The Evidence Behind Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been extensively studied for its role in supporting nervous system regulation, reducing inflammation, and improving overall well-being. Originally developed for treatment-resistant epilepsy and depression, VNS is now being explored in broader areas including anxiety, chronic pain, gut health, PTSD, and long COVID.

A growing number of studies support the use of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS)—delivered through the ear or neck—as a promising and low-risk tool for nervous system regulation. Evidence suggests that even gentle daily stimulation may help improve resilience, emotional regulation, sleep quality, and digestion by activating pathways that promote safety and calm.

Here are a few studies to back up the science:

• Mood and emotional regulation: Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) has been shown to modulate key brain areas involved in emotion regulation, including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex (Kraus et al., Brain Stimulation, 2010).

• Migraine and chronic pain: A randomized controlled trial found that non-invasive cervical VNS significantly reduced migraine frequency and severity (The Lancet Neurology, Goadsby et al., 2020).

• Inflammation reduction: tVNS was shown to reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, highlighting its role in immune and inflammatory regulation (Bauer et al., Molecular Psychiatry, 2016).

• Gut health: A 2024 single-blind randomized controlled trial found that auricular VNS improved symptoms in patients with constipation-predominant IBS, with researchers observing positive shifts in gut motility, microbiome composition, and autonomic balance. (IBS Patient Forum, 2024)

• PTSD, IBS, and long COVID: A 2022 review highlighted the emerging use of nVNS across a range of conditions involving autonomic dysregulation, including PTSD, irritable bowel syndrome, and long COVID (Yap et al., Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2022).

This growing body of research supports VNS as a valuable tool within a holistic, nervous system–based approach to healing.