The Vagus Nerve
The Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve is a fascinating part of our anatomy. It's one of several cranial nerves that create a vital connection between the brain and the body (Guyenet, 2018). Its main job is pretty important; it helps our bodies recover from the stress of a "fight or flight" response and allows us to enter a more relaxed "rest and digest" state (Porges, 2009). Basically, the vagus nerve is our built-in stress relief system.
When it comes to controlling bodily functions like heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and other automatic processes, the vagus nerve plays a key role (Berthoud & Neuhuber, 2000). Activating the vagus nerve actually slows these functions down, helping our bodies unwind and chill out.
Now, here's a cool fact: a branch of the vagus nerve, known as the Auricular Branch of the Vagus Nerve, can be accessed just under the ear on the side of the neck (Peuker & Filler, 2002). Studies have shown that stimulating this particular branch can reduce an elevated heart rate and alleviate anxiety symptoms (Bauer et al., 2010). How amazing is that?
A Simple Vagus Nerve Stimulator
VeRelief is a game-changer when it comes to managing stress and anxiety. By applying electrical energy to the Auricular Branch of the Vagus Nerve (ABVN) on the side of your neck, it can help you find calm during those overwhelming moments (Bauer et al., 2010).
What's the science behind it? The ABVN connects to areas in the brainstem, like the Locus Coeruleus and Reticular Activating System (Aston-Jones & Cohen, 2005). These regions are involved in producing Serotonin and Norepinephrine, as well as regulating our sleep/wake cycles (Monti & Monti, 2007). That's why stimulating the ABVN can be so effective in helping you fall asleep faster, ease racing thoughts, reduce stress and anxiety, and even improve your mood (Kraus et al., 2007).
VeRelief stands out from other vagus nerve devices. It's the first of its kind, being wireless, equipped with dry electrodes, and portable. And get this – it's smaller than a car key fob! So, what makes VeRelief special? It's all about the convenience and ease of use that sets it apart.
Why not give VeRelief a try and experience the benefits of a more active vagus nerve for yourself?
The Verelief Collection
VeRelief Prime
$399.95
- black
- silver
References
Aston-Jones, G., & Cohen, J. D. (2005). An integrative theory of locus coeruleus-norepinephrine function: adaptive gain and optimal performance. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 28, 403-450.
Bauer, S., Baier, H., Baumgartner, C., Bohlmann, K., Fauser, S., Graf, W., ... & Tronnier, V. (2010). Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (t-VNS) for treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial (cMPsE02). Brain Stimulation, 3(4), 237-243.
Berthoud, H. R., & Neuhuber, W. L. (2000). Functional and chemical anatomy of the afferent vagal system. Autonomic Neuroscience, 85(1-3), 1-17.
Guyenet, P. G. (2018). The Human Vagus Nerve and the Autonomic Nervous System. In Central Regulation of Autonomic Functions (pp. 1-18). Humana Press, Cham.
Kraus, T., Hösl, K., Kiess, O., Schanze, A., Kornhuber, J., & Forster, C. (2007). BOLD fMRI deactivation of limbic and temporal brain structures and mood enhancing effect by transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation. Journal of Neural Transmission, 114(11), 1485-1493.
Monti, J. M., & Monti, D. (2007). The involvement of dopamine in the modulation of sleep and waking. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 11(2), 113-133.
Peuker, E. T., & Filler, T. J. (2002). The nerve supply of the human auricle. Clinical Anatomy, 15(1), 35-37.
Porges, S. W. (2009). The polyvagal theory: new insights into adaptive reactions of the autonomic nervous system. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 76(Suppl 2), S86-S90.