Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) started as a novel treatment for epilepsy, but now it has grown to have numerous applications and indications across a broad range of conditions. These include depression, anxiety, IBD, gut permeability, migraine and much more.

Find out more about Vagal Nerve Stimulation in this recent podcast with Emrys on FX Medicine.

Exciting findings from research on VNS

VNS improves food allergy by increasing the numbers of T regulatory cells and reducing mast cell degranulation, whereas reduced vagal tone following vagotomy increases disease activity. These data suggest that the vagus nerve not only modulates the innate immune system, but also the adaptive immune system
– De Vries et al 2013 – Clinical and Translational Allergy
Treatment with VNS has been demonstrated as safe and provides clinically meaningful decreases in the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine attacks in patients with treatment-refractory migraine. Improvements in migraine-associated disability, depression, and sleep quality were also noted.
– Kinfe et al 2015 – The Journal of Headache and Pain
VNS activates numerous anti-inflammatory pathways and has been demonstrated to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines significantly. This research indicates the many opportunities that VNS could have in the treatment of chronic inflammation
- Bonaz et al 2016 · The Journal of Physiology
Vagus nerve stimulation initially increases the firing activity and pattern of NE neurons and subsequently those of 5-HT neurons, presumably as a cascade effect via α1-postsynaptic adrenoceptors. To date, VNS appears to be a unique antidepressant treatment increasing 5-HT transmission and enhancing the firing activity of NE neurons. These effects could contribute to the effectiveness of VNS in treatment-resistant depression
– Manta et al 2009 – Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience

Seminar Info

This seminar will cover the most important aspects of VNS including the basic anatomy and functions of the vagus nerve, the neurochemistry of VNS, how to apply transcutaneous auricular and cervical VNS and the research demonstrates the effectiveness of VNS.

This course is open to qualified myotherapists, musculoskeletal therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, dentists, naturopaths or other health science degree qualified practitioner.

Please contact us for further information to see if this course will be suitable for you.

**Remember, this course includes the application of TENS, so if the attendee would like to use the techniques they will need to see if they are covered by insurance.