Several of you have seen articles about the Vagus Nerve (VN) and new electrical stimulation that affects a huge range of problems including arthritis, heart problems, diabetes, hiccups, epilepsy and even depression.
The VN is one of the 12 cranial nerves that leave the brain without going down the spinal cord and is part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is the system that controls the body without conscious control, taking care of business without you having to think about it.
Scientists have found that if they clamp an electrical device to the VN as it passes through the neck they can alter the function of organs that are malfunctioning.
Attention is focused at present on its effect on the spleen, which can result in a change to the immune system and reduce inflammation associated with arthritis.
I am impressed at the almost science fiction-like role that this device can play but there is a significant problem — highlighted by the license issued in the US for its use. You can only use it when all other treatments have been shown to have failed. So you must ask yourself, “why?”
No one can forecast the exact effect of this type of stimulation and it requires a significant amount of trial and error.
One side effect is when a treatment has an effect that was not expected and brings unwelcome results. The VN controls an enormous array of body functions and the extent of interaction with it cannot be forecast.