What You As a Patient Need to Know -

Top 5 Ways Muscle IQ Can Help Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve

• Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation

  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation with electrical stimulation devices at the neck or ear​

  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation has been recently approved by the FDA in the US for therapeutic use.

    • To apply electrical stimulation to the auricular branch of the Vagus nerve, the location could either be the cymba conchae or tragus as these have the most vagus fibers.

    • The stimulation pattern determines whether you are activating the parasympathetic nervous system or the sympathetic nervous system.

    • The higher stimulation frequencies of 20-25 Hz are best for stimulating the 

• Breath Low and Slow

  • Physical therapists often teach diaphragmatic breathing (deep belly breathing) to engage the vagus nerve. This involves slow, controlled inhalation through the nose, allowing the diaphragm to expand, followed by a long, gentle exhalation. A therapist can guide proper technique, ensuring optimal diaphragm movement and breath control to activate the vagus nerve, reduce stress, and improve heart rate variability.

• Tactile Vagus Nerve Stimulation

  • Neck (Carotid Sheath Area): Gentle massage or light pressure along the sides of the neck, near the sternocleidomastoid muscle, stimulates the vagus nerve to promote relaxation and parasympathetic activity.

  • Ear (Auricular Branch): Light massage or pressure on the tragus and cymba conchae of the outer ear targets the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, commonly used in auricular therapy or transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS).

  • Jaw (Masseter and Temporomandibular Joint Area): Gentle massage of the masseter muscle or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area reduces tension and indirectly stimulates the vagus nerve through relaxation of craniofacial muscles, enhancing parasympathetic activity.

  • Upper Chest and Clavicle Area: Light touch or myofascial release in the upper chest and collarbone region indirectly stimulates the vagus nerve’s thoracic branches, supporting vagal tone and calming the nervous system.

  • Abdominal Region (Visceral Connections): Gentle abdominal massage or visceral manipulation around the stomach and diaphragm stimulates vagal fibers, aiding digestion and relaxation.

  • (Note: Always consult a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist, for safe and effective application of these techniques.)​

• Cervical Spine and Neck Mobility Exercises

  • The vagus nerve exits the skull and travels through the neck. Physical therapists can design specific neck mobility and stretching exercises to reduce tension and improve alignment in the cervical spine. Gentle movements like neck rotations or chin tucks may indirectly stimulate the vagus nerve by reducing compression or irritation in the surrounding tissues.

• Postural Training and Core Stabilization

  • Poor posture can affect vagus nerve function by compressing the nerve’s pathway. Physical therapists can assess and correct posture through targeted exercises that strengthen core muscles and improve spinal alignment. By optimizing posture, these exercises can support vagal tone and enhance parasympathetic activity.

• Aerobic Exercise Program

  • Physical therapists can design individualized aerobic exercise programs, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, to stimulate the vagus nerve. Regular aerobic activity enhances heart rate variability and promotes parasympathetic activity, which is mediated by the vagus nerve. A therapist ensures exercises are tailored to the patient’s fitness level and health conditions, maximizing benefits while minimizing strain.

Note: Always consult a qualified physical therapist to tailor these techniques to your specific health conditions and needs, as improper application may be ineffective or unsafe.