I’m obsessed with technology that helps us feel better by hacking the amazing machine we are as humans. Lately I’ve been really fascinated with tech that promotes high “vagal tone,” i.e. stimulates the vagus nerve to help lower heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and improve stress response.
I went all in on this “calm tech” while speaking at the Eudemonia Summit this fall where I got to have a test session in the Ammortal chamber—the $150,000 full-body therapy on GOOP’s gift list that combines red light with PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field), vibroacoustic sound, and hydrogen inhalation therapy. I literally felt like I had a new brain after 30 minutes, the relaxation response was that profound.
Admittedly, most of us can’t live in an Ammortal chamber. (If you get one, let’s talk!) But there are a few other calm tech options I’ve tried recently that are more accessible. Since this is probably the most stressful week of the year, I thought I’d share.
The research says
What is the vagus nerve?
The vagus nerve, also known as Cranial Nerve 10, is the longest nerve in the body. You actually have two of them, right and left. Together, they contain 75% of the body’s parasympathetic nerve fibers, which send information between the brain, the heart, and the gut. It’s referred to as “The Wanderer” in Ayurveda since it touches so many of the body’s key systems.
As part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the vagus nerve isn’t something you consciously control, though your actions and environment do have a major influence on how it functions.
Stimulating the vagus nerve—i.e. promoting high vagal tone—is key for supporting your body’s parasympathetic “rest, relax, digest and heal” response.
A state of low vagal tone can cause digestive symptoms like gas and bloating, increased sensitivity to stress, and inflammation. (Research suggests the vagus nerve may also be a modifier of obesity.)
Vibroacoustic therapy and the vagus nerve
Emerging research shows vibroacoustic therapy (sometimes called tapping or VAT) may contribute to stress management through its effects on heart rate variability. The theory is simple: specific vibration frequencies can stimulate vagal tone and increase heart rate variability, which sharpens cognitive performance, improves sleep and lowers stress.
Aromatherapy and the vagus nerve
Aromatherapy is admittedly not really “tech” but I love a high-tech, low-fi mix and there’s a fascinating body of research exploring the impact on aromatherapy on everything from heart rate to brain wave composition. The practice can stimulate the vagus nerve through the olfactory system and its direct influence on the brain, particularly the limbic system (including the hypothalamus and amygdala), which plays a role in emotions, stress regulation, and autonomic functions.
When the brain processes certain soothing or calming scents (such as lavender, chamomile, or frankincense), it can activate the parasympathetic response, which in turn stimulates the vagus nerve.
What I’m doing for my own body
“Calm tech” using these modalities seems like it’s popping up everywhere lately in the form of wearables and in-home devices. In addition to the Ammortal Chamber, I recently tried the Shiftwave chair in my office. It uses pulsed pressure wave therapy to stimulate the vagus nerve to reduce stress and improve sleep.
I’ve also added two other pieces of “calm tech” to my daily routine to help support vagal tone.
The first is Osea’s Vagus Nerve Trio. I’ve been a big fan of Osea’s non-toxic formulas for years so I was super excited when they came out with this set to promote vagal tone. The pillow mist smells beautiful!
Secondly, I’ve been using The Apollo since this fall and am really impressed. It’s a brilliantly simple solution: a watch-sized wristband applies specific vibrational patterns to the skin designed to engage the body’s mechanoreceptors, which send signals to the brain and activate the autonomic nervous system.
When calibrated to trigger a calming response, these vibrations stimulate the vagus nerve for increased heart rate variability, lowered blood pressure, and increased feelings of calm. Since I’ve been wearing it, the Apollo has reduced my personal stress response by 20%.
These are just the products I’ve personally tried recently—if you have experience with others, send them to me!
What I recommend for you
There are plenty of DIY ways to stimulate your vagus nerve (meditation, HIIT and yoga all have research behind them) which I talked about in a past newsletter.
If you’re chronically stressed, I highly recommend trying the Apollo. I think of it like a supplement to support my existing meditation routine. Get $60 off with my personal link and code RBMD.
A final note on stress: We live in a world designed to destroy our calm. So, how can we address stress for the longterm? I’ll be going deeper on the impacts of chronic stress for longevity at Luminescence, a one-day summit in LA in February. Get your ticket here and use code ROBIN20 for a 20% discount.