In recent years, the vagus nerve has gained a lot of attention in healthcare — and for very good reason. Often called the body’s “superhighway of calm,” the vagus nerve plays a vital role in how we feel, heal, and function every day.
At Thorpes Physiotherapy, we use non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation with Stimpod therapy to help many of our patients feel calmer, more balanced, and more resilient — especially women navigating the physical and emotional changes of midlife.
Let’s explore why the vagus nerve is so important and how external vagal nerve stimulation may support your health.
What Is the Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body, running from the brain down through the neck into the chest and abdomen. It connects directly with many vital organs, including the:
- Heart
- Lungs
- Digestive system
- Immune system
Its main role is to regulate the parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest, repair, and restore” side of your nervous system.
When the vagus nerve is functioning well, your body can:
- Calm itself after stress
- Regulate heart rate and blood pressure
- Support digestion and gut health
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve mood and emotional balance
Vagus Nerve Dysfunction: A Common Issue in Midlife
Many people — particularly middle-aged women — experience reduced vagal tone due to factors such as:
- Chronic stress or burnout
- Hormonal changes (including perimenopause and menopause)
- Persistent pain or injury
- Poor sleep
- Digestive issues
- Anxiety or low mood
When the vagus nerve isn’t working optimally, the body can get “stuck” in fight-or-flight mode, leading to symptoms such as:
- Ongoing muscle tension or pain
- Fatigue
- Poor sleep
- Digestive discomfort
- Anxiety, low mood, or feeling overwhelmed
- Difficulty recovering from stress or injury
This is where vagal nerve stimulation can make a meaningful difference.
What Is External Vagus Nerve Stimulation?
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) refers to techniques that gently activate the vagus nerve to improve its function.
Unlike surgical or implanted devices, which are invasive and reserved for specific medical conditions, external vagus nerve stimulation is:
- Non-invasive
- Comfortable
- Safe
- Performed through the skin
At our clinic, we use Stimpod therapy to deliver precise, targeted stimulation to areas where the vagus nerve can be influenced externally — such as around the neck and ear region.
How Stimpod Therapy Works
Stimpod is a handheld neuromodulation device that delivers high-frequency, pulsed stimulation designed to communicate directly with the nervous system.
Rather than forcing muscles to contract, Stimpod works by:
- Resetting abnormal nerve signalling
- Reducing nerve hypersensitivity
- Encouraging the nervous system to shift into a calmer, more regulated state
For vagal nerve stimulation, this means helping the body move out of stress mode and into healing mode.
The stimpod probe is placed in the Cymba Conchae of the left ear during treatment
Benefits of External Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Our Patients
Many of our patients report benefits that go well beyond pain relief. These may include:
🌿 Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Stimulating the vagus nerve can help slow the heart rate, ease breathing, and create a deep sense of calm — particularly helpful for women juggling work, family, and hormonal changes.
🌿 Improved Sleep Quality
By calming the nervous system, vagal stimulation may help improve sleep onset and quality, which is essential for healing and overall wellbeing.
🌿 Better Pain Regulation
Chronic pain is often linked to nervous system sensitivity. Vagus nerve stimulation may help reduce pain signals and improve the body’s ability to self-regulate.
🌿 Improved Gut and Digestive Function
The vagus nerve plays a major role in digestion. Supporting its function can help with bloating, discomfort, and irregular digestion.
🌿 Enhanced Emotional Resilience
Many patients describe feeling more balanced, less reactive, and better able to cope with daily stressors.
🌿 Support During Perimenopause and Menopause
As hormones fluctuate, the nervous system can become more sensitive. Vagal nerve stimulation can provide calming support during this transition.
A Gentle, Whole-Body Approach to Healing
One of the most powerful aspects of vagus nerve stimulation is that it doesn’t just treat a single symptom — it supports the entire nervous system.
For many people, this feels like finally addressing the “root cause” rather than chasing symptoms.
Stimpod therapy allows us to tailor treatment to each individual, making it a valuable addition to physiotherapy, pain management, and holistic care.
Is External Vagus Nerve Stimulation Right for You?
If you’re experiencing:
- Persistent pain or tension
- Stress-related symptoms
- Fatigue or poor sleep
- Digestive discomfort
- Anxiety or nervous system overload
…external vagus nerve stimulation may be a helpful part of your care plan.
We’re proud to offer safe, non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation using Stimpod therapy as part of our commitment to modern, patient-centred physiotherapy.
If you’d like to learn more or find out whether vagal nerve stimulation could benefit you, speak to our team or book an appointment today.
Your nervous system deserves care too. 🌸
👉 If you would like more information or help, either click the button below to book online or call 01276 37670
If you are unsure if Physiotherapy or podiatry is the correct route for you and would like to speak to one of our experts first, free of charge, then please click here.
Warm regards
Jonathan Smith (MSc BSc FSOMM MCSP SRP)
Director of Thorpes Physiotherapy