Central Idea

There’s a growing buzz online about the vagus nerve—ways to stimulate it and the potential benefits for various health issues, from anxiety to obesity.
Videos and devices abound, offering suggestions for vagus nerve stimulation.
Recent research has even linked vagus nerve dysfunction to long COVID.

What is the Vagus Nerve?

A Pair of Nerves: The vagus nerve consists of two nerves, one on each side of the body. They run from the brainstem through the neck, chest, and stomach.
Part of the Parasympathetic Nervous System: These nerves are a vital component of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for relaxing and resting the body, regulating functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. They also play a role in the immune system.

Several aspects make the vagus nerve a subject of intense research:

Extensive Reach: The vagal nerves are the longest cranial nerves, connecting the brain to the large intestine and passing through or connecting with crucial areas in the neck, heart, lungs, abdomen, and digestive tract.
Communication Hub: These nerves contain 75% of the nerve fibers of the parasympathetic nervous system, facilitating bidirectional communication between the brain and the body.
Health Implications: Researchers explore how stimulating these “sensory superhighways” could trigger the parasympathetic nervous system and potentially benefit various health conditions.

Epilepsy and Depression: Implantable vagus nerve stimulators are used to treat epilepsy and depression, particularly when conventional treatments are ineffective. These devices stimulate areas of the brain associated with seizures and mood regulation.
Inflammation Regulation: The vagus nerve plays a role in regulating inflammation. Suppressing inflammation after an infection is resolved has implications for treating various conditions.

A study suggests a connection between vagus nerve dysfunction and post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) or long COVID. Patients with PCC exhibited symptoms related to vagus nerve dysfunction, indicating its potential role in the pathophysiology of PCC.
Other research explores impaired vagal activity in long COVID patients and potential therapeutic approaches involving vagal nerve stimulation.

Numerous natural methods are believed to stimulate the vagus nerve, including:

Meditation: Focusing on longer exhales than inhales.
Exercise: Engaging in physical activity.
Massage: Techniques like reflexology.
Music: Humming and singing.
Cold Exposure: Placing a cold pack on your face or using icy water immersion.

Implanted vagus nerve stimulation is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should not replace conventional treatment.
It serves as an adjunctive treatment for most conditions and requires further research to explore its potential therapeutic effects comprehensively.
Vagus nerve stimulation devices should only be used under medical supervision due to their influence on heart rate and blood pressure.
Different protocols must be followed, making clinic-based usage essential.