Electricity is something many of us are conditioned to be fearful of, and for generally good reasons. Mild shocks hurt, but larger jolts can kill. So don’t stick forks in the toaster, or fly a kite in a thunderstorm.
But there are some circumstances in which it’s not only safe, but advised to apply some gentle electrical force to your body. Doing so, in the right place and at the right level, can lower stress, reduce anxiety, and boost your immune system.
How? Your body’s nervous system uses electricity to communicate, and the nervous system is divided into two major branches called the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response, while the parasympathetic system is more “rest-and-digest”.
The more active one is, the less active the other. That’s where vagus nerve stimulation comes in.
The vagus nerve is the major conduit for the parasympathetic nervous system. By applying gentle electrical stimulation, you force its hand, pushing your body into the rest-and-digest state, and away from fight-or-flight.
A growing amount of scientific research is suggesting vagus nerve stimulation can help calm an overactive sympathetic nervous system and improve mood, sleep, and energy.
If you struggle with stress and need some help calming an overactive nervous system, or you’re simply curious about what it’s like, below are the best vagus nerve stimulation devices on the market today.
1. Pulsetto
The Pulsetto sits on the back of your neck, and produces a light electrical vibration as it activates your parasympathetic nervous system, prompting a relaxation response and stress reduction.
It takes only 4 minutes to reduce stress and start feeling healthy, and their research suggests you can reduce stress by up to 64.5%, with 86% of users saying they felt generally calmer and less anxious in under 2 weeks.
The device links with an app on your phone that includes 5 stress-reduction programs, and you can upgrade to a premium subscription which includes more programs, guided meditations, breathing exercises, etc.
The regular price is $519, but as of this writing that’s down to $219, and includes a free trial of the premium app.
Given the discount, this is the most affordable option available—and is still competitive at its full price. Add the hands-free comfortable design, and Pulsetto takes the top spot for vagus nerve stimulation devices.
2. Neuvana Xen
Xen comes in the form of headphones that target the vagus nerve with electrical micro pulses via the left ear specifically—called auricular vagus nerve stimulation.
The added benefit of headphones is you can add sound to the mix. Connect to the app, and use sync mode to pair the gentle electrical stimulation with your music, even setting it to match the beat.
Or, use ambient mode when you want to hear what’s going on around you as you engage in regular activities—the intensity of the stimulation can be adjusted so that it is not too distracting.
The Xen Box Set costs $449 and includes the necessities, Xen Traveler’s Bundle costs $459 and includes a travel case and a protective sleeve, or there’s the Xen Companion Bundle which includes an extra pair of headphones all for $499.
3. Dolphin Neurostim
Dolphin have a number of pain management tools, all focused on applying levels of electrical stimulation to different points on the body, to activate the vagus nerve directly where it is most needed.
The main device is the Dolphin Neurostim, which has the power supply and can be used for direct stimulation, or you can attach a cable with a clip to attach to your ear.
Using the device directly is likely helpful for tackling specific pain points, while the ear attachment is better for a general reduction in stress.
There are a number of packages available—the pain management kit is $424, and includes the main Dolphin Neurostim and an extension probe, while you can add the Vagus Nerve Stim Kit to that for the (currently discounted) price of $724.
4. Nurosym
Nurosym is a popular UK-based vagus nerve stimulation device. It’s another that accesses the vagus nerve through the left ear.
The earpiece loops around behind your ear and attaches to the Nurosym device, a simple control where you can adjust the level of stimulation.
They claim a 61% increase in vagus nerve activity within 5 minutes, as well as substantial improvements in long-term COVID-19 symptoms, sleep, heart rate variability, attention deficiency, and more.
Unfortunately, it is not currently available in the US, but can be purchased in Canada for $1,066.90 CAD, in the UK for £599, or in Europe for €699. This includes a 30-day trial period with a full refund if you’re not happy.
5. Truvaga
Truvaga is a handheld vagus nerve stimulator, designed to be positioned against the side of the neck, with adjustable settings to find the best level of gentle stimulation for you.
One limitation of Truvaga is that sessions are 2 minutes long, after that time the device will beep and turn off.
While this may be long enough to get some benefit (other devices recommend up to 30 minutes), anyone wanting longer sessions will have to go through the effort of setting it up again, a minor but not insignificant hassle.
There are two devices you can choose from. The Truvaga 350 ($299), includes 350 2-minute sessions, but isn’t rechargeable, so once those sessions are up the device is done.
That should last you 3 months at 2 sessions per day, so might make for a trial period to see how vagus nerve stimulation treats you.
Or there’s the Truvaga Plus ($499), which has unlimited sessions, is rechargeable, and is app-enabled. Given this is less than two of the Truvaga 350, and should last much longer, this is probably the better option.
6. Sensate
Sensate is unique as it doesn’t rely on electricity, rather it produces infrasonic waves—sound in such a low register that you cannot hear it, but you can feel it.
This non-audible sound acts on your vagus nerve through bone conduction. You lie down, set the device on your chest, and the vibrations will resonate through your body, influencing your vagus nerve in the process.
You can get the Sensate device with a lanyard for wearing it around your neck, and some free soundscapes for a more immersive experience, for $299.
You can also get all of the same gear and a year subscription to Sensate Plus for $349, and if you know someone else interested in this option, you can get two for $523—a saving of $175.
7. VeRelief Prime
Like Truvaga, VeRelief is a handheld device designed to be positioned against your neck, as low-level electrical waves act on your vagus nerve.
It’s designed to be quick and easy to use—no connecting apps, or messy gel (you’ll find many other devices require applying a gel to help with conductivity).
There are gel tips that add that conductive advantage, so it’s really just a matter of picking the device up, turning it on, and pressing it against your neck.
You can get the VeRelief Prime device, charger, gel and gel tips, a rehydration solution, a magazine, and a free consultation, all for $399.
Calming the Nervous System
The vagus nerve is one of the longest and most important nerves in your body. It runs from the base of your brain down to most of your major organs.
While your body naturally regulates and balances the activity of your nervous system, many situations and circumstances (particularly modern ones), can push you out of balance.
When you suffer from prolonged stress and anxiety, your body won’t be spending enough time in the “rest-and-digest” state, and your immune system and overall health will start to suffer as a result.
Start pushing the nervous back into balance. The vagus nerve is the target, and vagus nerve stimulation devices are the best way to nudge it into action.
