FAQs Archive - Page 10 of 21 - SmartBody SmartMind

Q: 7. I got my heart beats to go from 60 to 80! What? And it stimulates the vagus??? Or does it remove some of the vagus grip?

This stimulates both the ventral and dorsal branches of the vagal nerve. If we have been more shut down, this can indeed release that emergency brake of the strong dorsal response (freeze), by stimulating the healthy low-tone dorsal, or social engagement systems of the ventral, both of which help to down-regulate the sympathetic in a gentle way. If that emergency brake has been on, then this tapping into a more gentle dorsal response could actually elevate the heart rate. Another explanation could be that this sound actually tapped into your sympathetic nervous system, but given the relatively small increase, and that at 80 bpm you’re still in the normal range of healthy heart rate while at rest, I’m going to guess it was likely the first explanation.

Q: 5. What is the difference if we do uuuuuuuuu without starting with a V?

The ‘V’ gives us a clear starting point that is more pointed than the open sound ‘uuuuu.’ You can definitely play with both, and notice how each is different for you!

Q: 4. How often can we do the Voo exercises? Is there such a thing as too much? I know we are to follow our impulses, but I would still like to know if we can overdo it! It feels like such an important practice.

You can feel free to do these as often as you like!

Q: 3. Do I have to make the exact same pitch as Irene?

No. Just make the lowest pitch that is comfortable for you.

Q: 5. I really want to play with these exercises, but am worried someone will hear me in my house. Are there ways I can do these quietly?

Yes. Focus more on the physical exertion of the towel wringing, and how you can allow the face to snarl and bare your fangs. You don’t have to make any sound to do that. And you may also be able to let some soft growls emerge without being heard. A little rumble in the throat doesn’t have to be loud. Also, the car is a great place to do this work, or in the shower.

Q: 4. I have neck pain, and instead of manipulating my neck to make it feel better, I’ve been playing with growling. My neck feels a lot better! Is there a chance there’s a connection here?

Absolutely. Think about the strain and effort that would have to go into suppressing years of growls that want to come out! Allowing that expression to emerge will usually provide relief from tensions that have built up to keep those energies contained.

Q: 3. Is there a way to control pent up aggression? I don’t like the idea of annihilating someone. I feel out of control.

Yes, indeed! It sounds like your system has been controlling pent up aggression for a long time, so it is probably quite good at that, and we are actually wanting to start letting go of that control, and allow that energy to flow into another kind of action that is still contained and safe, but not controlled in the same kind of way. It is controlling and suppressing this aggression that makes us sick in the first place, so this is about finding a way to start letting it out! There is no need to jump into the annihilation work, just start with the pure, somatic approaches suggested in the article -- wringing the towel, allowing the face to mobilize its aggressive affect, allowing sound to emerge, while staying connected to your body. It’s fine to do this bit by bit, but we DO want to start building that bridge towards allowing the thwarted self-protected responses (which is what pent-up aggression IS) to move and be expressed. It may be that you would benefit from the added safety and containment of exploring this work with a good Somatic Experiencing practitioner.

7. I got my heart beats to go from 60 to 80! What? And it stimulates the vagus??? Or does it remove some of the vagus grip?

7. I got my heart beats to go from 60 to 80! What? And it stimulates the vagus??? Or does it remove some of the vagus grip?Irene Lyon2019-11-14T14:47:08-08:00

6. Can this be used to reset after a period of study and computer work?

6. Can this be used to reset after a period of study and computer work?Irene Lyon2019-07-27T17:28:11-07:00

5. What is the difference if we do uuuuuuuuu without starting with a V?

5. What is the difference if we do uuuuuuuuu without starting with a V?Irene Lyon2019-11-14T14:46:07-08:00

4. How often can we do the Voo exercises? Is there such a thing as too much? I know we are to follow our impulses, but I would still like to know if we can overdo it! It feels like such an important practice.

4. How often can we do the Voo exercises? Is there such a thing as too much? I know we are to follow our impulses, but I would still like to know if we can overdo it! It feels like such an important practice.Irene Lyon2019-11-14T14:45:29-08:00

3. Do I have to make the exact same pitch as Irene?

3. Do I have to make the exact same pitch as Irene?Irene Lyon2019-07-27T17:28:49-07:00

2. What to do with the belly and diaphragm? What if I don’t feel anything vibrating in the belly?

2. What to do with the belly and diaphragm? What if I don’t feel anything vibrating in the belly?Irene Lyon2019-11-14T14:44:21-08:00

1. I get sleepy, tingly, tickling in the throat, tension, warmer, stronger

1. I get sleepy, tingly, tickling in the throat, tension, warmer, strongerIrene Lyon2019-11-15T15:18:13-08:00

5. I really want to play with these exercises, but am worried someone will hear me in my house. Are there ways I can do these quietly?

5. I really want to play with these exercises, but am worried someone will hear me in my house. Are there ways I can do these quietly?Irene Lyon2019-11-13T13:17:55-08:00

4. I have neck pain, and instead of manipulating my neck to make it feel better, I’ve been playing with growling. My neck feels a lot better! Is there a chance there’s a connection here?

4. I have neck pain, and instead of manipulating my neck to make it feel better, I’ve been playing with growling. My neck feels a lot better! Is there a chance there’s a connection here?Irene Lyon2019-11-13T13:14:36-08:00

3. Is there a way to control pent up aggression? I don’t like the idea of annihilating someone. I feel out of control.

3. Is there a way to control pent up aggression? I don’t like the idea of annihilating someone. I feel out of control.Irene Lyon2019-11-15T15:24:24-08:00