When using the device with the supplied conductive paste, you may feel very little or nothing at all from the stimulation. This is perfectly normal.
If you are unsure, try using the device without the conductive paste. You should feel a tingling or prickly sensation, which some people find unpleasant. The conductive paste is included to make stimulation more comfortable.
If you do feel something, this will be a result of activation of the sensory receptors in your skin. It actually has nothing to do with stimulation of the vagus nerve, which runs below the skin.
Your skin contains receptors for pain, pressure and temperature. What or how much you feel (with or without paste) is dependent on a number of factors including your skin type and sensitivity. Most scientific and clinical studies which investigate the benefits of tVNS will set the stimulation intensity to a level that is completely (or almost completely) imperceptible.
The device itself measures the flow of current. If no current is flowing this will be indicated.
If you prefer to feel something, use the device without conductive paste (or with very little) and set the intensity to a level that you can tolerate. You may find that after some time, your skin becomes accustomed to the sensation and can tolerate an increased intensity. You should set the level to the maximum you can tolerate without feeling discomfort.
It looks a bit like vaseline but it's actually conductive paste. You put a little smudge on the gold electrodes of the clip before clipping the clip to your tragus.
The conductive paste greatly reduces the resistance between your skin and the electrical circuit.
The effect of using paste is to greatly reduce the sensation of the stimulation. In our tests users were able to stimulate at much higher levels without discomfort when using this conductive paste.
Yes, there is some early data showing that tVNS can reduce the severity of tinnitus.
No, tVNS does not have to be painful. You are in control of the stimulation level and should set it to a comfortable level.
Most people describe the sensation as like a tingling or prickle sensation. It is usually more noticable at the start of the session and then fades away.
You should remove your hearing aid before using tVNS. If you have an implanted hearing device then you should not use tVNS.
No, a prescription is not required to purchase the tVNS Stimulator. The tVNS is designed to rebalance your health and wellness and is not designed for the treatment of any particular illness or disease.
Reported side-effects are minimal and include skin irritation or redness under the electrode.
Use the included USB charging cable connected to any USB power socket.
The Vagus nerve is named after the greek word meaning "wander". This is because anatomical studies revealed that it travels a wide path throughout the human body. From the stomach, lungs, heart and brain but also to the ears. So the easiest location to stimulate the Vagus Nerve happens to be in the ear. Specifically the tragus of the left ear.
Yes. There is some data that indicates people suffering from headaches, cluster headaches and migraines may see some benefit from the use of tVNS; for example see this scientific study
However, as reported, actual results may be dependent on the individual and may vary.
