Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a method to dramatically decrease the inflammatory processes in the body.

The vagus is the tenth cranial nerve and arises from the medulla, it carries both afferent and efferent fibers. The afferent vagal fibers connect to the nucleus of the solitary tract which in turn projects connections to other locations in the central nervous system. Proposed mechanisms include an anti-inflammatory effect, as well as changes in monoamines.

Inflammatory processes play a central role in the development and persistence of many diseases and can lead to debilitating chronic pain. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is used for treatments of variety of conditions such as depression, epilepsy, chronic migraines, Crohn’s disease, arthritis and much more.

The following simple exercises can stimulate the Vagus nerve naturally and help your body move from the state of “fight or flight” to “rest & repair” as well as lowering the biological markers for stress and inflammation. As you start integrating these exercises into your daily routine, you will create a healthy Vagal tone, which is part of a feedback loop linked to positive emotions, decrease anxiety and blood pressure. Vagus nerve stimulation is a potent drug-free alternative for treating inflammation.

Because the vagus nerve is associated with many different functions and brain regions, clinical research has been done to determine its usefulness in treating other illnesses, including various anxiety disorders, obesity, alcohol addiction, chronic heart failure, prevention of arrhythmias that can cause sudden cardiac death, autoimmune disorders, and several chronic pain conditions.

Vagus nerve stimulation has also been studied in small trials of people with neurodevelopmental disorders, generally who also have had epilepsy, including Landau-Kleffner syndrome, Rett syndrome, and autism spectrum disorders.

Vagus nerve stimulation is being studied as of 2018 as a treatment for migraines and fibromyalgia.

Contact Dr. Tara Rasta

Contact Dr. Tara Rasta

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