Vagus nerve stimulation

[Twadds]

I’ve read of electric stimulators implanted to stimulate the vagus nerve as a number of clinical trials are currently evaluating its effectiveness in the treatment of certain autoimmune dysfunctions. I am currently doing various vagus nerve impact exercises; Wimhoff breathing, ice showers/baths, standing on my head etc. I find some define relief in PMR symptoms. I was diagnosed 20 months ago and began with 20 mg prednisone, down to 12 and attempting 1 mg / month taper. I was very active 65 year old male but found the disease had severely disrupted exercise and weight training activities (I could do 25 chin-ups …PMR reduced me to zero but now trending back up in exercise). Do others have experience or knowledge in the stimulation of vagus nerve to fight autoimmune diseases?

[piglette]

I have read articles in the Lancet and Nature in the last year or so about VNS implants for Sjogrens and rheumatoid arthritis. It looked as if it was very much in the research stage but people seemed quite positive. I think I personally would hang on for a while longer to see how it goes and ensure it is not just a flash in the pan.

[Twadds in reply to piglette]

The Wall Street Journal ran an article this weekend regarding the research being done with electrical stimulation of the Vagus Nerve. Dr Kevin Tracey is a neurosurgeon and CEO of the Feinstein Medical Research facility who has pioneered this modality. Interesting read and hopeful science as opposed to current treatments… long was to go. My desire is to do the physical things to atom the Vagus

[piglette in reply to Twadds]

Kevin J. Tracey seems to be doing a great PR job. He was behind the Nature article too. I suppose I become a bit sceptical when it is promoting his company and it is very early days.

[Greytree]

There are a lot of vagus nerve stimulation exercises on YouTube. I have tried a couple of them that seemed harmless enough. One was basically rubbing your ear gently with thumb and index finger. No way Of knowing if it’s snake oil. I don’t intend to be a practitioner but it’s interesting.

[Broseley]

I have researched this online and discovered the vagus nerve is linked to all sorts of body processes and organs. I was particularly interested in a scientific paper I found about a link between palpitations, the digestive system and the vagus nerve. I used to suffer from constant palpitations. Massaging the vagus nerve in your neck does help temporarily, along with taking magnesium, ginger and probiotics. I discovered that the latter two were what really helped long term. I can now tell when I am going to get palpitations as I get a heavy feeling in my stomach. I immediately take ginger tablets for almost instant relief. I now only rarely get palpitations.

[BowenPractitioner]

I read a response from a few years ago where a GP bashed a Bowen treatment … but as a bowenwork practitioner I have had great success with the “Vagus” procedure on my clients.

[Viveka]

Nothing to add but thanks for raising this, Twadds. It is useful to know about different ways of improving health so we can explore them, and I know how crucial the vagus nerve is. The key is in our bodies. I've got a couple of methods I've been exploring and will post about them soon.

[Twadds]

Thanks. I believe any therapeutics that may be of benefit and are non pharmaceutical are worth a look. Cold showers and Wim Hoff breathing provide the most benefit for my PMR symptoms

[yogabonnie]

I have just started the WIM HOFF breathing and ice baths. Not outside in the snow freezing but around 57 F for 3-5 minutes. I used to use ice baths on legs after long runs and it helped the muscles so the cold isn't a HUGE problem mentally for me...although I do stay pretty cold after. Hoping that adjusts. I am going to continue. they say... (I love that. they say..) it reduces inflammation. I did not know anything about vagus nerve but will research a bit. Are you still doing WIM HOFF?... I am in Minnesota and love our winters. Also take regular saunas.