The vagal nerve, often referred to as the vagus nerve or simply "the wanderer," is a remarkable conduit of the autonomic nervous system, intricately weaving its way through the body from the brainstem to the visceral organs. It's the biological nexus that marries our mental and physical states, overseeing a symphony of functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rhythm, while also modulating our emotional equilibrium and stress responses. In the lexicon of heightened human performance and ecstatic states, the vagal nerve is the unsung hero, offering a gateway to deep parasympathetic relaxation and profound states of flow. By leveraging breathing exercises, mindfulness, and biohacks, one can activate this nerve, tapping into a reservoir of calm and clarity amidst the storm of our modern lives.

See also: nervous system, brain stem, peak experience, altered state