I have Vagal Afib and recently started using a tens machine on my left ear twice daily for 15 minutes. Applied to the Concha in the ear and the ear lobe to complete the circuit.
20hZ at 200 microseconds, wetting the ear and contacts with some saliva to get a good connection.
I discovered 2 months ago that I could stop my Afib very quickly by stimulating my Vagus nerve with the Valsalva Maneuver and more recently using a technique of placing both thumbs in my ears and moving them up and down for 20 seconds (don't do this in public as you may be seen as a lunatic).
I have read up on many studies about Vagal Stimulation for Afib and keen to hear of any experiences here on this forum.
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OzRob
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The Vagal nerve travels from the brain to all your internal organs, right down to your digestive system. The only place it travels outside of your body is your ears.
Vagal Nerve stimulation of the left ear is used to treat epilepsy, migraine headaches and host of other ailments. It is fine to use unless you have things like pacemakers in your body. YouTube have many videos about how to use a tens machine on the Vagus nerve.
In 1995 the first trail was taken to see how Vagal stimulation affected the electrical system for the heart.
It has been proven to lower AF burden, the hope is with more research it may keep Afib at bay without the use of drugs.
I get afib at night, mostly when sleeping. Sure, I can switch it off quickly with vagal stimulation, however I don't sleep well when I get a night with a lot of Afib. Hence the reason for investigating a method of Vagal stimulation that can be applied when not sleeping.
Fair enough Rob, youve obviously done alot of investigation. I still wouldn't be at ease with using tens machine on my head even though my AF is thought to be of vagal origin.( very long, boring history going back nearly 30 years.....🙄😬 )
If you have any knowledge of any of the Meridian Energy practices you will find numerous references in all of the traditions, ancient and modern of stimulating points on or around the ear. If you are benefiting from stimulation around the concha then I suspect you stimulate what is called daith point which many people with migraine have pierced with the intent of relieving migraine however there are numerous stimulation points on the ear.
I’m interested exactly where on the concha you are using as your attachment point?
A GP in the practice I was registered at practiced Acupunture. I saw him about 30 years when I was referred (through NHS) to him to help with smoking cessation. Worked in 2 sessions.
The next time I encountered similar was self stimulation on a specific point for resetting circadian rhythms after long haul travel. Worked like a dream.
I used other methods for soothing vagus, still do. I had mixed vagal/adrenaline induced AF so sometimes my methods worked, sometimes not.
I used the HeartMath device with ear piece back in the day and worked out from the bio-feedback at exactly what levels of electrical activity I needed to stay in which was very effective in how exactly to self soothe vagal with breath and mind. The more I have studied and practiced the more I realise the huge untapped benefits for living well with the huge stresses we are living through to prevent a plethora of stress induced disease.
Unfortunately age and other conditions caught up and overtook so that although I still use vagal methods, I no longer need to for AF relief so I don’t to use a machine.
Anything that works for you without causing harm to you or others I’m for.
PS - I use quite a few machines that supposedly you shouldn’t with a pacemaker, the newer implants are much less susceptible to electro-magnetic interference but they always have to put a warning out. Not advising anyone out there with a pacemaker does similar mind you!
I apply one electrode to the cavum concha, the other to the earlobe to complete the circuit. I think the cymba concha is richer in vagal nerves but my ear clips are a little short to reach it easily.
I have just taken delivery of 2 more earclips which I intend break apart and modify to reach the cymba concha.
Most people who use a TENS machine for vagal stimulation use the tragus on the ear which has less vagal nerves.
Vagal stimulation using a TENS machine for Afib is something with lots of variables, ear position, electrical frequency, electrical pulse width, length of treatment and what times of day to treat. I am hoping to stumble upon what works to lessen my Afib burden.
I have used the TENS machine now for only 8 days, so it is a bit early to post results.
I've tried other vagal stimulations without any success but dont think my af is vagal as eating and drinking never brings on an attack. Its great that you can be in control of af in this way.
Most days I do 45 mins to an hour of acupressure with a mixture of Tai chi and Chi gong exercises. Vagus nerve stimulation is a small part of my regime.
I had to look it up as trying to define where in the ear I stimulate with my middle fingers does not lend itself to wordy description. It is an area called Cymba Concha. You will find a distinct hollow in the middle of the ear, above the ear canal. Gentle pressure with your first or middle fingers (unfortunate if you have long nails) for 30 secs to a minute. I then use two fingers and run down towards your jaw line from behind the ear. Finally pinching your ear lobe between finger and thumb gently pulling and massaging, top to bottom. Good for sinus issues as well. According to Chinese medicine there are over 200 points on and in the ear, of which 36 some others say 39 standard points with 10 master points.
Other areas mentioned in Chinese medicine claim you can also stimulate the Vagus nerve by pressing and massaging firmly below your Umbilicus (belly button). In Chi Gong it is near the Dantien (Sea of energy).
Does it work. I never make any claims and am fearful of waking up the Afib devils. Let me leave it at that.
Thanks for posting. I gargle loudly, make myself gag and hum, (again it has to resonate) to stimulate vagus.
Used to use TENS in a previous life for others using meridians, also for phantom limb pain on the remaining limb.
Also had patient who having listened to instructions carefully, when I returned following week had had near miraculous results for pain, by adjusting freqency, alas had omitted to switch machine on.
I tried this for about a week with zero results. But reading this thread and your responses helps me realize I was not informed enough about specific points on the ear to attach the clip/contact. I was applying to the concha. I'd appreciate any links you might post! And good luck with your exploration. Jim
This has turned out to be quite an interesting post Rob! I have been enlightened 😀. ! Have just seen Tens earclips online as well ! I shall bear all this in mind, not that I'm planning to have any future episodes.......
I tried this based on the study conducted and published by Dr. Stavros Stavrakis. I used a tens with one clip connected to my ear lobe and one to my tragus for 60 minutes every night at 8pm for 6 solid months, as per his study. I never missed one session. It reduced my afib dramatically. Whereas I had it all willy nilly with seemingly no rhyme or reason, it condensed it to happen cyclically every 5 days for a window of 2 days. That may seem like a lot and it is, but it was happening all the time, and was seemingly unpredictable. I have considered trying the regimen again to see if it might reduce it more. But Im uncertain about trying.
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