Relaxed woman wearing pusetto vagus nerve stimulator

VNS: Vagus Nerve Stimulation

What is the vagus nerve?

The vagus nerve is your longest cranial nerve, connecting your brain to several of your internal organs. It’s named after the Latin word for wandering. That’s because it starts at the brain before branching to almost every major organ in your body.
   
Your vagus nerve is responsible for signaling the brain to release calming neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and serotonin. It is also crucial for activating your relaxation response so you can “rest and digest.”

What is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)?

Vagus nerve stimulation (or VNS) works by delivering electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, which is the major highway between the brain and internal organs. Surgically inserted implants have been used to stimulate the vagus nerve for treating epilepsy and depression for over 30 years. A similar effect is achieved from acupuncture, where the vagus nerve is stimulated with needles.

The Pulsetto device uses specific electric impulses to stimulate the vagus nerve – this is known as non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS). The Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulation increases heart-rate variability (HRV), which connects to a more relaxed state, reduced stress, and the ability to sleep better.

What is VNS used for?

Vagus nerve stimulation has been used in treating epilepsy patients and people with migraines and depression. Due to its effects on the vagus nerve and body as a whole, it can also be used to achieve a more relaxed state, reduce stress and restlessness, and achieve better sleep.

Back to blog