The relevance of the vagus nerve in sound-based therapies
The ear and hearing have a substantial effect on the rest of the body due to their proximity to the vagus nerve.
The vagus nerveThe tenth cranial nerve does not play an active role in the hearing process and is therefore not normally given much consideration in matters relating to music, hearing and the like outside the medical field. However, this incredibly important nerve is connected to the posterior wall of the external auditory canal, the lower part of the tympanic membrane and, in the middle ear, the stapedius muscle. From these parts of the ear it makes its way to the lower internal organs and is responsible for a large number of regulatory functions in the pharynx, larynx, thorax and abdomen.
In short, stimulating the ear can potentially mean stimulating all vital vegetative internal organs.