What is taVNS?

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) is a method of applying mild electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve through the skin around the ear.

The vagus nerve is one of the body’s longest and most important nerves. It connects the brain to the internal organs, regulates heart rate, breathing, digestion, and plays a central role in the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s natural system of relaxation and recovery.

By stimulating the vagus nerve through the ear, taVNS activates the body’s own mechanisms for stress reduction and balance restoration.

Scientific Foundation and Research

taVNS has been studied for over 20 years and is actively explored in neuroscience, psychology, and medicine. Hundreds of publications in international databases such as PubMed confirm its potential.

Main research directions:

• therapy for depression and anxiety disorders,

• improvement of sleep quality,

• stress reduction,

• support for cognitive functions.

Some studies suggest taVNS may serve as an alternative to pharmacological methods—without the risk of dependence or side effects.

How taVNS Works in the Nervous System

Branches of the vagus nerve pass through the ear. Mild electrical impulses delivered via special electrodes activate these branches.

The signal travels to the brainstem and then to structures that regulate mood, attention, and stress (including the nucleus tractus solitarius and the limbic system).

This activation triggers the parasympathetic system:

• heart rate slows,

• breathing normalizes,

• a sense of calm increases.

Essentially, taVNS helps “switch” the body into a recovery and relaxation mode.

Comparison with Other Methods

• Implantable VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation): requires surgery and is used for severe epilepsy and depression. taVNS is non-invasive, safe, and suitable for daily use.

• Medication for stress and anxiety: provides quick relief but often comes with side effects or dependency risks. taVNS works through the body’s natural pathways—without drugs.

• Relaxation techniques (meditation, breathing): effective but require time and practice. taVNS accelerates the transition to calm, even without prior meditation experience.

Research Highlights

• Kraus et al. (2007): showed for the first time that auricular vagus stimulation affects brain activity linked to emotion regulation.

• Frangos et al. (2015): confirmed that taVNS activates brainstem centers in the same way as implantable VNS.

• Badran et al. (2018): found taVNS reduces stress and enhances cognitive performance in healthy subjects.

• Recent studies: explore combining taVNS with meditation and music for amplified relaxation.

Everyday Benefits

For daily life, taVNS offers:

• Stress and anxiety relief: faster recovery after overload.

• Better sleep: stimulation of the vagus nerve supports deeper, higher-quality rest.

• Improved focus and attention: helps maintain clarity of mind throughout the day.

• A natural path to relaxation: no pills, no side effects.

BrainPatch^® e-Meditation^®: Combining GVS and taVNS

BrainPatch^® e-Meditation^® brings together two cutting-edge technologies in a familiar wireless headphone format:

• GVS — gentle vestibular stimulation for stress relief and faster meditative immersion.

• taVNS — vagus nerve stimulation through the ear for parasympathetic activation.

Together, these methods reinforce one another, making relaxation natural, fast, and effective—right through everyday headphones.