FAQs

The vagus nerve, also called the "wandering nerve," is the 10th cranial nerve (CN X). It gets its name from the Latin word vagus, meaning "wandering," because it extends from the brainstem through the neck into the chest and abdomen, connecting to many organs.

As the main nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, it helps regulate automatic body functions: slowing the heart rate, supporting breathing, stimulating digestion, and promoting the body's "rest and digest" response.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) delivers gentle electrical signals to the vagus nerve that may influence brain networks involved in stress, attention, mood, and autonomic nervous system regulation.

VNS sends electrical signals to the vagus nerve, which relays them to the brainstem and beyond, tweaking brain activity. In epilepsy, it calms irregular brain signals that trigger seizures. In depression, it boosts neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. In stress, it enhances heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of resilience.

The vagus nerve is the primary parasympathetic nerve. Higher vagal tone generally means your nervous system is better able to: slow heart rate after stress, regulate breathing, reduce excessive sympathetic activation, and return to a calm state more efficiently. People with lower vagal tone often have higher resting physiological arousal, heart rate variability abnormalities (though HRV is only a proxy), and more difficulty "turning off" the stress response. This doesn't necessarily mean they have more anxious thoughts — it means their body may be more prone to staying in a state of physiological activation.

STIMS aims to shift you out of physiological stress, aka sympathetic nervous system activation. This can look like a faster heart rate, faster breathing, muscle tension, or feeling anxious or on edge. STIMS vagus nerve stimulation aims to bring your nervous system into balance by increasing parasympathetic activity, which may look like: a slower heart rate; calmer, deeper diaphragmatic breathing; better bounce-back or feeling unbothered by stress; consistent energy without the crash; better sleep patterns. These changes are often gradual and may become more noticeable with consistent use over several weeks.

Sessions vary 10–30 minutes, depending on the intended use. Different programs use different combinations of electrical pulse characteristics, such as frequency, pulse width, and timing. The goal is to produce stimulation patterns that are optimized for different wellness objectives.

Experiences vary. Some people report feeling calmer during or shortly after a session. Others notice changes only after several weeks of regular use. Some people do not notice a meaningful effect. Research has not established a predictable timeline.

STIMS feels like a tiny, gentle tingle or vibration on your ear, kind of like your phone buzzing on low. It's not painful for most people, just a light sensation that fades into the background. As it kicks in, you might notice your body feeling a little less on edge and more like it's switching out of fight-or-flight into chill mode.

Research on non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation is ongoing, with early studies exploring areas such as stress, sleep, focus, and the gut–brain connection. STIMS itself has not yet been tested in people, and no specific results are claimed.

Clinical studies have shown modest but promising reductions in stress, although results vary. Neck stimulation is easier to position and can deliver stronger stimulation, but it may also activate neighboring nerves and muscles, making its effects less specific. Overall, ear stimulation currently has the stronger scientific rationale, while neck stimulation may offer practical advantages and is still being actively studied.

HRV is the natural variation in the time between heartbeats. Contrary to what many people think, a healthy heart does not beat like a metronome. Higher HRV generally means a more adaptable, resilient nervous system. Lower HRV can occur during periods of stress, illness, fatigue, poor sleep, or overtraining. HRV is influenced by age, fitness, sleep, medications, hydration, and overall health — view it as a trend over time rather than a single score.

People experiencing chronic stress often have lower HRV because their nervous system spends more time in a heightened state of alertness. As parasympathetic activity improves, HRV may gradually increase. HRV is not a measure of anxiety itself, but it can provide an objective indicator of how well your nervous system is recovering from stress.

No. Current evidence suggests that non-invasive VNS may be a useful addition to established approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, stress management techniques, exercise, good sleep habits, and medications when prescribed. It should not be considered a replacement for evidence-based mental health care.

Many people can, provided they feel comfortable and alert. Avoid using it while driving, operating machinery, or during any activity where dizziness could create a safety risk.

STIMS is designed for moments when you're seeking relaxation: before sleep, before or while meditating, after sport, in between meetings, or while relaxing. For a morning routine, the first session can be used within the first hour of getting out of bed; for a sleep routine, about one hour before bed. The app is planned to remind you of a second session if needed, and will include more guidance.

No. STIMS is in development and is intended as a general wellness device. It doesn't claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your medical provider regarding any medical concerns.

The device connection is planned to use Bluetooth, which emits low levels of non-ionizing radiation. Such exposure is not considered harmful to humans.

For most healthy people, ear-based vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is well tolerated when used according to instructions. Common side effects include mild skin irritation, ear discomfort, tingling, temporary headache, and dizziness. Serious adverse effects are uncommon but have been reported in rare cases. STIMS will complete safety validation before launch.

There is no universally established minimum age for consumer taVNS devices. STIMS is being designed for ages 12+, with use under 18 recommended with parental guidance. Parents should discuss any use with their child's healthcare provider first.

Contraindications include but are not limited to: users with an active implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker, hearing aid implant, or any implanted electronic device; users with a metallic device such as a stent, bone plate, or bone screw implanted at or near the neck; users who are using another stimulation device at the same time (e.g., TENS unit, muscle stimulator). Do not use taVNS without medical advice if you have: an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator; certain heart rhythm or blood pressure disorders (hypertension, hypotension, bradycardia, or tachycardia); frequent fainting episodes; open wounds or infections on the ear; epilepsy, unless supervised by your treating clinician; or a history of cardiac disease, including congestive heart failure, severe coronary artery disease, or a recent heart attack (within 5 years).