Connection and co-regulation: Being with someone who feels safe – a friend, therapist, pet, or even yourself – is one of the most powerful ways to regulate your nervous system. We heal in connection.

     

    A reminder from your body

     

    If you’ve experienced trauma or long-term stress, your body might need time to feel safe again. That doesn’t mean you’re broken, it means your nervous system has been doing its best to protect you.

    These practices aren’t quick fixes. They’re invitations. Little ways of telling your body: You’re safe now. You can rest.

    If you’d like to explore this more deeply, especially if you’re dealing with anxiety, dissociation, or emotional overwhelm, working with a somatically trained or trauma-informed therapist like me, can support that journey.

    Your nervous system isn’t the problem — it’s the pathway.

    Let’s take care of it.

    Written by Psychologist Violeta

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    gut-brain connection, psychologist violeta, psychology, vagus nerve

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    When people talk about “detoxing,” it’s ofte When people talk about “detoxing,” it’s often tied to juice cleanses or expensive supplements. But your body already has a detox system — your liver. It works every day to filter out toxins and waste. The real question is: are you giving it the support it needs?

Your liver plays a key role in hormone balance, digestion, energy and overall wellbeing. But when it’s under stress from processed foods, alcohol, sugar or environmental toxins, its ability to do that job can slow down. Over time, that can affect your gut, skin, energy and more.

The good news? You can support your liver naturally — with real food.

Certain wholefoods contain compounds that help your liver function better. Leafy greens and bitter vegetables can support phase two detox pathways. Garlic, beetroot and turmeric help stimulate bile flow and reduce inflammation. Fibre supports your gut and helps eliminate waste. Even lemon in warm water can support digestion first thing in the morning.

It’s not about extremes — just small, daily choices that help lighten the load on your liver and support your long-term health.

A few simple tips:
✔ Eat more greens, especially rocket, spinach or kale
✔ Limit alcohol and processed foods
✔ Stay hydrated with filtered water
✔ Include healthy fats like avocado and olive oil
✔ Make room for rest, movement and gut support

Looking for tailored support on low tox living or gentle detox strategies?

📞 Contact or call us on (07) 5535 2474
💻 Or book online today with our Naturopaths.

#lowtoxlife #liverhealth #detoxnaturally #lowtoxliving #gutliverconnection #lowtoxhome #naturaldetox #consciousliving #wholefoodnutrition #chemicalfreehome #liverfriendlyfoods #simplewellness #healthybodyhealthymind #lowtoxnutrition #lowtoxsupport #nontoxicliving
    Lots of mainstream beauty products contain chemica Lots of mainstream beauty products contain chemicals like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). These are widely used because they:
* Preserve products (so they last longer on shelves)
* Make scents stick
* Help products foam or spread easily.

The problem? 🚫 These chemicals can act as Endocrine disruptors = mimic, block, or interfere with your hormones—the body’s messengers that regulate things like mood, energy, metabolism, fertility, and stress response.

* Parabens mimic estrogen, throwing off hormone balance.
* Phthalates can interfere with reproductive hormones and have been linked to fertility issues.
* Fragrance (a catch-all term that can hide hundreds of chemicals) often contains hormone-disrupting compounds.

Since your skin is highly absorbent, these chemicals don’t just sit on the surface. They enter your bloodstream, adding to your body’s “toxic load.” Over time, these can impact your:�- Hormones (PMS, fertility, thyroid)�- Skin (acne, eczema, irritation)�- Gut health�- Mood & energy

You don’t need to throw out your whole cabinet overnight—low-tox living is all about progress, not perfection.
✨ Start with your daily essentials (lotion, sunscreen, deodorant).
✨ Look for simple, clean ingredients.
✨ Each small swap lowers your toxic load and supports your hormones, skin, and overall wellbeing.

Small changes → big impact 💛
📞 Call us on (07) 5535 2474 or
🌿 Book your consultation today and start your low-tox journey.
    Ever flipped over your skincare or cleaning produc Ever flipped over your skincare or cleaning product and felt overwhelmed by the ingredients list?

Many everyday products contain chemicals that sound technical but can quietly impact your health over time — especially when used daily. Some are linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, or long-term environmental damage. And the tricky part? These ingredients aren’t always easy to spot.

Here are 10 common ones to look for when reading labels:
🔍 Parabens – Methylparaben, butylparaben etc. Often used as preservatives, but may affect hormone balance
🔍 Phthalates – Often hidden under “fragrance” or labelled as DEP, DBP, DMP
🔍 Formaldehyde-releasers – Like DMDM hydantoin and Quaternium-15. These are slow-release preservatives
🔍 Triclosan – Still found in some hand sanitisers and toothpaste
🔍 Oxybenzone (BP-3) – A sunscreen chemical linked to endocrine disruption
🔍 PFAS – “Forever chemicals” used for water resistance in cosmetics and cleaning sprays
🔍 SLS/SLES – Sodium lauryl sulfate, harsh surfactants that can irritate skin
🔍 Benzalkonium chloride – Used in disinfectants and some facial wipes
🔍 Propylene glycol – May trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
🔍 Methylisothiazolinone – Preservative found in baby wipes and shampoos; linked to allergic reactions

Low tox living doesn’t mean throwing everything out at once. It means being more informed about what you’re bringing into your home and onto your skin.

If you’re not sure where to begin, our Naturopaths can guide you through the process and help with simple product swaps that make a real difference.

📞 Contact or call us on (07) 5535 2474
💻 Or book online today to speak with our team about your low tox goals.

#lowtoxlife #lowtoxliving #nontoxicliving #chemicalfreehome #labelreading #guthealthsupport #simplewellness #naturalalternatives #ecoawareliving #consciouschoices #lowtoxhome #cleanlivingtips #parabenfree #pfasfree #fragrancefree
    Your gut microbiome is designed to thrive on plant Your gut microbiome is designed to thrive on plant diversity 🌿 

The good bacteria inside your gut feed on prebiotic fibers—found in many plant foods—which they ferment into short-chain fatty acids that lower inflammation, fuel your gut lining, and strengthen immunity.

If you can’t tolerate plant foods or prebiotic fibers, it’s often a sign of dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) or poor digestion—not something to ignore. Cutting foods out might bring temporary relief, but long-term it starves your beneficial microbes, weakens gut resilience, and disrupts balance.

Prebiotics (the fuel) + probiotics (the good bacteria) work together to keep your gut strong, resilient, and diverse. Without enough fiber, probiotics can’t do their job effectively.

Here are 5 great examples of foods with high quality fiber & prebiotic source: 
- Bananas (especially slightly green) → contain resistant starch + prebiotics
- Oats & barley → contain beta-glucans that lower cholesterol and support gut health
- Garlic, onions & leeks → feed good bacteria, also antimicrobial against “bad” bugs
- Flaxseeds & chia seeds → fiber + omega-3s for gut and hormone health
- Dandelion greens & leafy veg → diverse fibers that support microbial diversity
And many more… 

With the right testing and care, we can uncover the “why” and support your microbiome back into balance. 
📞 Call us on (07) 5535 2474 or
🌿 Book your consultation today and start your low-tox journey
    You might not always think about your gut unless s You might not always think about your gut unless something’s gone wrong. But your gut is doing more than just digesting food — it’s a key part of your immune system, hormone balance, energy levels and even mood.

The gut is home to trillions of bacteria that make up your microbiome. These microbes help break down food, create nutrients, and protect your body from the inside out. But everyday exposure to environmental toxins can throw this balance off.

Things like pesticides, plastics, synthetic fragrances, and certain medications can damage your gut lining, reduce beneficial bacteria, and create inflammation. Over time, this can lead to symptoms like bloating, fatigue, brain fog, skin flare-ups and poor digestion.

This imbalance is called dysbiosis, and it’s becoming more common. The good news is that small, low tox changes can make a real difference.

Start with your food: choose whole, unprocessed meals, eat more plant fibres, and include fermented options like sauerkraut or kefir. Use natural cleaning products like vinegar, lemon and bicarb soda. Filter your water and store food in glass instead of plastic. It’s about lightening the load your gut deals with every day.

You don’t need to do it all at once. Begin with one or two swaps that feel manageable and build from there. If you’re feeling unsure where to start, we’re here to help.

📞 Contact or call us on (07) 5535 2474
💻 Or book online today to chat with our Naturopaths about low tox living and gut support.

#lowtoxlife #guthealth #lowtoxhome #guthealing #toxinsandguthealth #chemicalfreehome #guthealthaustralia #bloatingrelief #microbiomehealth #consciousliving #simplewellness #holistichealthaustralia #nontoxicliving #guthealthsupport #cleanlivingtips #naturalchoices #wellnesstips #filteryourwater
    Looking for a serene space to grow your wellness o Looking for a serene space to grow your wellness or healthcare practice?
Our beautiful Burleigh Heads clinic has a  room available for hire — the perfect home for practitioners who value calm, connection and community.

What’s included:
* Electricity + wifi included
* Access to shared kitchen, bathroom + waiting area (supplies all provided to maintain these areas)
* Full access to your clinic room/ clinic space, you choose your hours, no restrictions.
* Cross-referral opportunities within our established multi-modality team
Our space would suit dietitians, counsellors, massage or beauty therapists, energy healers, IV OR injectable nurses, physiotherapists and more.
📍 Located upstairs on James Street, Burleigh Heads
💰 $430 + GST per week
If you’re ready to take the next step in your business and join a like-minded community of health professionals, we’d love to hear from you!
💌 Send us a DM or visit thewellnessemporium.com.au to learn more.

#BurleighHeads #GoldCoastWellness #ClinicRoomHire #WellnessSpace #HolisticHealth #GoldCoastPractitioners #AlliedHealth #WellnessCommunity #Naturopathy #Psychology #Counselling #BurleighHeadsLife
    Pollutants from cars, trucks, and buses release ga Pollutants from cars, trucks, and buses release gases that inflame your lungs. Gas stoves add more indoor nitrogen oxides, while cigarette smoke brings in over 70 carcinogens, including benzene and cadmium. 🚬 

Constant exposure doesn’t just affect breathing — it wears down immunity and fuels chronic conditions.

That’s why low-tox living is more than just a lifestyle choice — it’s a protective step for your body. 🛡️
Here's what you can do - Simple shifts like:
✔️ Use HEPA filters
✔️ Add indoor plants
✔️ Filter your water
✔️ Swap plastic bottles for glass or stainless steel

Our holistic practitioners guide you through changes like these, alongside evidence-based care, to help you feel lighter and healthier.

📞 Call us on (07) 5535 2474 or
🌿 Book your consultation today and start your low-tox journey.
    You don’t need an entire shelf of specialty spra You don’t need an entire shelf of specialty sprays to keep your home clean. In fact, some of the most effective and low tox cleaning options are probably already in your pantry.

Many commercial cleaning products contain synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals and preservatives that can linger in the air, irritate sensitive skin or affect indoor air quality. Over time, constant exposure can contribute to headaches, hormone disruption, and even impact gut health through the skin–gut connection.

Low tox cleaning is simply about swapping out products that add to your chemical load for ones that support a healthier home environment. It doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.

A few basics go a long way:
🍋 Lemon for degreasing and freshening
🥄 Bicarb soda for scrubbing and odours
🍶 White vinegar for disinfecting and cutting through grime
🧴 Castile soap for general surface cleaning
🌿 Citrus peels or herbs for a natural scent boost

You can combine these to make your own all-purpose sprays, bathroom cleaners or surface scrubs. You’ll know exactly what you’re using and avoid bringing unnecessary synthetic chemicals into your space.

And one small but important note — consider swapping out microfibre cloths. They’re made from plastic and shed microplastics in the wash. Cotton cloths or repurposed towels do the job without contributing to pollution.

Starting with a few simple swaps can make a big difference in how your home feels — and how your body responds.

📞 Call us on (07) 5535 2474
💻 Or book online today to chat with our team about creating a low tox space that works for you.

#lowtoxlife #naturalcleaning #lowtoxhome #chemicalfreehome #bicarbsoda #vinegarcleaning #castilesoap #nontoxiccleaning #greenhome #ecofriendlyliving #sustainablehome #naturalalternatives #simplewellness #consciouschoices #guthealthsupport #cleanhomecleanmind #homewellness #nonastystuff #lowtoxliving
    Perimenopause and menopause can feel like a “per Perimenopause and menopause can feel like a “perfect storm” — hormones shifting, life stress piling up, and your gut feeling the effects. 🌪️

Stress doesn’t just live in your head… it shows up in your gut, sleep, mood, and even hot flashes.

✨ The good news? Simple practices like breathing, meditation, yoga, or walking can calm your nervous system and support your gut. Stress management isn’t optional here — it’s essential. 💛

#PerimenopauseSupport
#MenopauseWellness
#GutHealthMatters
#HormoneHealth
#MenopauseJourney
#PerimenopauseRelief
#GutHealing

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    • HOME
    • SERVICES
      • CLINICAL NATUROPATHY
      • PSYCHOLOGY & COUNSELLING
        • ANXIETY
        • DEPRESSION
        • OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
        • PTSD
        • STRESS
        • INTENSIVE SHORT TERM DYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY
        • DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (DBT)
        • EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITISATION AND REPROCESSING (EMDR)
        • WORKCOVER
      • PERIMENOPAUSE WELLNESS PACKAGE
      • EXECUTIVE WELLNESS PROGRAM
      • FUNCTIONAL TESTING
        • GUT HEALTH TESTING
        • ALLERGIES, INTOLERANCES & SENSITIVITIES
        • HORMONE TESTING
        • VAGINAL MICROBIOME TESTING
      • MEAL PLANS (EBOOKS)
      • WORKPLACE WELLNESS & EVENT SPEAKING
      • HEALTHCARE NETWORKING EVENTS
      • GIFT VOUCHERS
    • FEES & APPOINTMENTS
    • CONDITIONS WE TREAT
    • ABOUT
      • MEET NATUROPATH CHAE
      • MEET NATUROPATH ELISHA
      • MEET NATUROPATH ERIKA
      • MEET PSYCHOLOGIST VIOLETA
      • MEET PSYCHOLOGIST NADINE
      • MEET PSYCHOLOGIST ELEANOR
      • MEET MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST IAN
      • MEET OUR ADMIN
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      • JOIN THE TEAM
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