Tag: TaVNS
Respiratory-gated Auricular Vagal Afferent Nerve Stimulation (RAVANS) effects on autonomic outflow in hypertension.
This paper is by friend of blog, Vitaly Napadow. In this study he is doing something I’ve been working on. He uses ear stimulation to increase parasympathetic activity in subjects with hypertension and monitors autonomic activity using HRV. It has helped me to hone my protocol, and encourages me to determine what patient populations would…
Read MoreEarly cortical biomarkers of longitudinal transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation treatment success in depression
In this study, the researchers used the technique I’m experimenting with, transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation, or TaVNS, in patients with depression to correlate with their fMRI results. The procedure was similar to what I’ve been using in the clinic. The patients apply the electrode via a clip to the Left ear in the cymba…
Read MoreIntermittent Electrical Auricular Acupuncture Stimulation and HRV for Hot Flashes in Post surgical Prostate Patients
This group is experimenting with an approach that I have been using, ie electrical stimulation of the ear to normalize autonomic disturbances. They’ve taken a more aggressive approach by placing electrodes in the ear and then giving 96 hours of intermittent ear stimulation (2 hours on, 2 hours off) every other week for 6 weeks. …
Read MoreMigraines, Neuromodulation, Acupuncture and HRV:Clinical Study El.Ma.
This is another example of a migraine patient showing marked parasympathetic increase, sympathetic decrease with TaVNS or transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation in conjunction with acupuncture. I realize that the data sets are still sparse, but interesting nonetheless. This patient had quick diminution of her migraines after starting acupuncture over 1 year ago and now…
Read MoreNeuro-immune Interactions in Inflammation and Host Defense: Implications for Transplantation
The key concepts for our discussion highlighted below. In acupuncture we are triggering nociceptive responses. In using certain acupuncture points, and in some instances vagal enhancement with TaVNS, we are taking advantage of these systems. A sort of “biohacking.” There is some evidence (and here) that acupuncture decreases pro-inflammatory markers, at least in mice. Minireview…
Read MoreTaVNS in Migraineur: Clinical Case Study Jo.Ru edition
This data is looking quite promising. I had clinical success with this 30+ yr old male almost immediately, and his migraines have remained gone, though he still gets an occasional aura. The last treatment combined acupuncture with Tavns with some modifications. I had been noticing that the sympathetic activity was often lower in patients receiving…
Read MoreTranscutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) might be a mechanism behind the analgesic effects of auricular acupuncture
This is a retrospective study that explores the most commonly used ear acupuncture points and concludes that vagal nerve stimulation may be the mechanism of pain reduction. I met the first author at a conference in Barcelona 3 years ago. Hopefully, he’ll remember me and send me a reprint. As blog readers and patients know,…
Read MoreInflammation as Common Root of Heart Disease and Cancer
This author also wrote the article in the New Yorker cited here. So insightful! It makes me realize that I’ve been glib in touting acupuncture to decrease inflammation. There are (obvious to me now) many types of inflammation. In my defense, the overall health benefits of lowering stress levels and increasing vagal activity are more…
Read MoreAcupuncture and Neuromodulation for Migraines: Clinical Case Study Ne.Be.
This data is from a patient who has been coming to the clinic for acupuncture for migraines for 3 years. His migraines are not totally gone, but he’s extremely happy with the once per month frequency he is now experiencing. He used to have migraines 3 to 4 times per week. Somehow, he was still…
Read MoreTranscutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation to the Neck
Study showing that stimulation of the vagus nerve in the neck elicits the same brain activity as invasive (implanted) vagal nerve stimulation, or auricular vagal nerve stim. As patients and blog readers know, I study vagal response with HRV in the clinic in conjunction with acupuncture. But I’m keenly interested in noninvasive vagal nerve stimulation…
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