The Vagus Nerve
Designed for healthcare and rehab professionals, this course provides an in-depth look at the vagus nerve and its profound impact on physical and emotional well-being. Under the expert guidance of John Wilks—an experienced educator in biodynamic craniosacral therapy and trauma work—you’ll explore the vagus nerve’s anatomy, function, and clinical relevance.
The course bridges neuroscience with manual therapy, highlighting how vagal function connects with conditions such as anxiety, IBS, chronic pain, migraines, and PTSD. You’ll gain practical tools to assess vagal tone and apply safe, hands-on techniques to restore autonomic balance.
Drawing from current research and polyvagal theory, this training offers practitioners a framework for working with clients in a regulated and trauma-informed way. Whether you’re a manual therapist, bodyworker, or clinician, this course will expand your understanding of nervous system support through accessible and non-invasive methods.
No Refunds
Target Audience
This activity is designed for an audience of athletic trainers, nurses, and physicians
Learning Objectives
- Understand the anatomy, function, and role of the vagus nerve in autonomic regulation.
- Examine how vagal tone influences physical, emotional, and psychological health.
- Identify clinical presentations linked to vagus nerve dysfunction, including chronic pain, digestive disorders, and trauma.
- Learn manual and movement-based techniques to support vagus nerve regulation.
- Explore the vagus nerve's role in the polyvagal theory and its application in therapeutic settings.
- Develop assessment strategies to identify nervous system dysregulation in clinical practice.
- Integrate vagus nerve stimulation techniques into holistic care for healthcare and rehab clients.
Commercial Support
There is no commercial support for this activity.
John Wilks, RCST, CBP
Disclosure statement: N/A
Athletic TrainersNeil Asher, Natural Alternative Therapies BOC Provider #: P12148 is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for a maximum of 5.0 Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
In support of improving patient care, AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physicians
AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare designates this enduring material for a maximum of 5.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nurses
Credit being awarded: 5 ANCC contact hours.
Available Credit
- 5.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 5.00 ANCC
- 5.00 BOC