The Bradford Vagus Connection electrode
for Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
(connect to a "TENS" signal generator unit)
Benefits of VNS
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) decreases stress-related signals in the brain’s emotion-regulating areas (J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2007;114(11):1485-93). The Vagus Nerve is also involved in inflammation, mood, and pain regulation, which can also be affected by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to activate “protective” pathways for restoring health (Headache. 2016 Jan;56(1):71-8.). Published clinical research suggests VNS benefits in many chronic illnesses affected by these responses (see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/), including:
How does VNS work?
The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that automatically regulates body functions like heart rate, breathing, digestion, urinary and genital function, inflammation, and emotional balance. Its sympathetic branch supports emergency response (“fight-or-flight”), which is balanced by its parasympathetic branch (“rest and digest” and biological cleanup and maintenance). The parasympathetic branch also manages social interactions and coordinates feelings of safety. When either branch is elevated, it suppresses the other one, to prioritize either emergency response or maintenance.
In Chronic Stress Response (common in modern lifestyles), the sympathetic nervous system remains stuck in the “on”-position, which keeps the parasympathetic nervous system turned off, weakening its maintenance function like an un-exercised muscle. The most important connection of the parasympathetic system is the Vagus Nerve, which is accessible close to the skin in the neck & external ear. Stimulating the Vagus Nerve “exercises” the parasympathetic system (like a muscle), so it can regain its influence and turn the sympathetic system off (except during an emergency response). Vagus nerve activity can be influenced by breathing, meditation, and yoga, but the simplest method is by direct vagus nerve stimulation on the neck or ear. This has been shown by published studies to help balance chronic stress & inflammation that contribute to many chronic health problems.
The Bradford Vagus ConnectionTM electrode connects to a commercial TENS unit (electrical signal generator), for Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS):
Commercial TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units are available at low cost on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/), and have been used since 1974 by athletic trainers, physical therapists, and chiropractors to treat musculoskeletal pain. They typically have 2 channels, to treat both sides of the body. Each channel has a pair of wires connecting to 2 adhesive gel pads to apply electrical signals to the skin in appropriate locations. These gel pads are typically 2 inches size, and can be used several times before replacement, but are much too big for stimulating the vagus nerve effectively.
Custom-built VNS electronic units cost much more than TENS units. However, TENS units are easily programmable to the kind of electrical signals needed for Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). Although the TENS electrodes are much too big for VNS, attaching the Bradford Vagus Connection electrode to a TENS unit is an easy low-cost VNS solution. (The vagus nerve is easy to access because it is close to the skin on the anterior neck and on the ear.)
Advantages of the Bradford Electrode
Why the Bradford Vagus ConnectionTM electrode connected to a commercial TENS unit is a simpler and better solution for VNS than a custom-built VNS electronic unit:
Cost-Effective: Commercial TENS units are available at low cost online at Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/);
TENS units are easily programmable for mode, pulse width, pulse frequency, duration and intensity, according to the optimal signal parameters determined by published medical VNS studies, and they do not require a cell phone app for control;
Commercial TENS units should have rectangular-shaped pulses, which are similar to the “spike” shape of the natural electrical pulses produced by nerve cells, and not a synthetic “sine-wave” shape like household electrical current;
Commercial TENS units are safe & non-prescription, and have no periodic subscription-renewal charges for long-term use;
Vagus nerve stimulation is more effective and simpler on the neck than on the ear (Auton Neurosci. 2022 Dec:243:103038); the ear has a smaller branch of the vagus nerve adjacent to some other small nerves there. Ear electrodes are more difficult to place correctly for good results, and they also need frequent replacement.
VNS Instructions
You should be in a relaxed position to start; don’t do VNS if you’re tired or irritable. Connect the VNS neck electrode to the signal wires of a suitable TENS signal generator. (TENS units typically have 2 channels, but you need only one for VNS.)
Program the TENS unit settings for VNS (use these typical settings, or as directed):
Normal mode
(continuous signal with fixed frequency & amplitude).
Pulse width
200 µs (microseconds).
Pulse frequency
10-30 Hz. (Some studies suggest changing the frequency within this range once a week.)
Duration
Start at 1 or 2 minutes twice daily, up to 10 minutes twice daily. (More-sensitive people may need to start slower and work up gradually as tolerated.)
Plug the TENS unit lead-wire connectors
into the Bradford electrode connectors.
Electrode position
Find your neck pulse, using 2 fingertips on the front of the neck, just to the left of your trachea (windpipe). This pulse is the place to hold the electrode on the vagus nerve, in a vertical position next to the trachea. (Don’t use the right side of the neck.)
Intensity
To start a session, gradually turn the intensity up until you barely feel muscle twitching, and leave it just below that threshold intensity. (Vagus nerve cells are more easily triggered than muscle cells.)
Important Precaution
When disconnecting the wires, hold both connectors; don’t pull on the wires. (Pulling apart by the wires can damage the electrode’s internal connections.)
Avoid water-contact on the electrode and the TENS unit.
Contraindications for VNS include implanted pacemakers or defibrillators, bradycardia (excessively slow heart rate), and congestive heart failure.
Shop for VNS
The Bradford Vagus ConnectionTM electrode will soon be available on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/). This electrode needs to be connected to a “TENS” unit signal generator for Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS); if you don’t already have one, look for a “TENS unit” on the Amazon website (https://www.amazon.com/).