Stimulation of the system.
Many approaches to the vagus nerve focus on stimulation through breathwork, cold exposure, vocal exercises or other techniques designed to activate the nervous system.
These can be supportive for some people.
The Vagus Nerve Treatment
Gentle Release Therapy for the Vagus Nerve
An invitation, not a stimulation. The body is supported to release the layers of stress and bracing it may have been holding for years.
If you'd like a deeper exploration of this work, including the origin story with Sara and feedback from practitioners, you can read our full piece on it here.
The work and its shape
Developed with Sara Agnew, rooted in lived practice.
Helen Robinson and Sara Agnew developed the Gentle Release Vagus Nerve Treatment through their work with clients in practice.
Sessions can be given in person or at a distance, and many clients find the experience feels equally settled either way.
A full course of treatment usually unfolds across four sessions, with each session running between ninety minutes and two hours. Sessions are spaced a minimum of ten days apart, allowing the body time to integrate what shifts in between.
Many people notice a change from the very first session, with the deeper layers of the work often unfolding gradually across the full course.
4
Sessions across a full course of treatment.
90m to 2hr
Each session, ninety minutes to two hours.
10+
Days minimum between sessions, to integrate.
Across the four sessions
Four areas, across four sessions.
Each session focuses on a different region of the vagus nerve pathway. As the course unfolds, each new area opens alongside what has already settled.
01
Ventral pathway
Above the diaphragm. Through the back of the skull, the ears, the neck, the heart and the lungs.
02
Dorsal pathway
Below the diaphragm. Across the digestive organs, the abdomen and the pelvic area.
03
Brain
The centres of the brain that pair most closely with the vagus nerve.
04
HPA axis
The body's central stress-response system, where the deepest patterns settle.
A different approach
An invitation to release.
Many approaches to the vagus nerve focus on activation. Gentle Release Therapy approaches it slightly differently.
An invitation to release.
Rather than stimulating an already overwhelmed system, the work gently invites the body to release the layers of stress, tension and bracing it may have been quietly holding for years.
The body is not broken. Often, it is simply braced.
The reach
Across many areas of life and health.
Because the vagus nerve touches so many aspects of how the body rests, restores and responds to the world around it, this work may offer support across many areas of life and health.
On an emotional and energetic level, many practitioners and clients notice that this work can support the release of long-held protective patterns within the body. Some people experience this very physically, while others describe emotional, reflective or softening shifts during the process.
As our understanding grows
The areas of brain and body connected with the vagus nerve.
As our understanding of the vagus nerve continues to grow, it is fascinating to explore the areas of the brain and body connected with it, including those involved in:
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Interpreting safety and threat
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Emotional memory
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Patterns of stress and protection
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Social connection and communication
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Sensory processing
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Focus and executive function
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Impulse regulation
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Vocal expression
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Rest and digestion
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Food intake
We do not promise outcomes. The work is gentle, individual and unfolds differently for each person. What we offer is a space where the body is supported to soften, settle and release what it may have been holding for a very long time.
Begin at home
An introduction to the vagus nerve.
A short, self-paced online course for those who are curious but not yet ready to book a full treatment.
Self-paced online
Introduction to the Vagus Nerve
The first four points of the protocol, in your own hands.
The Introduction to the Vagus Nerve course teaches you the first four points of the Gentle Release Vagus Nerve Protocol. These are the foundational release points that practitioners consistently find to be the most powerful place to begin.
Using nothing more than your hands and a soft, intentional touch, you will learn how to gently work with the vagus nerve at home, supporting your own nervous system and those around you.
- Clear video guidance
- Step-by-step instruction on where to place your hands
- Guidance for working with children or by distance
- Two long-form guided release recordings, to return to whenever you need them
Practitioner training
Upcoming courses.
For practitioners training in the full Gentle Release Vagus Nerve Protocol, having attended the Gentle Release Practitioner Training (case studies do not need to be complete).
Where
Live on Zoom
When
9.30am to 2.30pm each day
Plus
Material on the online platform
Commencing July 2026
Day 1
Tuesday 14th July
Day 2
Tuesday 28th July
Day 3
Tuesday 11th August
Day 4
Tuesday 1st September
Investment & accreditation
Course fee
£375
£100 deposit secures your place. Instalments welcome.
Accreditation
FHT and Thinktree
Ten CPD course points.
Course tutors
Helen Robinson and/or Sara Agnew
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It would be very helpful if you could receive a couple of Gentle Release Therapy treatments prior to the course, either through self-treatment or with a practitioner. Please try to book that time into your diary now, as it often helps people receive more fully from the process.
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If possible, try to be gentle with your schedule in the days following the course too, perhaps building in a little flexibility so you can go with how you're feeling after receiving the treatments.
Course notes and handouts can be printed from the online platform. If you would like a printed set posted to you, please add £10 (UK postage included). For international postage, please get in touch.
In their own words
From those who have received the work.
"
The Gentle Release Vagus Nerve Treatment was powerful on all levels. I had a distance session and was instantly aware of a connection.
The experience took me on a very spiritual journey as well as being aware of physical sensations in my body. I felt a very strong connection to life itself, everybody and every living thing. Very beautiful experience.
I still feel more energised and clear a few weeks following my first treatment.
"
My vagus nerve has probably been on high alert since birth, and I've had numerous stressful events along my journey in life so far.
Since receiving the Vagus Nerve treatments, the nights where I would wake up with my mind racing have pretty much disappeared, and I feel more rested. I have so much more energy, focus and clearer thinking.
I am excited to see what continues to settle as we keep working together.
"
I use the first four points of the vagus treatment with my daughter. The first two holds on the occipital and jugular foramen seem to reassure her, and the holds on the ears are where all the energy seems to be.
The overwhelm settles, and steadiness returns.
The treatment has become a valuable part of her toolkit, giving her more confidence.
Whether you begin with a treatment or the introductory course, the work meets you where you are.
Book a treatment with a practitioner, or begin at home with the introductory course.
