Should You Use a TENS Unit to Stimulate your Vagus Nerve?

When it comes to stress and anxiety relief, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is gaining recognition as a powerful tool.

Vagus nerve stimulation works by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to calm the body and mind. There are two main branches of the vagus nerve you can stimulate for stress and anxiety relief: the cervical branch of the vagus nerve and the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. The auricular branch of the vagus nerve is found in and around the ear area, and is the most popular branch of the vagus nerve to stimulate for reducing stress and anxiety. Ear-based vagus nerve stimulation is therefore a top choice for fast and effective stress relief. 

With multiple ways to stimulate the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, it can be difficult to determine which method best suits your needs. In this blog, we'll compare two popular options for vagus nerve stimulation: VeRelief, a device designed specifically for auricular VNS, and the more DIY approach of using an ear clip on a TENS unit. We’ll explore how each method stacks up in terms of time efficiency, effectiveness, ease of use, and overall success rate in finding stress relief.

VeRelief was designed with convenience in mind, making it an ideal option for people with busy schedules. It takes just 2-5 minutes of use to feel noticeable effects, and the simplicity of the device means no extra setup is needed—just power it on, position it correctly, and let it work its magic. It works by stimulating a group of nerves called the Great Auricular Nerve and the Auricular Branch of the Vagus Nerve at a region just under the ear and behind the jawbone, called the Tympanomastoid Fissure. The stimulation settings are pre-programmed and designed for the most effective vagus nerve activation. Vagus nerve stimulation with VeRelief is a quick and easy way to achieve stress relief.

Using a TENS unit with an ear clip is often less time-efficient. Setting up a TENS unit can take several minutes, especially if you need to adjust the settings to achieve the right stimulation level. Finding the optimal position for the ear clip can also require trial and error, leading to more time spent tinkering than relaxing. Additionally, it can take up to 60 minutes to achieve a meaningful effect when using a TENS unit for vagus nerve stimulation ( source ). Overall, while the TENS unit can be effective, it usually requires more time investment compared to VeRelief.

VeRelief is purpose-built for auricular vagus nerve stimulation and has been clinically tuned for stress and anxiety relief. This means that it provides optimal electrical stimulation targeted specifically for calming the nervous system. Users often report feeling a tangible reduction in stress and anxiety after just a few minutes of use.

On the other hand, a TENS unit was originally designed for muscle stimulation, not vagus nerve activation. While it's possible to achieve stress relief with an ear clip on a TENS unit, the intensity levels may not be optimized for vagus nerve stimulation. The small surface area of the ear clip makes it difficult to use higher intensity levels without causing a shocking sensation, which can be uncomfortable. Additionally, the ear clip only stimulates a small branch of the vagus nerve at a time, limiting its overall effectiveness. The lower intensity levels and smaller stimulation surface area mean that treatment time can take up to 60 minutes, often resulting in only a mild effect.

VeRelief is built for simplicity, with a user-friendly design that requires no prior experience or technical knowledge. The device is portable, lightweight, and completely wire-free—you only need to position the gel tips right underneath your ear, behind the jawbone, and press a button to begin. It’s easy to incorporate VeRelief into your daily routine, whether at home, in the office, or on the go. Vagus nerve stimulation with VeRelief is designed to be as effortless as possible, making it accessible to everyone.

In contrast, using a TENS unit for auricular vagus nerve stimulation can be cumbersome. TENS units typically involve multiple wires, settings, and adjustments that can make them challenging to use for anyone not already familiar with them. Moreover, the ear clips may not fit well on all ear shapes, leading to discomfort or ineffective placement, which adds another layer of complication.

VeRelief has a high rate of success in providing stress relief, largely because it was specifically engineered for vagus nerve stimulation. The frequency and intensity are pre-calibrated to offer effective, consistent relief. Many users report significant benefits, including feeling calmer and more relaxed within minutes of use. In our PTSD study with 24 participants, 100% of the active group reported that VeRelief relieved their stress, compared to only 33% in the placebo group. Additionally, in a survey of over 1,000 first responders, 94% reported that a single session with VeRelief relieved their stress while on the job. The simplicity of the device also means that it’s easy to use correctly, contributing to its overall effectiveness.

With a TENS unit, the rate of success for vagus nerve stimulation can be more hit or miss. Because TENS units were not originally intended for VNS, achieving the correct placement and stimulation level often requires experimentation. This can be frustrating for some users, and the inconsistency in results means that many people may struggle to find reliable stress relief. Additionally, the discomfort of improper settings may cause users to abandon the practice before achieving the desired results.

You can also apply TENS electrodes to the side of the neck just under the ear in the same location as VeRelief, but this is potentially dangerous as the large surface area of the electrodes cause a large amount of muscle contraction. If you don't place the electrodes perfectly, it can cause choking. Check out this alternative setup in the video below. 

Both VeRelief and a TENS unit with an ear clip can stimulate the auricular vagus nerve and help with stress and anxiety relief, but VeRelief offers a much more convenient and consistent experience for vagus nerve stimulation. If you want fast, effective stress relief with minimal setup and hassle, VeRelief is the clear choice. Its ease of use, optimized stimulation settings, and high success rate make it a trusted tool for those seeking a reliable way to manage stress and anxiety in their daily lives. For those with more time on their hands and a willingness to experiment, a TENS unit can also offer relief—but the journey may be less straightforward.

If you’re interested in learning more about how VeRelief can support your stress relief journey through vagus nerve stimulation, visit our website to explore its features or get in touch with our team!