Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve

Role in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system

The main function of the vagus is to regulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls the involuntary functions of the body: breathing, heartbeat, digestion. The ANS has two branches:

• Sympathetic : activates the state of arousal — “fight or flight.”

• Parasympathetic : responsible for relaxation — “rest and digest.”

A healthy balance between them is reflected in heart rate variability (HRV). In chronic stress, the sympathetic influence predominates, which reduces the body's ability to recover. Activation of the vagus — that is, the parasympathetic — helps to get out of a state of chronic tension.

Modern methods of vagus stimulation

Previously, the vagus nerve could only be stimulated surgically, by implanting a device into the body. Since 1997, the FDA has approved this approach for the treatment of epilepsy, and later depression. However, the method has a number of disadvantages: complications, pain, hoarseness, etc.

A revolutionary solution — transcutaneous auricular vagal stimulation (taVNS)

Today, there is an effective non-invasive alternative : electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve, which passes through the skin in the area of the outer ear. Studies have shown that the effect on this area triggers the same mechanisms as surgical stimulation:

• increased parasympathetic tone;

• improving heart rate variability;

• reducing stress and anxiety levels;

• improving sleep, mood and overall well-being.

How does taVNS work?

The vagus directly affects the serotonergic and noradrenergic neurons of the brain - systems that play a key role in the regulation of emotions, attention, and memory. Stimulation of the vagus:

• modulates the excitability of the cerebral cortex;

• weakens excessive sympathetic excitation;

• helps stabilize emotional reactions.

This approach has shown effectiveness in the treatment of depression , anxiety disorders , and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) . Patients report a reduction in the intensity of traumatic memories and overall psycho-emotional stress.

Additional benefits

Vagus stimulation also affects physiological processes that are disrupted with age. In older people, parasympathetic tone decreases, which contributes to the development of:

• cardiovascular diseases;

• digestive disorders;

• decline in cognitive functions.

Regular use of aSBN may prevent these changes. The method is also being investigated as an aid in:

• epilepsy;

• Alzheimer's disease;

• obese;

• chronic pain;

• tinnitus (ringing in the ears);

• inflammatory diseases.

Comfort and safety

Stimulation sessions are painless, safe and comfortable . Patients usually feel only a slight tingling sensation in the ear area. The method does not require medication or a recovery period.

Guided by the principles of integrative, holistic medicine, combining vagus nerve stimulation with psychotherapy, ketamine and oxybutyrate infusions, transcranial electrical stimulation , Neurohelp brain rehabilitation , body-oriented therapy, and art therapy, it is possible to achieve significant improvements in patients' health.