Neck massage with the client resting on a massage table.

MANUAL THERAPIES · FREDERIKSBERG

Vagus nerve massage

Calms the nervous system. Emotional balance. Stress reduction.

75 / 90 minKamila

About the treatment

Vagus nerve massage

Vagus nerve massage is a gentle manual therapy aimed at releasing tension, calming the mind, and promoting deep relaxation. It combines gentle touch, muscle and tissue work, and natural breathing. It is recommended for those experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty relaxing, including those with neck tension, headaches, or digestive discomfort.

The vagus nerve, the tenth cranial nerve, is a crucial part of the parasympathetic nervous system. It connects the brainstem with organs such as the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract, helping to regulate their function. Most of its fibers transmit information from the body to the brain, while the remaining fibers conduct signals in the opposite direction. It is therefore a crucial element of communication between the brain and organs, including the gut.

The treatment is inspired by the polyvagal theory, introduced by Dr. Stephen Porges in 1994. It describes the autonomic nervous system's responses to safety, threat, and acute stress. During sessions, we pay special attention to a sense of safety, tactile comfort, and the pace of work to facilitate the transition from tension to relaxation.

We work with areas where stress often accumulates: the back, neck, chest, ribs, abdomen, face, and scalp. Tissue loosening and calm breathing can promote a relaxation response and greater ease in the body. Simple breathing exercises and gentle humming can complement the session, tailored to your needs.

This support is available for those seeking relaxation and well-being, and can also be used as a complement to psychological or psychotherapeutic care. Medical stimulation of the vagus nerve, used in the treatment of certain conditions, is a distinct method—its results should not be confused with those of massage.

We invite you to a session tailored to you, during which we will work together to ensure relaxation, calmer breathing, and greater comfort in your everyday life.

A closer look · 0:36

See the treatment. Hear the experience.

A practitioner massages the neck, shoulder and upper back of a client lying on her side.

See the unhurried massage of the neck and back and hear a personal account of a visit to Manual Therapies in Frederiksberg.

Danish audio, English subtitles.

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Vagus Nerve Massage — a moment of calm

Danish audio, English subtitles.

Your visit, step by step

Is this treatment for you?

This massage is for you if you find it difficult to slow down, relax your body, or rest even when you have time. This treatment is for anyone who needs relief, emotional regulation, and peace.

We especially recommend it to people who:

  • experience chronic stress, overload, and internal anxiety;
  • have difficulty calming emotions;
  • feel heaviness, stiffness, or a constant sense of urgency in their body;
  • experience tension in their neck, shoulders, chest, or jaw;
  • notice that they breathe shallowly, hold their breath, or clench their teeth when stressed;
  • need a calming session to support rest before bed;
  • seek gentle support during a difficult period;
  • want to supplement psychological or psychotherapeutic therapy with relaxing bodywork.
  • for people struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or compulsive behaviors.

The treatment supports many therapies but does not replace them. Therefore, it is an excellent companion treatment during difficult times.

If stress is accompanied by digestive discomfort, such as abdominal discomfort, constipation, or symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a session can be part of a relaxation and comfort program. For migraines and tension headaches, we can address the accompanying muscle tension.

A single session can bring calm and relaxation, but for long-term stress, we recommend regular visits, with a frequency tailored to your individual needs. An important supplement is simple exercises to support and stimulate the vagus nerve, which we demonstrate during the session and recommend for a calm, daily practice at home.

Before your appointment, please familiarize yourself with the contraindications listed below. Please don't ignore them—they will help us choose the appropriate session schedule.

Alexandra working around the neck and back of the head at manualtherapies, Frederiksberg.
Close-up of hands supporting the back of the head during massage at manualtherapies, Frederiksberg.

What happens during your visit?

If this is your first visit to the clinic, please book the "Vagus Nerve Massage - First Visit" appointment. This is important because we need additional time to thoroughly understand your symptoms, needs, and expectations and determine the appropriate approach.

We begin with a conversation in a calm, friendly atmosphere. We ask about your current well-being, daily stresses, and any ailments you experience. It's also important to know how you felt after your previous visit. We also discuss your health status and any contraindications.

The massage covers all upper body areas, primarily the back, neck, abdomen, face, and head. We tailor the scope to your needs and consent—not every area needs to be worked on during every session. If you need work on a different part of the body, please let us know. We will accommodate it whenever possible, while maintaining your scheduled time.

We work calmly, using gentle touch and relaxation techniques. We pay attention to core tension and breathing. We avoid applying deep pressure to the throat or the nerve path in the neck.

We complement the session with work with warmth, sound, and tuning forks. These are subtle elements tailored to your sensitivity. If any stimulus is unsatisfactory, we change it or eliminate it.

We may also encourage you to practice calm, relaxed breathing or hum gently. The most important thing is that the exercises and the treatment are comfortable for you.

You can ask for a break, a change of position, or a change of intensity at any time. Your comfort is key to this work.

What results can you expect?

Above all, it promotes calm, relaxation, and greater body comfort. Massage can support the body's relaxation response and reduce perceived stress.

You may feel:

  • deep relaxation and freedom from the daily grind;
  • reduced tension in the back, neck, face, and jaw;
  • greater freedom in the chest area and calmer breathing;
  • a feeling of lightness and better connection with one's own body;
  • greater ease of rest and calmness before sleep;
  • improved well-being and emotional relief;
  • alleviation of discomfort associated with muscle tension, including that associated with headaches.

After a session, you may sometimes feel drowsy or temporarily tired. Give yourself space for a quiet evening of rest and relaxation.

The vagus nerve is involved in regulating digestion, heart function, and the body's inflammatory response. This session focuses on relaxation and comfort, not on treating diseases of these systems. It can complement your rest and self-care plan, even if you are seeking help from a doctor or psychotherapist.

After your massage, make sure to stay hydrated—drink water regularly, according to your body's needs. We tailor subsequent visits and home exercises to your response and well-being.

As a complementary treatment, we particularly recommend ear acupuncture, also known as auriculotherapy—a subtle treatment with selected points on the auricle, designed to promote calm and relaxation. It can be used alternately with vagus nerve massage or as a combined treatment.

This massage also pairs well with alternating Buccal Massage or Facemodeling® treatments. Stress often accompanies teeth clenching, so during these sessions we can additionally focus on the masseters, cheeks, and areas that hold tension. This combines gentle whole-body work with precise jaw relaxation.

Individually tailored therapies can complement each other, allowing you to work on both general relaxation and specific areas of tension.

Slow down and breathe - calming touch and mindful bodywork create space for relaxation, quiet and a moment just for you.

Your visit

Duration and price

Your practitioner: Kamila

Prices in kr., including VAT.

Vagus nerve massage75 min
1295 kr.Choose & book
Vagus nerve massage — first visit90 min
1310 kr.Choose & book

Optional add-ons

Add to your visit

Choose a little extra time for yourself. Available add-ons depend on your treatment and practitioner.

Add-ons are optional. You can change your selection during booking.

FAQ

Good to know

Which variant should I choose?

A vagus nerve massage session lasts 75 minutes. If you want to extend your relaxation, you can add a 15-minute foot or head massage—whichever you need most.

A good complement is auriculotherapy, or ear acupressure, which can be incorporated as an additional element of work aimed at calming and soothing. Sound Healing sessions, combining soothing sounds with a relaxing body massage, also work well in this regard.

If stress is accompanied by teeth clenching and jaw tension, it's worth alternating this treatment with Buccal Massage or Facemodeling®. This allows you to combine full-body relaxation with precise work on the masseters and jaw area.

You can also end the session with a professional Esthemax mask, tailored to your skin type and current needs.

Can I ask for changes during the treatment?

Yes, if another procedure can be performed during your scheduled appointment time, we can reschedule your appointment. Please let us know in advance if possible. We're happy to consider your suggestions and work with you to find the right solution.

During your session, let us know immediately if anything feels uncomfortable. We can take a break, help you position yourself more comfortably, or adjust the pressure. We listen carefully to your needs and tailor the treatment accordingly—the most important thing is that you feel comfortable.

How to prepare for a visit?

Please arrive a few minutes early. Let us know about any ailments, allergies, or previous treatments that may be relevant. If you have any special needs, please let us know before your visit.

If you have severe allergies or sensitive skin, bring your own tried-and-true skincare products to minimize the risk of irritation. We use only the highest quality products, but even they may contain ingredients that trigger allergic reactions.

On the day of your appointment, avoid alcohol and heavy meals before your treatment. Also, make sure to stay hydrated—both before and after each massage, including your facial. Drink water regularly, according to your body's needs. You can also choose herbal teas and infusions that you tolerate well.

Please maintain good personal hygiene. If you're planning a visit after an intense workout or other physical activity, please shower and put on fresh clothes. This is important for your comfort and the therapist's comfort.

Before each facial massage, we also ask that you wash your hair and scalp on the day of your appointment or the day before. Treatments involve intensive work on the scalp, so we want it to be clean, free of accumulated sweat, sebum, and styling products. This helps ensure hygiene and comfort during the massage, and reduces the risk of irritation. During the treatment, we strive to minimize product contamination of the hair.

There's no need to bring any accessories, towels, or sheets—everything is provided on-site at the clinic. Just wear comfortable clothes.

After each facial massage, we apply a UV cream to protect your skin from the sun. You'll leave the clinic with nourished skin, ready for the rest of the day.

Who is this treatment for? Indications

Vagus nerve massage is for anyone seeking relief, calm, and relaxation—assuming there are no contraindications. We especially recommend it when you find it difficult to rest, your thoughts don't slow down, and your body remains tense despite fatigue.

This is recommended for those experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, restlessness, emotional overload, or difficulty calming down before bed. It's also recommended for those experiencing neck and throat stiffness, chest tension, shallow breathing, or jaw clenching. If stress is accompanied by tension headaches or digestive discomfort, a session can promote relaxation and greater body well-being.

People struggling with depression, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder or compulsive behaviors can benefit from massage as a relaxing complement to psychotherapy and psychiatric treatment.

However, you don't have to struggle with a specific problem. You can simply come for a quiet moment for yourself—to breathe, relax your body, and take a break from the daily grind.

When should I reschedule my appointment? Contraindications

Read the list below before booking. Contact us first if any of the points apply to you. Some conditions require consultation with a doctor or adjustments to the treatment.

Skin

  • Allergic or infectious skin inflammation.
  • Pustular and purulent acne.
  • Active rosacea.
  • Highly vascular skin.
  • Lichen.
  • Epidermal breakdown, open wounds, and unhealed lesions.
  • Dermatological conditions requiring pre-treatment evaluation.

Oral cavity and teeth

  • Purulent conditions of the oral cavity, particularly the tonsils.
  • Inflammation of the oral cavity, particularly the gums.
  • Canker sores.
  • Purulent lesions around the teeth.
  • Recent tooth extractions and unhealed areas following dental procedures.
  • Oral conditions requiring assessment before intraoral massage.

General condition and infections

  • First trimester of pregnancy — in our practice, we do not perform vagus nerve massage during this period.
  • High-risk pregnancy.
  • Fever and flu-like symptoms.
  • Enlarged lymph nodes of unknown cause.
  • Severe allergic conditions.
  • Serious medical conditions requiring specialized treatment.
  • Diseases and symptoms of unknown cause requiring diagnostics.

Cancer and unexplained changes

  • Cancer, including lymphoma.
  • Post-surgical treatment of cancer—until consent is obtained from the treating physician.
  • Nodules of unknown origin.

Heart and circulatory system

  • Aneurysms.
  • Uncontrolled hypertension.
  • Severe heart disease.
  • Suspected myocardial infarction requires urgent medical attention.
  • Heart defects requiring medical consultation before surgery.
  • Advanced atherosclerosis.
  • Thrombosis.

Other conditions requiring consultation

  • Hyperthyroidism—particularly in relation to neck massage.
  • Paralysis or other dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve or its branches.
  • Mental illness, if the current condition impedes informed consent, contact, or safe conduct of the procedure.

Always inform us about any previous surgical procedures, aesthetic medicine procedures, and dental treatments—even those performed a long time ago. Your allergies and sensitivities are important information. This will help us determine the appropriate intensity and scope of treatment.

How often should I repeat Vagus Nerve Massage?

This is a gentle, soothing massage, so unless there are contraindications, you can use it up to once a week. The frequency is adjusted to your well-being, current needs, and response to the treatment.

Some people initially need more frequent appointments, but over time, we can gradually lengthen the intervals between visits. The most important thing is to observe yourself and respond to your body's signals.

If you notice that stress is building up again, tensions are returning and you are finding it harder to calm down, it is worth booking another session - give yourself time to relax, rest and soothe.

What treatments are recommended for pregnant women?

For expectant mothers, we especially recommend the Pregnancy Massage, designed to address the body's needs during this special time. It's a 90-minute soothing ritual that combines gentle dry body brushing, a gentle massage, and a moisturizing facial.

We tailor the session to your well-being and preferences. Special pregnancy pillows provide comfortable support. You can change position or take a break at any time—we want you to feel comfortable throughout your entire session.

Massage can provide relief from pregnancy ailments, help relax muscles and relieve stress, allowing for peaceful, deep rest.

We recommend starting in the second trimester of pregnancy. Before your first session, we recommend speaking with your doctor to confirm that the procedure is right for you.

You can also choose Head Calm or Sound Healing Sessions—sessions that promote calm and relaxation, tailored to your needs and any contraindications. We can also perform a gentler version of the Japanese Kobido lifting massage, emphasizing relaxation and soothing rather than intense lifting.

We provide you with professional care and attentiveness, creating a peaceful atmosphere where you can feel cared for. Your safety and comfort are our priority.

You can also give a loved one a moment of relaxation. You can purchase a gift card (gavekort) online on our website or directly at the clinic.

Is this massage a good gift idea?

Absolutely! Vagus nerve massage is a thoughtful gift for someone in need of rest, quiet, and a moment to themselves. The calming touch, warmth, and soothing sounds create an atmosphere where you can put aside your daily responsibilities and feel cared for.

We tailor the session to the needs, sensitivities, and well-being of the recipient, taking into account any contraindications. It's a beautiful way to say, "Take care of yourself—this time is for you."

You can buy a gift card (gavekort) online on our website or on site at the clinic.

Can I cancel or postpone my appointment?

Yes, please cancel or reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before your appointment. You can do so by phone at +45 31 70 44 50, email at hello@manualtherapies.dk, or through our booking system.

Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice may result in a 50% fee for the procedure. No-shows without prior notice may result in a 100% fee for the procedure.

In case of emergency, please contact us directly – together we will find a solution.

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