"Here's 10 superfoods that boost your vitamin D levels, helping you relax your vagus nerve during your meditation sessions," soon on the front page of your favorite newspaper.
Not sure, but I have my Tragus hooked up to a small electrics pulse generator (TENS 7000) so I’m sure it’s not what you are implying. Very legitimate. I’m sure. Otherwise, why electrocute my ears? Duh.
Actually I’ve been monitoring my HR and HRV using a chest strap and seeing if some gentle stimulation does anything. Supposedly electrical impulses can help a failing vagal nerve and I think ADHD drugs damaged my nerve. It’s a theory. Maybe it’s snake oil but you sound too hyped up, maybe you need some tVNS too.
I also use TENS/EMS on my tragus (second electrode ~C3-C4). With the right intensity/pattern (which varies time to time based on comfort), it wears me out and makes me a little groggy after. Anecdotal evidence is what it is though.
As a side note, I read somewhere that this should only be done on left side due to the right Vagal nerve possibly having more interaction with the heart. Nothing to cite other than a fair-warning of something relevant.
Very legitimate at what? It's the characterization of the values nerve I don't believe our media providers have the means to evaluate. The parallel with serotonin is that the coverage has led many people think it's the "chemical that I get depressed when I don't have", which is an absurdly poor understanding of it.
I’m sorry, it was meant to be tongue in cheek. Like probiotics , it cures everything from IBS to heart disease to anxiety. probiotics are very legitimate. Chocolate is very legitimate and that’s basically pure serotonin, so if you’re depressed eat chocolate. Etc.
You are correct that there are more questions than answers.
The serious part of my original comment, I have recently started trying tVNS. I think it might be improving my sleep. Definitely seems to lower HR. But of course, who’s to say what is doing what with these personal small experiments.
