The Science of Vagus Nerve Stimulation: What It Does and How It Could Help You Feel Better
From improving stress resilience to supporting better sleep, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has become a rising topic in the world of holistic and neurological health. Often mentioned in wellness circles for its calming effects, it now has emerging science to back it up—including a recent breakthrough in PTSD treatment.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What the vagus nerve does
- What VNS is (and how it works)
- A recent study showing its potential for PTSD symptom relief
- Non-invasive VNS tools you can try at home
- What the science says—and what to skip
What Is the Vagus Nerve, and Why Does It Matter?
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in your body. It starts in the brainstem and travels down through the neck and into the abdomen, touching major organs along the way—like the heart, lungs, and digestive tract.
It plays a key role in the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” state. In short, vagus nerve activity can:
- Lower your heart rate
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve digestion
- Regulate mood and stress response
So, when we talk about stimulating the vagus nerve, we’re really talking about helping your body switch out of “fight or flight” mode—and into a calmer, more restorative state.
What Is Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)?
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) refers to any method of activating the vagus nerve using mild electrical pulses. This can be done either:
- Invasively, with a surgically implanted device
- Non-invasively, using external devices that stimulate the nerve through the skin
Originally developed for epilepsy and depression, VNS is now being explored for a variety of conditions including anxiety, migraines, IBS, and even long COVID symptoms.
The PTSD Study That Sparked Renewed Interest
In March 2024, a groundbreaking Phase 1 clinical trial was published showing that a button-sized VNS implant helped eliminate PTSD symptoms in participants for up to six months.
In the study, 9 patients with treatment-resistant PTSD received a miniaturized vagus nerve stimulator implanted in their neck. They then underwent 12 sessions of prolonged exposure therapy, a common trauma treatment.
“All patients improved and no longer met the criteria for PTSD six months later,” said principal investigator Dr. Michael Kilgard, a neuroscientist at UT Dallas.
This marks a major milestone: it’s the first time VNS was shown to amplify the effects of psychotherapy—not just provide neurological support on its own.
Source: University of Texas at Dallas & Baylor University Medical Center
Published in: Cell Reports Medicine (March 2024)
Can You Stimulate the Vagus Nerve Without Surgery?
Yes. While implanted devices are currently used in clinical trials or under medical supervision, non-invasive VNS devices are already FDA-cleared for certain conditions (like migraines and cluster headaches). They work by delivering gentle electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, typically through the neck or ear.
One of the most well-known is: gammaCore Sapphire™
FDA-cleared for migraine and cluster headache treatment. It stimulates the vagus nerve through the neck using external pressure and timed pulses.
While these devices are expensive and require a prescription, there are consumer-grade wellness tools that aim to stimulate the vagus nerve through similar mechanisms—such as vibration, cold exposure, or ear stimulation.
An At-Home Option to Explore
If you’re curious about VNS and want to try something low-commitment at home, consider this:
🔗 ZENOWELL vagus nerve stimulator
These devices are not FDA-approved for medical treatment but are marketed for wellness and relaxation purposes. They often include ear clips designed to target the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, which runs through the outer ear.
⚠️ Always consult your doctor before using electrical stimulation devices—especially if you have heart conditions or a neurological diagnosis.
What Else Stimulates the Vagus Nerve Naturally?
Not ready for devices? There are also natural, non-invasive ways to support vagus nerve function:
- Deep, slow breathing (especially extended exhales)
- Gargling or humming
- Cold exposure (like splashing cold water on your face)
- Singing or chanting
- Yoga and meditation
These methods work by triggering the vagus nerve reflexively through breath, sound, and sensation.
Final Thoughts
The vagus nerve is an incredible, often overlooked player in whole-body health—from stress regulation to gut function. And while we’re still learning about the full scope of vagus nerve stimulation, early research is exciting.
Whether you’re managing stress, supporting nervous system balance, or exploring trauma-informed healing, VNS—both clinical and at-home—offers an intriguing avenue for future wellness.
Want to explore simple ways to support your body and nervous system naturally?
Read our post on Simple Biohacks You Can Try at Home with Minimal Gear for easy, accessible tools to get started.
