COURSE INFORMATION
HH 530 is an advanced continuing education course focused on understanding and enhancing vagal nerve function to support stress regulation, emotional resilience, and overall mental and physical well-being. Grounded in neuroscience, autonomic nervous system theory, and integrative mind–body practices, this course explores how vagal tone influences emotional regulation, digestion, cardiovascular function, immune response, and recovery from stress and trauma.
Using evidence-informed strategies drawn from breathing techniques, mindfulness, meditation, nutrition, movement, sensory modulation, and lifestyle interventions, participants will learn practical, time-efficient methods to support parasympathetic regulation and nervous system balance. Emphasis is placed on clinically applicable tools that can be implemented in daily life or incorporated into client education and therapeutic settings.
This CE course is designed for post-licensed healthcare and mental health professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the vagus nerve, heart rate variability, the gut–brain axis, neuroplasticity, and emotional resilience. Participants will gain a structured framework for recognizing vagal dysregulation and applying integrative strategies to promote calm, adaptability, and long-term nervous system health.
Course Code: HH 530. Contract hours of education: 35 hours.
Instructor/Course Author: Renee Diane Parisi, PMHNP-BC, DNP
Link to Resume: access here
TIME FRAME: You are allotted two years from the date of enrollment, to complete all of the courses in the Holistic & Integrative health care practice program. There are no set time-frames, other than the two year allotted time. If you do not complete the courses within the two-year time-frame, you will be removed from the course and an “incomplete” will be recorded for you in our records. Also, if you would like to complete the courses after this two-year expiration time, you would need to register and pay the course tuition fee again.
TEXTBOOKS: There are two (2) required textbooks for this course.
The Vagus Nerve Fix: Easily Master Stress, Calm Anxiety, and Boost Mental & Physical Health with Proven Holistic Exercises & Nutrition in as Little as 10 MINUTES PER DAY Paperback by Lorraine Miano
Link to Purchase on Amazon.com: click here
The Vagus Nerve Healing Bible: Master Your Nervous System in Just 10 Minutes a Day – Science-Backed Exercises to Break Free from Anxiety, Stress & Trauma, Restore Deep Sleep, and Feel Calm Again Paperback by Lara Namaskar
- ISBN-13: 979-8289978400
Link to Purchase on Amazon.com: click here
GRADING: You must achieve a passing score of at least 70% to complete this course and receive the 35 hours of awarded continuing education credit. There are no letter grades assigned. You will receive notice of your total % score. Those who score below the minimum of 70% will be contacted by the and options for completing additional course work to achieve a passing score, will be presented.
BOARD APPROVALS: The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc: is an Approved Provider for Continuing Education by the South Carolina Professional Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists and Psycho-Educational Specialists licensing board, Provider # 4637.
AIHCP is an approved provider of continuing education by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals (The Provider) is approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses, Provider number # CEP 15595 for 35 Contact Hours. Access information
This course, which is approved by the Florida State Board Of Nursing (CE Provider # 50-11975) also has the following Board of Nursing Approvals, for 35 contact hours of CE
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc: is a Rule Approved Provider of Continuing Education by the Arkansas Board of Nursing. CE Provider # 50-11975.
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc: is a Rule Approved Provider of Continuing Education by the Georgia Board of Nursing. CE Provider # 50-11975.
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc: is a Rule Approved Provider of Continuing Education by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. CE Provider # 50-11975.
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc: is a Rule Approved Provider of Continuing Education by the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Professional Registered Nurses. CE Provider # 50-11975.
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc: is a Rule Approved Provider of Continuing Education by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. CE Provider # 50-11975.
Course Refund & AIHCP Policies: access here
ONLINE CLASSROOM RESOURCES AND TOOLS
* Examination Access: there is link to take you right to the online examination program where you can print out your examination and work with it. All examinations are formatted as “open book” tests. When you are ready, you can access the exam program at anytime and click in your responses to the questions. Full information is provided in the online classrooms.
* Student Resource Center: there is a link for access to a web page “Student Resource Center.” The Resource Center provides for easy access to all of our policies/procedures and additional information regarding applying for certification. We also have many links to many outside reference sites, such as online libraries that you may freely access.
* Online Evaluation: there is a link in the classroom where you may access the course evaluation. All students completing a course, must, without exception, complete the course evaluation.
* Faculty Access Information: you will have access to your instructor’s online resume/biography, as well as your instructor’s specific contact information.
* Additional Learning Materials: some faculty have prepared additional “readings” and /or brief lecture notes to enhance your experience. All of these are available in the online classrooms.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify the anatomical origin, pathway, and primary functions of the vagus nerve.
- Differentiate the role of the parasympathetic nervous system in stress regulation and digestion.
- Explain the concept of vagal tone and its relationship to heart rate variability.
- Describe how the vagus nerve influences neurotransmitter release, emotional regulation, and the gut–brain axis.
- Recognize physiological and lifestyle factors that strengthen or impair vagal function.
- Apply evidence-informed breathing, meditation, and relaxation techniques that engage the vagus nerve.
- Evaluate the role of nutrition, including omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin B12, and folate, in supporting nervous system health.
- Discuss the impact of sleep, stress management, exercise, and environmental modifications on vagal regulation.
- Define emotional intelligence and emotional resilience and their relationship to autonomic regulation.
- Integrate strategies that support vagal health and personal growth to enhance emotional resilience.
- Explain the function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in the stress response and its interaction with the autonomic nervous system.
- Describe the physiological effects of chronic stress on immune function, including cytokine dysregulation and inflammation.
- Identify mechanisms of autonomic nervous system dysregulation associated with prolonged stress and trauma exposure.
- Define burnout and differentiate it from related stress-related conditions within the context of nervous system overload.
- Explain the role of the vagal brake in heart rate regulation and parasympathetic calming responses.
- Apply vagus nerve activation and recovery strategies, including breathwork, movement, sleep hygiene, mindful eating, and interpersonal connection.
- Utilize self-assessment tools, such as energy window self-assessments, to monitor autonomic balance and stress patterns.
- Identify anatomical landmarks where the vagus nerve can be indirectly stimulated through somatic practices.
- Describe how somatic movement, self-massage, acupressure, and neurogenic tremoring support vagal tone and nervous system regulation.
- Explain the role of intentional breathing in modulating limbic system activity and emotional responses.
- Evaluate the use of affirmations and mindful awareness practices in enhancing perceived safety and vagal activation.
- Describe the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and the role of acetylcholine in immune regulation.
- Identify pro-inflammatory cytokines influenced by vagal activity and their relevance to stress-related illness.
- Apply cold exposure practices, including cold face immersion, to activate parasympathetic reflexes.
- Explain the role of oxytocin in gratitude practices and social connection as contributors to nervous system health.
- Differentiate categories of vagal-stimulating practices, including breathwork, cold exposure, mindfulness, and meditation.
- Describe the relationship between vagal tone, sleep regulation, and trauma-related hyperarousal.
- Explain the role of synaptic plasticity and neuroplasticity in recovery from stress and trauma.
- Apply principles of controlled emotional exposure and self-observation to safely expand emotional regulation capacity.
- Develop sustainable, long-term nervous system health plans through goal-setting and regular self-assessment.
COURSE CONTENT
- Overview of the autonomic nervous system
- The vagus nerve as the 10th cranial nerve
- Brainstem origins and anatomical pathway
- Parasympathetic functions: rest-and-digest processes
- Vagal influence on the heart, lungs, and digestive system
- Definition and clinical relevance of vagal tone
- Heart rate variability as an indicator of vagal health
- Neurotransmitter modulation and emotional processing
- Neuroplasticity and nervous system adaptation
- Synaptic plasticity and learning-related neural change
- Clinical implications of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
- Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and stress hormone regulation
- Effects of chronic stress on autonomic balance
- Cytokine regulation and immune system communication
- Cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and vagal signaling
- Pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6) and stress-related illness
- Burnout as a manifestation of prolonged nervous system overload
- Trauma-related autonomic dysregulation and hyperarousal
- Role of microbiota metabolites in emotional signaling
- Gut–brain communication and vagal pathways
- Serotonin production in the gut and mood regulation
- Omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory effects
- Magnesium, vitamin B12, and folate in nervous system support
- Probiotics, fermented foods, and neurotransmitter synthesis
- Dietary patterns that strengthen vagal function
- Diaphragmatic breathing and parasympathetic activation
- Box breathing and coherent breathing
- Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing)
- Extended exhalation and vagal stimulation
- Progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery
- Self-massage and acupressure techniques
- Somatic movement exercises and gentle mobility
- Neurogenic tremoring as a discharge mechanism
- Meditation styles that engage the vagus nerve
- Zen, loving-kindness, and mantra meditation
- Body scan and mindful walking practices
- Intentional breathing and limbic system modulation
- Affirmations and perceived safety cues
- Journaling and self-reflection for nervous system awareness
- Yoga postures supporting vagal activation (e.g., supported bridge pose)
- Role of physical activity in emotional regulation
- Cold exposure practices and parasympathetic reflexes
- Cold face immersion and the diving reflex
- Aromatherapy and olfactory pathways
- Environmental and lifestyle adjustments for stress reduction
- Vagal tone and sleep initiation/maintenance
- Trauma, hyperarousal, and sleep disruption
- Recovery strategies for restoring parasympathetic balance
- Lifestyle rhythms supporting nervous system restoration
- Core components of emotional intelligence
- Emotional resilience and stress adaptability
- Expanding the emotional window of tolerance
- Self-observation and controlled emotional exposure
- Growth mindset and gratitude practices
- Oxytocin and social connection in nervous system health
- Goal-setting for sustainable vagal balance
- Self-assessment strategies
- Integrating vagal health with personal development
- Practical applications for clinical and self-care settings