The Vagus Nerve & Nervous System Regulation: Why Everyone Is Talking About It

In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor Podcast, Dr. Don MacDonald dives into one of the most searched health topics in the world right now: the vagus nerve. If you’ve wondered why everyone is suddenly talking about “vagal tone,” nervous system regulation, and Polyvagal Theory — this conversation connects the dots. You’ll hear why the vagus nerve has captured so much public attention, how stress and modern life shape our biology, and why so many people today feel stuck in fight, flight, or freeze without even realizing it.

Dr. Don breaks down the science in simple language, explaining what the vagus nerve actually is, why it influences everything from digestion and sleep to inflammation and emotional well-being, and what most online “hacks” get wrong. Drawing on over 27 years of practice, Dr. Don brings the chiropractic and Polyvagal lenses together to show how movement, posture, predictability, and sensory input influence vagal tone every day.

You’ll learn why the world is searching for regulation, why medicine is exploring vagus nerve stimulation, and how chiropractic fits naturally into the global conversation about nervous system health — without treating conditions or claiming to fix symptoms. This episode is a grounded, practical exploration of the body’s built-in regulation system, and a reminder that connection, rhythm, and safety shape how we heal. Suppose you’re a chiropractor, a patient, or simply someone curious about how your body organizes stress, recovery, and resilience. In that case, this episode will give you clarity and language you can use in your daily life and practice.