Those looking for a drug-free, natural way to improve their mood and stay calm under pressure can look no further than vagus nerve stimulation. Even better, they can do so from the comfort of their very own home! Today, vagus nerve stimulation is more accessible than ever thanks to products like Xen. Now, vagus nerve stimulation at home is becoming more and more mainstream as more people begin to explore this option and reap its rewards.
Speaking of those rewards, what exactly are the benefits of vagus nerve stimulation at home? Along with the specific benefits of vagus nerve stimulation, we’ll also tell you about why stimulating this critical nerve at home is particularly beneficial in this article. Let’s get started!
What is the Vagus Nerve?
It’s helpful to begin by understanding the vagus nerve and how it works. The vagus nerve runs from your brain to your abdomen, with branches extending to many of your organs. This nerve helps regulate various bodily functions, including digestion, heart rate, and even your emotions. When appropriately stimulated, this nervous system can have powerful effects on physical and mental health, which brings us to why stimulating it at home is so beneficial!
How to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve at Home
We know that using a vagus nerve stimulation device at home is an incredibly effective way to get the job done.
But here are a few other non-invasive, accessible options for targeting this nerve:
- Yoga and breathing exercises: Certain practices, such as slow, deep breathing, or yoga poses like Viparita Karani and Paschimottanasana, can help stimulate the vagus nerve.
- Cold showers: Studies show that exposure to cold temperatures helps activate the vagus nerve. Taking a quick cold shower or exposing your body to cold temperatures can be an easy way to do this.
- Humming/chanting: Low-frequency vocalizations (such as humming or chanting) have been found to target the vagus nerve, largely thanks to the vibrations these actions create. These vibrations stimulate the vagus nerve which can improve its activity and tone, bringing with this a number of benefits.
We’ll get into the overall benefits of VNS soon, but let’s first talk about why doing it at home is particularly beneficial.
Benefits of Vagus Nerve Stimulation at Home
The advantages of stimulating your vagus nerve from the comfort of your home are numerous.
Convenience
This is one of the biggest draws — you can take full control of your own health right in your living room. Plus, vagus nerve stimulation at home is completely drug-free and non-invasive. You don’t have to worry about potential side effects or risks associated with medications or surgeries, as this method is safe and natural.
Non-invasive
Another benefit of vagus nerve stimulation at home is its non-invasiveness. Stimulating your vagus nerve through products like Xen by Neuvana does not require any surgery, needles, or medical intervention. All you need to do is put on the device and let it do its job!
Customization
Many people choose to stimulate their vagus nerve from the comfort of home because they can customize the experience to fit their individual needs. Users can personalize their sessions with certain vagus nerve stimulation devices to get just the right amount of stimulation for maximum results.
Comfort
It’s also much more comfortable stimulating your vagus nerve from home than in a doctor’s office or hospital. You can relax in the comfort of your own space and enjoy the calming effects of vagus nerve stimulation — all without having to leave the house.
Why Should I Stimulate My Vagus Nerve?
As we’ve seen, there are many potential benefits to stimulating your vagus nerve at home. From relieving stress and anxiety to improving mood and even reducing inflammation, stimulating this critical nerve could profoundly affect your overall health and well-being.
Let’s explore these benefits in detail!
Mood-boosting effects
Many people report feeling more relaxed and at peace after stimulating the vagus nerve. This sense of calm can help reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and even improve mood. This makes it ideal for those looking to take control of their emotional health naturally.
Reduces inflammation
Studies have found stimulating the vagus nerve could reduce inflammation. This is due to its ability to “reduce the release of proinflammatory cytokines in acute inflammation.”
Improves digestion
In addition to its effects on emotions and inflammation, stimulating the vagus nerve can also help with digestive issues. Stimulating this nerve has been linked to improved gut health and decreased gastrointestinal discomfort — making it an excellent option for those dealing with digestive issues.
Can reduce your response to stress
Many of us find ourselves in a near-constant state of fight-or-flight, with our bodies releasing hormones like cortisol that can make us feel stressed or anxious. By stimulating the vagus nerve, we can effectively “turn down” this response, helping us to stay calm and relaxed even in challenging situations. By improving our resilience to stress, we can gain a better sense of control over our emotions and physical health alike.
Can improve cognition
If your mental clarity and focus could use a boost, stimulating the vagus nerve may help! Studies have found it can improve specific cognitive functions and enhance concentration — making it an excellent choice for those looking to sharpen their minds.
Faster recovery
Some athletes are turning to vagus nerve stimulation at home to help speed up their recovery. This is due to its ability to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, which are critical for helping the body heal quickly.
More focus
Stimulating your vagus nerve can help you stay focused and on-task for longer. By calming the body and reducing stress, this technique may help boost concentration and productivity.
Better sleep
Who couldn’t use some better sleep? Stimulating the vagus nerve has been linked to improved sleep quality and duration, making it an excellent choice for those looking for natural solutions to their sleeping difficulties.
Conclusion
As you can see, stimulating your vagus nerve at home could tremendously impact your overall health and well-being. With its potential benefits ranging from increased focus and clarity to reduced inflammation, there’s no denying this technique offers many advantages — all without any needles or medical intervention!
