What Is Vagus Nerve Stimulation? Non-Invasive tVNS Guide

A treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, TBI and systemic inflammation

Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (transcutaneous VNS or tVNS) is a bioelectronic therapy that gently stimulates the vagus nerve through the skin. Unlike surgically implanted devices, tVNS uses external stimulation to support nervous system regulation.

The Vagus Nerve has major effects on the immune system

To look at the Autonomic Nervous System, you will learn it is composed of two branches – a sympathetic “Fight or Flight” branch and a parasympathetic ‘Rest and Digest” branch, under control of the vagus nerve. The vagus opposes the fight or flight branch.

From the Latin word for wandering, the vagus nerve is involved in the control of various functions of the entire body, including the heart, lungs, digestive organs, digestive juices as well as speaking and swallowing. Equally as important are the major effects it has on the immune system and the multitude of nerve centres that it liaises with in the brain.

It was known that a very small branch of the vagus nerve reached the body surface in a few discrete places in the ear. Specialised brain scanning techniques have demonstrated the same responses stimulating the ear location as occurred with the implanted device – without the side effects and without surgery.

This long studied treatment has evolved in the past 20 years from a $27,000 USD implantable device to where we are today, where we can now achieve the same outcome by clinically stimulating a small part of the external ear.

Patients report significant benefits in treating migraines, depression, autism spectrum conditions and a myriad of other conditions.

Bioelectronic Medicine have developed a specialised clip for use with the Tens machine, to specifically target the vagus nerve. This can be purchased on our Website.

Our Vagus Nerve Clip:
Unlike others – ours follows the research using both positive and negative electrodes, based on hospital design and made specifically for vagus nerve stimulation.