In today’s fast-paced world, stress and overstimulation have become the norm. From the constant buzz of notifications to the never-ending to-do lists, our nervous systems rarely get a break. Many people live in a perpetual state of “fight or flight,” making it difficult to relax, focus, or even sleep well. But what if there was a way to tap into our body’s natural ability to restore calm and balance?
The vagus nerve, one of the most powerful nerves in the body, holds the key to regulating stress, improving recovery, and enhancing mental clarity. Understanding how this nerve functions—and how to stimulate it effectively—can lead to profound improvements in overall health. Whether you’re an athlete looking to optimize performance, someone dealing with anxiety, or just seeking better resilience in daily life, learning to activate your vagus nerve may be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.
What is the Vagus Nerve, and Why Should You Care?
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body, running from the brainstem through the neck and into the chest and abdomen. It plays a central role in regulating many critical bodily functions, including:
Heart rate – Slows the heart and promotes cardiovascular health.
Digestion – Helps regulate the production of digestive enzymes and gut motility.
Respiration – Supports deep, slow breathing and overall lung function.
Mood and emotional regulation – Influences neurotransmitter production and helps regulate emotional responses.
Inflammation control – Modulates immune function and reduces systemic inflammation.
The Vagus Nerve and the Nervous System
The vagus nerve is a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system. It counterbalances the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the “fight or flight” response. When the vagus nerve is functioning optimally, it signals the body that it’s safe to relax, recover, and restore energy. However, when vagal tone is weak, the body struggles to shift out of stress mode, leading to chronic tension, anxiety, and fatigue.
Understanding the Polyvagal Theory
Dr. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory provides deeper insight into how the vagus nerve influences emotional and physiological responses. This theory suggests that the vagus nerve is divided into three evolutionary components:
The Dorsal Vagal Complex (Reptilian Response) – This older part of the vagus nerve controls shutdown and immobilization responses, seen in extreme stress or trauma.
The Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight or Flight Response) – This system evolved to mobilize the body in response to perceived threats.
The Ventral Vagal Complex (Social Engagement System) – Unique to mammals, this system enables social bonding, emotional regulation, and the ability to feel safe in relationships.
According to Porges’ research, strengthening the ventral vagal complex is key to improving social connection, stress resilience, and overall well-being. This means that stimulating the vagus nerve can do more than just calm anxiety—it can enhance emotional intelligence, communication skills, and our ability to form strong, healthy relationships.
Why You Might Have a Weak Vagus Nerve
Unfortunately, modern life isn’t doing our vagus nerve any favors. Chronic stress, poor sleep, EMF exposure, processed food diets, and even excessive screen time can contribute to vagal tone dysfunction. If you’ve ever felt like your stress response is stuck in high gear, with trouble winding down even when you know you should, your vagus nerve may need some serious tuning.
For me, nervous system dysregulation has been a lifelong battle. Some of it is genetic; some of it stems from choices I’ve made (because pushing limits is fun until it’s not). My body has endured its fair share of wear and tear from grappling mats and motocross tracks to reckless partying in my youth, and the stress hasn’t just been physical. It wasn’t until I started focusing on vagus nerve stimulation that I realized how much control I actually had over my nervous system.
The Science Behind Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) isn’t just some woo-woo wellness trend—it’s backed by decades of research and clinical applications. Traditionally, vagus nerve stimulation was done through surgically implanted devices used to treat epilepsy and depression. But thanks to advancements in non-invasive technology, we now have ways to activate this powerhouse nerve without going under the knife.
Natural Vagus Nerve Stimulation Techniques
B
efore we dive into tech-based solutions, let’s talk about the old-school ways to stimulate the vagus nerve. Some of these methods have been around for centuries and have legitimate benefits:
Deep breathing — Specifically, diaphragmatic breathing and the 4-7-8 technique slow the heart rate and activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Cold exposure — Cold showers, ice baths, or even splashing cold water on your face can trigger vagal activation.
Humming, chanting, or singing — Yep, your annoying friend who hums while working might actually be onto something. The vibrations stimulate the vagus nerve and improve tone.
Gargling — Sounds weird, but aggressively gargling water works those throat muscles and engages the vagus nerve.
Massage and acupuncture — Specific points around the neck and ears can help activate vagal pathways.
Intermittent fasting — There is evidence suggesting that fasting and gut rest improve vagal tone by enhancing gut-brain communication.
Mindful eating — Eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly enhances digestion and engages the parasympathetic nervous system.
These techniques are great, but they require time and consistency, and if you’re like me, sometimes you just need a shortcut. That’s where VeRelief Prime comes in.
The Research and Science Behind VeRelief
VeRelief Prime is an innovative vagus nerve stimulator that specifically targets the Auricular Branch of the Vagus Nerve (ABVN), a unique approach that sets it apart from other methods. Having struggled with nervous system dysregulation my entire life, I’ve tried countless tools, but VeRelief has been a game-changer. The science behind their technology is what truly impressed me—it’s not just another wellness gadget; it’s backed by serious research demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing stress, enhancing recovery, and optimizing mental performance.
Is Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Safe? The Data Says Yes
One of the biggest concerns when using any kind of electrical stimulation device is safety. Thankfully, vagus nerve stimulation via the auricular branch has been extensively studied and has been shown to be safe and well tolerated across thousands of independent trials.
Over 150 participants in multiple placebo-controlled studies showed no increased risk of side effects between those using the real VeRelief device and those using a placebo.
More than 18,000 sessions of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation across healthy, neurologically ill, and psychologically ill patients revealed no serious side effects.
In 6,000+ participants, there was no significant difference in side effects between active and placebo treatments.
Mild skin discomfort or tingling was reported in only 18% of participants, with headaches occurring in just 3.6%.
How VeRelief Prime Enhances Brain and Body Function
Study One: Enhancing Cognitive Performance
Dr. Nicholas Hool, Dr. William J. Tyler, Dr. Sarah Wyckoff, and Dr. Taylor Hearn explored how auricular vagus nerve stimulation affects cognitive function, specifically in learning new languages. Their research found significant benefits in:
Autonomic nervous system regulation
Attention and sensory processing
Cognitive flexibility and neuroplasticity
This study demonstrated that vagus nerve stimulation could enhance learning efficiency and mental performance in ways that could impact education, work, and everyday cognitive function.
Study Two: Reducing Anxiety in Athletes
A study on 18 competitive golfers examined the effects of vagus and great auricular nerve stimulation on performance anxiety. Results showed:
36% reduction in state anxiety after a single 10-minute treatment (compared to 18% in the placebo group).
Anxiety reduction comparable to benzodiazepines (34%) and yogic breathwork (25%), without medication.
Significant improvement in shot quality perception in the active treatment group only.
Study Three: PTSD and Panic Disorder Relief
A study involving 24 individuals with PTSD and panic disorder demonstrated:
24% reduction in state anxiety after a 10-minute session.
31% increase in Heart Rate Variability (HRV) in the active group (0% change in the placebo group).
100% of active users reported relaxation, compared to 33% in the placebo group.
Case Study: Long-Term Benefits for Panic Disorder
A 23-year-old male with diagnosed panic disorder and PTSD used VeRelief twice daily for eight weeks. His results included:
63% of the time, he strongly agreed that he felt better after using the device.
75% agreed the device helped reduce symptom severity.
100% reported the device was easy to use.
The patient noted, “It has stopped some panic attacks from getting worse and [felt like] I was melting into my bed. Complete mental and physical relaxation.”
Closing the Loop: Strengthening Resilience Through Vagus Stimulation
If you’ve been struggling with stress, anxiety, or nervous system dysregulation, vagus nerve stimulation may be the missing piece of the puzzle. With decades of research backing its safety and effectiveness, VeRelief Prime offers an effortless way to improve mental resilience and physical recovery. Whether you’re an athlete, a high-achiever, or someone simply looking for more peace in their life, this device has the potential to change the way you manage stress. I highly recommend trying it—your nervous system will thank you.
