Vagus Nerve Stimulation
We don’t endorse any of the resources here, but only share what exists. Please do your own research. The information within our resources is from secondary sources, and is not intended to replace medical advice from a healthcare provider. Whilst we aim to provide as much information as we can for free, some of these resources will cost you money if you take them up. If there are scholarships or funding that we can find, we cite them in the resource.
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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).
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Free information and practices
Free guided audio and videos
Breathwrk app – free version includes calming breath patterns
Insight Timer – search “vagus nerve” for guided sessions
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
The Vagus Nerve Program – Irene Lyon – online course on nervous system regulation
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