Summary
Dr. Perry Nickelston highlights the overlooked role of tongue posture and function in chronic pain and nervous system regulation. He explains how the tongue connects directly to the vagus nerve and brainstem, making it a powerful tool for shifting out of fight-or-flight. The episode provides awareness of how tongue tension contributes to chronic pain patterns and offers practical exercises to address it.
Key Points
- The tongue is directly connected to the vagus nerve and brainstem through cranial nerves
- Chronic tongue tension can keep the nervous system locked in fight-or-flight
- Tongue posture affects breathing, jaw tension, and cervical spine alignment
- Proper tongue rest position is against the roof of the mouth with the tip behind the front teeth
- Simple tongue exercises can help shift the nervous system toward parasympathetic dominance
- Checking tongue tension should be part of any chronic pain assessment
- Tongue scraping and massage can release tension and improve vagal tone
- Awareness is the first step; you can't change what you're not aware of
