The Vagus Nerve

The New Fountain of Youth?

Michael Goddard Painting: Fountain of Youth

Vagus Nerve Stimulation has caught a wave of enthusiasm. There are so many benefits that are being discovered tapping into this 10th Cranial Nerve that touches almost every major organ in the body.

A study by Bretherton et al. (AGING 2019) found that Vagus Nerve Stimulation increases attenuated autonomic function. Let me tell you what that means. The autonomic nervous system is a component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiologic processes including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sexual arousal. It contains three anatomically distinct divisions: sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric. All three are impacted by the Vagas Nerve. **1

It is also believed that Aging is associated with structural and functional changes in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which innervates the whole body, and its altered function may influence almost all body systems. As we age, there are changes in autonomic nervous system function and characterized by increases in sympathetic and decreases in parasympathetic nervous activities, starting a cascade of many problems. The study by Bretherton et al. (AGING 2019) found that daily tVNS (Transdermal Vagus Nerve Stimulation) for two weeks improved measures of autonomic function, and some aspects of quality of life, mood and sleep. These findings are incredible! **1

Aging is associated with changes in autonomic nervous system function and is characterized by increases in sympathetic and decreases in parasympathetic nervous activity. Such autonomic changes can be detrimental to heart function, emotion, mood and gut function, and may play a role in a range of conditions that increase in prevalence with aging, including heart failure, hypertension and depression. These conditions are typically accompanied with increases in medication consumption and decreases in quality of life. Preventing or reducing age-related changes in autonomic balance may therefore improve health in older individuals, as well as increase their independence, quality of life and mood (particularly depression). Potential benefits include reduced risk of mortality and reductions in the need for medication and/or hospitalization.

I have been a fan of VNS since I started reading about it. I was going to offer this therapy in my practice and I always take trial runs of all of the therapies I offer. I am in the category of over 55 (not much (smile)). I tried it out. Although I wasn’t having anything atypical with my memory or retrieval processes in my brain, I take notes on my trials so that I can see even minute changes.

And my experience convinced me that this was a great therapy. I found immediately that I was going to sleep faster and staying asleep, getting the best sleep I’ve had in years. I have a very active mind and have trouble turning it off. I have taken Melotonin but always wake up drowsy and slow in the morning. I can now cross that crutch off the list!

The next thing I am noticing is that my memory has become super charged. I play word games and noticed I had recall of the words to fill in fast. So fast that I would pause and think to myself- this is pretty neat.

I also have noticed that I have a lot more energy. I am guessing that has to do with my Vagus Nerve doing the job it does more effectively. It touches the heart, the lungs, the stomach, the intestines, kidneys. All the majors. And I truly believe it has broken through any kinks that there were in the system.

If this is the next wave in staying young, active and healthy, I am very excited to say that this quick, easy and effective therapy is a game changer.

1] Bretherton B., et al. Effects of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in individuals aged 55 years or above: potential benefits of daily stimulation. AGING 2019, Vol.11, №14. DOI: 10.18632/aging.102074

https://medium.com/@bodysoulcentering/vagus-nerve-stimulation-25725a764192