Vagus Nerve Stimulation

• Overview

  The vagus nerve plays a key role in calming the nervous system and regulating inflammation, digestion, and heart rate. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) involves activating this nerve to shift the body into parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) mode, supporting healing and downregulation of chronic stress responses.

  Stimulation can be done invasive (via implanted devices) or non-invasive (through sound, breathwork, touch, cold exposure, or devices like gammaCore or Pulsetto).

• How It Works

  Non-invasive VNS techniques include:

  • Slow deep breathing (especially with long exhales)

  • Cold exposure (like splashing the face or cold showers)

  • Humming, singing, gargling (stimulates vagus via vocal cords)

  • Ear stimulation devices (e.g., Pulsetto or vagus ear clips)

  • Guided meditations, yoga, and touch-based therapies

• Conditions Its Known To Help

  ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, IBS, trauma, POTS, migraines, Long COVID.

• Worth Knowing

  • Many tools are free (breathwork, humming, cold water)

  • Medical-grade stimulation devices can be expensive and may require prescriptions

  • No universal protocol; best to find what feels safe and regulating for you

  • Research is ongoing but promising

• Costs

  Higher-cost options

  • Medical-grade non-invasive VNS devices:

    • UK: £300–£500

    • US: $350–$500

    • Europe: €350–€500

    • Australia: AUD $500–$700

  • Implantable VNS devices (surgical, medical use only):

    • UK: £20,000+

    • US: $30,000+

    • Europe: €25,000+

    • Australia: AUD $40,000+

  Courses and resources

  • Most online resources are free – videos, guided audio, and simple articles

  • Paid courses blending polyvagal theory and nervous system regulation:

    • UK: £50–£150

    • US: $70–$200

    • Europe: €70–€180

    • Australia: AUD $100–$250

  Discount-Friendly Directory

  Free options

  • Humming or singing

  • Gargling

  • Slow diaphragmatic breathing (longer exhales than inhales)

  • Splashing your face with cold water or taking a brief cold shower

  • Gentle massage around the neck, ears, or feet

  • Free guided breathing videos or calming music on YouTube or Spotify

  Low-cost options

  • Breathing or relaxation apps – often free or a few pounds/dollars

  • Simple ear-clip tVNS devices:

    • UK: £80–£120

    • US: $100–$150

    • Europe: €90–€130

    • Australia: AUD $150–$220

  Illness Discounts

  • Some device makers and practitioners offer hardship pricing, research subsidies, or income-based rates, particularly for people with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, POTS, chronic pain, or long COVID

  • Worth contacting providers directly if you are on disability benefits, low income, or experiencing financial hardship

  • Some clinics and online vendors run occasional promotional discounts, which can be combined with medical-need requests for further reductions

• Links

  Free information and practices

  • Cleveland Clinic – Vagus Nerve Stimulation Overview

  • Cleveland Clinic – How to Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve

  • Deb Dana interview on nervous system regulation

  • Guided breathing for vagus nerve activation – YouTube

  • Vagus nerve exercises – Cleveland Clinic overview

  Free guided audio and videos

  • Breathwrk app – free version includes calming breath patterns

  • Insight Timer – search “vagus nerve” for guided sessions

  • Spotify vagus nerve playlists

  Devices – home use

  • Pulsetto – wearable neckband-style tVNS device, app-guided programs

  • TENS machines with ear-clip electrodes – affordable at-home option

  Medical-grade devices

  • gammaCore – prescription non-invasive VNS for migraines and cluster headaches

  • NEMOS – medically approved tVNS device (Europe)

  Courses

  • Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection – Deb Dana

  • The Vagus Nerve Program – Irene Lyon – online course on nervous system regulation

• Recovery Stories That Directly Cite This Therapy

  Jayne Plant - Pain

  Verena Suess - ME/CFS, IBS