Aids in the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system

Legs Up the Wall can help to aid in the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. The vagus nerve is a long nerve that originates in the brain and travels through the body, connecting to the throat, heart, and diaphragm before terminating in the gut. This nerve is constantly sensing what's going on in the body and relaying information to the brain, which determines how you feel.

Are you rushing around and exhaling quickly? When the vagus nerve detects stress, it sends a message to the brain that says "stress!" The brain then encourages the release of cortisol, the stress hormone. Do you want to lie down with your legs up the wall and take calm, deep breaths? This nerve detects your calm state and delivers a message to your brain, allowing you to transition from the sympathetic nervous system ('fight or flight') to the parasympathetic nervous system ('rest and digest').