Vagus Nerve Therapy & Stimulation in San Diego

The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) is the longest and most complex cranial nerve in your body. It originates in the brainstem and wanders through the neck, chest, and abdomen—connecting your brain to virtually every major organ system. Its name comes from the Latin word for "wandering," reflecting its extensive reach throughout the body.

This remarkable nerve carries both sensory and motor signals bidirectionally—approximately 80% of its fibers are afferent (sending information from the body to the brain) and 20% are efferent (sending commands from the brain to the body). This means the vagus nerve is not just a one-way switch—it's a continuous conversation between your brain and your body about heart rate, breathing, digestion, inflammation, mood, and immune function.

When the vagus nerve is functioning optimally (high vagal tone), your body can efficiently transition between states of alertness and rest, manage inflammation naturally, digest food properly, regulate heart rate, and maintain emotional balance. When vagal tone is low—due to chronic stress, injury, infection, or neurological dysfunction—the body becomes stuck in a state of sympathetic overdrive, leading to anxiety, inflammation, digestive problems, and a cascade of chronic symptoms.

Vagus nerve stimulation therapy works by directly activating this nerve, restoring healthy vagal tone, and re-establishing the brain-body communication that drives healing and homeostasis.

Between clinical VNS sessions, you can activate your vagus nerve daily with these evidence-based techniques:

Slow diaphragmatic breathing. Breathe in through your nose for 5.5 seconds, then out through your mouth for 5.5 seconds (approximately 5.5 breaths per minute). This rhythm maximizes heart rate variability and directly stimulates the vagus nerve. Practice for 5 to 10 minutes, twice daily.

Cold exposure. Splash cold water on your face, place a cold pack on the back of your neck, or end your shower with 30 seconds of cold water. Cold exposure triggers the dive reflex, which activates the vagus nerve and shifts the nervous system toward parasympathetic dominance.

Gargling and humming. Gargle vigorously with water for 30 seconds or hum deeply for several minutes. Both activities activate the muscles in the back of the throat that are innervated by the vagus nerve, providing gentle stimulation with each session.

Social connection and laughter. The vagus nerve is the nerve of social engagement. Genuine social interaction, laughter, and positive emotional experiences all increase vagal tone naturally. This is why isolation and loneliness are associated with poor vagal function and chronic inflammation.