The [vagus] nerve, as a proponent of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), is the prime candidate in explaining the effects of contemplative practices on health, mental health and cognition.

Vagus nerve stimulation is used to treat conditions ranging from inflammation to migraine. Mapping the nerve's complex structure of more than 160,000 fibres could usher in a new era of precision ...

Vagus nerve stimulation therapy improved the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression for nearly 500 participants in a major clinical trial.

The vagus nerve is the body’s longest cranial nerve, extending from the brain to the gut, says Dr. Janna Gordon-Elliott, a psychiatrist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian.

Implantable vagus nerve stimulation devices have long been used to treat epilepsy, depression and stroke. A new crop of buzzy non-invasive VNS gadgets promises to relieve stress and improve sleep.

The vagus nerve is a complex system helping to orchestrate and regulate many of our bodies’ vital functions, from heart rate to digestion and blood pressure Interest in improving its function ...

But to understand whether any type of vagus nerve stimulation is something you want to try – wearable or otherwise – it’s important to look at the studies and facts beyond the hype.

“The vagus nerve is crucial for signaling to the brain and the body’s organs when to turn on or off inflammation – this is our body’s natural response to disease and infection,” said Dr ...

Activating this nerve basically tells your brain all is well, stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system to relax you. Now, your voice box (larynx) is connected to your vagus nerve.

The vagus nerve is part of our relaxation system, and can modulate inflammation Scientists now hope to tap it and use it to treat inflammatory diseases Clinical trials are ongoing.

This post is a follow-up to " Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises and Your Vagus Nerve," from that earlier series of posts. I'm excited to update what was primarily speculation a few years ago with ...