VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION

WHAT IS THE VAGUS NERVE?

The vagus nerve is the key information superhighway that connects the brain and most internal organs. It is the longest of the cranial nerves emerging directly from the brain rather than through the spinal cord, with an origin at the base of the skull that extends down the neck to the abdomen.It gathers signals from internal organs, playing a crucial role in regulating automatic body processes such as digestion, sleep, and inflammation.

Upregulation of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS, fight or flight) is related to almost every health problem known to medicine, due to the cascade of neuro-hormonal responses that occur after prolonged stress elevation. While the SNS is the accelerator, the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS, relax & restore) are the brakes, which slow us down when danger is not present. The vagus nerve is primary component of the PNS, controlling 80% of restorative functions, counterbalancing stress responses, and making us calm, relaxed, and sociable.

About 80% of vagus nerve fibers carry information from organs back to our brain. This forms the bidirectional gut-brain axis, which can explain the “butterflies in your stomach” when you feel nervous, and why gastrointestinal problems can cause anxiety and depression. Essentially, the vagus nerve is the gut-brain connection.

TOP VAGUS NERVE RELATED CONDITIONS:

Depression or anxiety or both
Insomnia / sleep apnea
Higher blood pressure
Gastrointestinal complaints

RECENT VAGUS NERVE RESEARCH

Evidence indicates that stimulating the vagus nerve can help people with epilepsy, diabetes, treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder — as well as inflammatory autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis. There is even some preliminary research suggesting that long Covid symptoms could originate, in part, from the virus’s effect on the vagus nerve.

NON-INVASIVE VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION (VNS)

In my treatments, I use the Dolphin Neurostim Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) device. By modulating your autonomic nervous system, Dolphin VNS promotes homeostasis, stress resilience, and mental-emotional balance. Whether you're dealing with sleep issues, stress, POTS, depression, anxiety, digestive imbalances, weight management challenges, PTSD, or simply seeking to enhance your overall well-being, Dolphin VNS is an effective solution. Even if you're in good health, this therapy can optimize your wellness and elevate your quality of life.

10 MINUTES of Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy yields the same reduction in stress levels as 8 HOURS OF MASSAGE

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ENHANCED VAGAL TONE:

Stress Reduction & Relaxation

Enhanced vagal tone promotes relaxation and reduces stress by lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and calming the body's physiological responses to stressors. This de-activates body-wide trigger point sensitivity and reduces overall muscle tension.

Enhanced Immune Function & Reduced Inflammation

Vagal tone influences the immune system by regulating inflammation. A well-functioning vagus nerve helps maintain a balance in the immune response, reducing excessive inflammation that can contribute to chronic diseases such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular disease

Improved Digestive Function

The vagus nerve and the Enteric Nervous System harmoniously play critical roles in the functioning of the gastrointestinal system. This interplay is essential for maintaining digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being. Scroll down for more information about this gut-brain axis.

Mental Health & Emotional Regulation

Enhanced vagal tone is associated with improved emotional resilience and regulation. It helps regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The vagus nerve also plays a role in the brain's reward system and social bonding, contributing to overall mental well-being.

VNS Treatment

A standard dorsal & ventral VNS treatment last about 12 minutes, during which a bi-phasic (+/-) alternating direct current is applied via a clip to the tragus of both ears, as shown to the right.

This positioning has the most comprehensive effect on the nervous system, however it is also an option to simulate the dorsal (controls organs below the diaphragm; liver, kidneys, intestines, microbiome & orgasms) and ventral (controls organs above diaphram; heart, lungs, pericardium, facial muscle & voice) branches independently based on client presentation and desired outcomes.

VNS is very relaxing and offered as an "add on" option for any bodywork service for as additional $15

Questions about VNS?

Vagus Nerve Stimulation can be booked as its own service, or in conjunction with a separate treatment. Adding VNS to bodywork can significantly promote the effectiveness of pain and stress reduction, while also boosting immunity and overall health and wellbeing