An Easy Method to Combat Stress and Inflammation
A straightforward method for activating the vagus nerve can help decrease inflammation, enhance mental well-being, and elevate cognitive function.
While proper nutrition and physical exercise are widely recognized means of preventing chronic illnesses, some physicians are starting to introduce another approach: vagus nerve stimulation.
Navaz Habib, a chiropractor certified in functional medicine, emphasizes the significance of diet and exercise, but he also incorporates the vagus nerve into his wellness approach. He has authored two books on the topic, with his latest being “Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve.” This book delves into the research, techniques, and advantages of stimulating the vagus nerve, including inflammation regulation, improved immunity, and more.
“I’ve observed improvements in my clients, ranging from depression and concussion recovery to alleviating Parkinson’s symptoms and digestive issues like IBS,” Habib stated.
Comprehending the Vagus Nerve
For centuries, the medical community has acknowledged the vagus nerve as a critical nerve network within the body. As the longest among the twelve cranial nerves, it links the brain to the abdomen and all organs in between.
“It’s an incredibly unique nerve,” Habib explained. “It’s the only cranial nerve that extends beyond the head cavity, connecting to nearly every visceral organ in the body.”
The term “vagus” is derived from a Latin word meaning “wandering.” When functioning properly, the vagus nerve complex oversees a broad range of activities, exerting influence over the immune, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, and endocrine systems.
Contemporary Applications
Since then, a significant amount of research has investigated vagus nerve stimulation as a potential treatment for a variety of health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, headaches, cardiovascular ailments, arthritis, sleep disturbances, depression, and more.
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The Role of the Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve is particularly recognized for regulating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for our relaxation response. Habib elaborates that while vagus nerve stimulation doesn’t cure specific conditions, it allows the body to enhance its healing capabilities.
“Our bodies can’t heal effectively when in a sympathetic fight-or-flight state. They need to transition to a parasympathetic, rest-and-recovery mode for the healing process to unfold,” he noted.
“It’s well established that uncontrolled inflammation is a common pathway toward chronic health conditions. Ultimately, we can manage that inflammatory response,” Habib stated.
Methods for Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Stimulating the vagus nerve doesn’t necessitate an implant. In reality, people have engaged in self-stimulation for centuries, often unaware of the vagus nerve itself. Habib advocates several techniques devoid of technology that anyone can practice, including breathing exercises, chanting, humming, and singing.
Although substantial scientific insights on the vagus nerve have surfaced in recent years, the basic knowledge of its functions has existed for centuries, especially in practices of deep breathing like pranic breathing found in yoga, according to J.P. Errico, an expert in neuroimmunology.
“Engaging in controlled inhalation and exhalation effectively stimulates the vagus nerve,” Errico explained to The Epoch Times.
Deep breathing activates specific nerves in the lungs, termed pulmonary stretch receptors, which subsequently activate the vagus nerve and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating the body’s rest and digest response.
“Conversely, shallow breathing, often due to stress or fight-or-flight responses, does not stimulate the vagus nerve as the signals from those stretch receptors aren’t activated,” Errico added.
In addition to deep breathing, other self-initiated methods for vagus nerve stimulation include humming, gargling, chanting, and singing.
These techniques encourage vibration-based stimulation rather than relying solely on stretch receptors. Given that the vocal cords are situated close to a branch of the vagus nerve that traverses through the neck, these vocal expressions can gradually induce a feeling of peace and tranquility.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to recognize that these self-stimulation methods are generally slower-acting than electrical stimulation. This slower response is intentional, as Errico highlighted.
“Consider this,” he remarked. “Entering a fight-or-flight state is a survival mode. It shouldn’t be easy to exit that state. You shouldn’t transition from a life-threatening situation to a state of calm instantaneously.”
Innovative Technologies for Vagus Nerve Stimulation
However, Habib indicates that electrical stimulation is a more straightforward and effective method.
“In my experience, utilizing electrical stimulation yields quicker results,” he shared. “It accelerates the healing process within the vagus nerve itself.”
Nevertheless, Habib prefers an alternative option. The device he utilizes on his patients and for personal use is a compact handheld unit that retails between $300 and $500.
This device, known as Truvaga, was created by Errico, who has been in the medical device sector since the 1990s and holds over 250 patents. Errico mentioned he had been contemplating a nerve-stimulating device for years following a brief but eye-opening conversation with a neurosurgeon.
“He was among the first to conduct deep brain stimulation surgeries for conditions such as Parkinson’s and essential tremor. I was completely astonished by the results of his surgeries,” Errico recalled. “By precisely targeting the right area of the brain with appropriate stimulation parameters, he could completely stop a patient’s shaking, alleviating all symptoms without side effects. It was akin to witnessing magic, compelling me to get involved.”
Clinical research on Errico’s vagus nerve stimulator began in 2006, and initial results indicated efficacy, but he aimed to create a more accessible alternative to an implant. “We conducted FDA-approved pilot studies that were highly successful,” Errico explained, “but we recognized it needed to be more user-friendly and required a non-invasive solution.”
Errico also created a third version for military use known as TAC-STIM. The name denotes the tactical edge that stimulation is believed to offer. “For the past eight years, the military has been researching the application of vagus nerve stimulation along with various forms of neuromodulation to assess its potential for enhancing cognitive capacities,” Errico explained.
Research and Encouraging Findings
This research is part of a project under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) called the TNT (Targeted Neuroplasticity Training) program. It investigates the interaction between non-invasive neurotechnologies and training that aims to improve the long-term retention of new cognitive skills.
Participants in the study comprised “highly selected career linguists from the US Department of Defense’s premier language academy.”
“These individuals are motivated, focused, and proficient in their tasks, yet we consistently demonstrated a 25 to 40 percent improvement across the board,” Errico highlighted.
The Science of Enhancing Mental Acuity
How does stimulating a nerve facilitate improvements in mental acuity? Errico clarifies that vagus nerve stimulation triggers the release of a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine.
“This acetylcholine disperses throughout the brain, helping to quiet immune cells that may be distracted by inflammation. It significantly enhances focus and optimizes brain functionality,” he elaborated.
Errico has detailed the scientific aspects of vagus nerve stimulation in his recent publication, “The Vagus-Immune Connection.”
Although vagus nerve stimulation showcases a plethora of reported benefits, some individuals may experience adverse reactions. Known as the vasovagal response, this condition may occur in response to pain or emotional distress, potentially leading to symptoms like lightheadedness, sudden drops in blood pressure, and fainting.
However, Errico assures that such reactions will not manifest with Truvaga.
“Within the vagus nerve bundle, there are various fiber types that result in reactions like bradycardia, bronchoconstriction, and syncope; these are called C fibers, which require activation thresholds approximately 15 to 20 times higher than the A fibers targeted by the device,” he explained. “Thus, we do not stimulate those fibers. In fact, our device is incapable of inducing stimulation at that elevated threshold.”
Safety and Usage Recommendations
Truvaga is designed for safety and user-friendliness, but the manual advises individuals with pacemakers or hearing aid implants to refrain from using the product. It also cautions against usage in environments with strong electromagnetic fields or if any open wounds, rashes, or infections are present on the neck.
Elizabeth Tringali, a board-certified physician assistant managing an integrative family practice in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been employing the device on her patients for approximately two years with commendable outcomes.
“It’s miraculous,” she expressed.
Tringali shared the case of one patient—a 40-year-old woman experiencing anxiety attacks. “She was panicking,” Tringali recounted. “We called 911 to ensure she was not having a heart attack.”
Within minutes of using the Truvaga device, the patient calmed significantly. “She informed the paramedics they need not stay. It transformed her entirely,” noted Tringali.
Considering that vagus nerve stimulation can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, Tringali believes Truvaga can be particularly beneficial for patients struggling with sympathetic dominance.
“We inherit patients burdened with chronic illnesses who have been unable to transition from a fight-or-flight state due to extended sickness,” she remarked. “Many are on numerous medications and have exhausted treatment options.”
To provide patients with a hands-on experience, Tringali allows them to try the device at her practice, and if they find it helpful, they can purchase one for personal use. She mentioned that while some results may be immediate, others may require time to manifest.
“Patients often say, ‘I feel better.’ And with consistent use, especially if they use it daily, noticeable improvements occur in their lab results. They exhibit increased energy and respond more positively to treatments,” Tringali concluded.
Operating Instructions for Truvaga
Truvaga is roughly the size of a deck of cards and features two metal electrodes that users position on the left side of their throat.
“This is the area where you would feel your pulse,” Errico explained. “You align the two electrodes in that notch, gradually increasing the amplitude. The initial sensation will be a slight tingling at the skin level.”
Errico emphasized that this specific area on the neck provides optimal stimulation potential as it houses the densest concentration of fibers.
Using a bit of contact gel (similar to that used during EKGs) ensures effective transmission of the current from the device to the skin. Users are generally advised to start at a lower amplitude when they first begin and adjust it upward as they become acclimated to the sensation.
Errico noted that even dogs respond positively. “As soon as they see the device, they roll over to expose their neck,” he humorously mentioned. “It calms them down and they seem to enjoy it.”
The most affordable version of the device is referred to as Truvaga 350. Its limitation is that it offers a finite number of applications (only 350 two-minute sessions or about six months if used twice daily). The more expensive models provide unlimited use but necessitate an app installed on the user’s phone.
