Evidence is emerging of the beneficial effects of vagus nerve stimulation for regulating Inflammatory and Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Interestingly, vagus nerve stimulation is currently used in the medical world to prevent seizures in epilepsy and to treat depression and pain.
The benefits of vagus nerve stimulation are also trending in the natural health world, particularly for reducing stress and anxiety, and supporting mental health.
What is the vagus nerve?
The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve and the longest nerve in the body. It originates from the medulla oblongata in the brain and travels through the neck and thorax down to the body, connecting to various organs and regions such as, the pharynx, lung, heart, liver, pancreas and the gastrointestinal tract. It acts as a super highway, sending bidirectional motor and sensory communication to and from the brain. Vagus is the Latin word for 'wandering' since this nerve wanders, with a wide distribution, throughout the body.
What does the vagus nerve do?
The vagus nerve has various highly important functions in the human body. It is part of the autonomic central nervous system, which is responsible for body functions not 'consciously' controlled. These include;
breathing
digestion
heart rate
respiratory rate
vasomotor activity
reflex actions, such as coughing, sneezing, swallowing, and vomiting
The autonomic nervous system comprises two parts, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system activates the 'fight or flight' response during a threat or perceived danger. The parasympathetic nervous system restores the body to a state of relaxation and calm i.e. 'rest and digest'. Many physiological processes are dependent on this state of 'activation' and 'relaxation' called homeostasis and the vagal nerve plays a big part in this.
Vagal tone is a measure of the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic state, indicating how well the vagus nerve is functioning. This can be measured using an electrocardiogram or heart rate monitors to assess heartbeat patterns.
An increased vagal tone is generally associated with a lower heart rate and better heart rate variability, indicating a healthy state. Vagal tone decreases as we age. Some people have a stronger vagal tone than others, suggesting they relax more quickly and easily after stress.
A low vagal tone means the vagus nerve isn't functioning as it should. This may lead to a heightened stress response, which if becomes chronic can result in depression, anxiety, gut issues, hormone imbalances and chronic inflammation.
How does the Vagus nerve help in Autoimmune disease?
The nervous system has evolved various mechanisms to control inflammation. One of these is called the inflammatory reflex. The vagus nerve plays its role in this neural reflex by sensing any immune danger through its nerve fibres and communicating with the brain to release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This has an anti-inflammatory effect reducing highly inflammatory cytokines such as IL6, TNFα and IL-1B from being made by immune cells in the liver, small intestine and spleen. Stimulating the vagus nerve can upregulate this anti-inflammatory process and thus help in managing Autoimmune diseases.
This has been demonstrated in clinical trials of vagus nerve stimulation in rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn's disease and systemic sclerosis patients. A decrease in severity of symptoms and even remission was seen with repeated stimulations of the vagus nerve.
How to stimulate your vagus nerve?
Evidence shows that non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation techniques can effectively activate the vagus nerve if repeated regularly. Here are a few:
Long, slow, deep breathing or meditation
Cold water swimming and cold showers
Exposing yourself to cold weather outside
Loud gargling with water
Loud singing or humming activates vocal cords which stimulates the vagus nerve
Laughter and socialising stimulates the vagus nerve
Nourishing your microbiome, since gut bacteria can impact the vagus nerve
Massage eg reflexology
Exercise
How to use a TENS machine to electrically stimulate the vagus nerve?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the use of electric current, produced by a small device, to stimulate the nerves. TENS portable stimulators are used to reduce pain, quite often used by women to reduce pain in labour. Through studies they have been deemed as safe and well tolerated method to stimulate the vagus nerve, if used safely and with guidance from a professional.
A TENS device, can accomplish sensory stimulation of the vagus nerve through attaching an ear clip of the TENS device to the concha of the LEFT ear (not the right ear or this may affect your heart). Pulse frequency and timing should be gently increased over time based on tolerance. It is recommended to work with the advice of a health professional to do this especially since some patients may need acetyl choline support.
Autoimmune conditions are typically treated with immunosuppressants that block inflammatory cytokines. For those with chronic autoimmune diseases who don't like taking the medications due to toxic side effects, stimulation of the vagus nerve, together with other lifestyle and nutrition changes may present a good option for managing their disease.
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