Tapping Into the Vagus Nerve – Nature’s Built-In Anti-Inflammatory Switch

I was super excited when I saw this recent New York Times article last week about a new vagus nerve implant that’s been tested and approved for rheumatoid arthritis. It caught my attention and I had to share. 

We often talk about the importance of stress management—there are many studies supporting it—but this research shows just how powerful it really is. This isn’t just “feel-good” advice—calming the nervous system can literally change the way our immune system behaves.

The Story

The device, made by SetPoint Medical, is about the size of a quarter and is surgically placed in the neck around the vagus nerve. Once a day, for just a minute, it sends a gentle electrical pulse. In people with tough rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, this daily stimulation reduced pain, lowered inflammation, and, for many, allowed them to stop or reduce powerful medications. The FDA just approved it—the first of its kind.

In fact, in the pivotal clinical trial, 75% of patients were able to stop biologic or targeted synthetic drugs entirely within a year, while keeping their symptoms under control.

Wow! Can you believe it? Just by stimulating the vagus nerve, people improved and were able to get off—or significantly reduce—medications. This is amazing proof of the power of our minds, our bodies, and this remarkable nerve.

So, What is the Vagus Nerve?

Think of it as your body’s superhighway between brain and body. It runs from your brainstem, down through your neck, into your heart, lungs, and gut. It carries messages both ways—alerting your brain about what’s happening inside and helping your body respond.

One of its most fascinating jobs is to calm inflammation. When the vagus nerve is activated, it sends a “stand down” message to the immune system—quieting the release of inflammatory chemicals that can drive chronic disease.

You don’t need surgery to tap into it.

While the implant is a breakthrough for severe autoimmune disease, we can all “exercise” our vagus nerve naturally every day. In fact, I’d say it’s essential. Here are some of my favorite, research-backed ways to do it:

1. Breathe deeply and slowly – Try inhaling for a count of 4, exhaling for a count of 6 or 8. Longer exhales activate the vagus nerve.

2. Sing, hum, or chant – Vibrations in your throat stimulate vagal activity. (Yes, shower singing counts.)

3. Splash your face with cold water – Or end your shower with 30 seconds of cool water to trigger a calming reflex. Cold dunks work too—whatever fits your style.

4. Laugh often – Real, belly-deep laughter boosts vagal tone and reduces stress hormones.

5. Connect socially – Positive human connection is one of the most powerful vagus nerve stimulators.

6. Practice mindfulness or gentle yoga – These quiet the stress response and enhance the parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” mode.

The takeaway? We can all get the benefits of this powerful nerve every single day. Whether through cutting-edge implants or simple daily habits, the vagus nerve is proof that your mind-body connection is not just real—it’s potent medicine. 

Link to the article:  https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/health/arthritis-implant-vagus-setpoint.html?unlocked_article_code=1.cE8.TDoN.p_UF7T0qcIts&smid=em-share 

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