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 body's involuntary functions: breathing, heartbeat, and digestion. The ANS has two branches:

• Sympathetic: activates the fight-or-flight state of arousal.

• Parasympathetic: responsible for relaxation - "rest and digest".

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

Modern methods of vaginal stimulation

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

A revolutionary solution - transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (aVNS, or taVNS)

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

• increase in parasympathetic tone;

• improvement of heart rate variability;

• reducing stress and anxiety;

• Improved sleep, mood, and overall well-being.

How does taVNS work?

Vagus directly affects the serotonergic and noradrenergic neurons in the brain, systems that play a key role in regulating emotions, attention, and memory. Vagus stimulation:

• modulates the excitability of the cerebral cortex;

• reduces excessive sympathetic arousal;

• helps to stabilize emotional reactions.

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

Additional benefits

Vagus stimulation also affects physiological processes that are impaired with age. In the elderly, the parasympathetic tone decreases, which contributes to development:

• cardiovascular diseases;

• digestive disorders;

• cognitive decline.

Regular use of ASBN can be a prevention of these changes. The method is also being investigated as an adjunctive treatment for:

• epilepsy;

• Alzheimer's disease;

• obesity;

• chronic pain;

• tinnitus (tinnitus);

• 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 any medication or recovery period.

Guided by the principles of integrative, holistic medicine, combining vagus electrical stimulation with psychotherapy, ketamine and oxybutyrate infusions, transcranial electrical stimulation, Neurohelp brain rehabilitation, body-oriented therapy, and art therapy, we can achieve a significant improvement in the health of patients.