Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 20: In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and burnout have become alarmingly common—especially among the under-35 generation—a new wellness trend is making waves across social media: vagus nerve stimulation. Often called the body’s “superhighway,” this nerve carries messages between the brain and major organs, quietly working behind the scenes to regulate vital functions.

Yet, many people are unaware it even exists—let alone that it can be “trained” for better health.

A quick scroll through social platforms reveals a flood of techniques promising to “heal,” “reset,” or “activate” the vagus nerve. From poking the ear with a rubber tool, side-to-side eye movements, body tapping, and gargling water with a weighted vest—there’s no shortage of unusual methods claiming to reduce anxiety and restore calm.

Curious to explore the science behind this trend, I visited a candle-lit somatics studio in Stockport. Soon, I found myself humming in unison with a small group—an exercise the instructor claimed could stimulate the vagus nerve and lower the heart rate. Surprisingly, the gentle vibrations of the hum did seem to bring a sense of relaxation.

Yoga therapist Eirian Collinge, who led the session, incorporates breathwork, eye movements, tapping, and slow rhythmic motions into her practice. While she distances herself from the more dramatic online claims, she believes these techniques can help individuals reconnect with their bodies.

But she is clear: “It’s a process, not a quick fix.”

For many participants, however, the impact has been profound. Sarah, a regular attendee, recalls being moved to tears after her first class. Battling mental health challenges, she describes the experience as “flossing her brain,” a rare moment when the noise in her mind finally quietened.

Her partner, Xander, shares a similar sentiment. Once reluctant to address his emotions, he now finds himself more aware of his mental state. “Instead of fighting my thoughts, I’ve learned to sit with my feelings,” he says, crediting the practice for helping him navigate long-standing depression.

The vagus nerve—Latin for “wandering”—begins in the brain and travels down through the body, influencing nearly every organ along the way. As part of the autonomic nervous system, it plays a crucial role in balancing the “fight or flight” response with the calming, restorative parasympathetic system.

When this balance is disrupted, physical and emotional distress can follow.

But can we truly reset it ourselves?

Consultant psychiatrist Prof. Hamish McAllister-Williams remains cautious. Clinical evidence supports vagus nerve stimulation for conditions like epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression—but only through an implanted medical device resembling a pacemaker, which sends electrical pulses directly to the nerve.

These surgical devices can trigger the release of mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. While effective, they are invasive, available to select NHS patients, and drastically different from the DIY methods trending online.

Still, a booming market of non-invasive gadgets—costing between £200 and £1,000—now promises similar benefits. Worn on the ear, neck, or chest, these devices claim to stimulate the nerve from outside the body, though medical consensus on their effectiveness remains divided.

As interest grows and stress levels soar, the vagus nerve may well remain the internet’s favourite wellness fascination. But experts say the true key lies not in quick hacks but in consistent, mindful connection with our bodies.