NERVOUS SYSTEM SUPPORT
VNS Therapy
Vagus Nerve Stimulation
DOLPHIN NEUROSTIM
FDA CLEARED
NON-INVASIVE
10-20 MINUTES
Your vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in your body — a direct communication highway between your brain and virtually every major organ, including your heart, lungs, and digestive system. When it is functioning well, your body can shift out of stress, recover quickly, and regulate itself with ease. When it is not, the effects show up everywhere: chronic pain, anxiety, poor sleep, digestive disruption, and a nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight.
VNS Therapy uses the Dolphin Neurostim to deliver gentle DC microcurrent directly to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve — activating the parasympathetic nervous system, improving vagal tone, and helping the body return to a state of balance and healing. Sessions take as little as 10 minutes, and the effects can be felt immediately.
STANDALONE SESSION
10-20
MINUTES
$25
New clients begin with a 10-minute session and progress to 20 minutes as your nervous system adapts. No intake required — just show up and breathe.
MASSAGE ADD-ON
Add-On
TO ANY MASSAGE
$15
Add VNS to the beginning or end of any massage session. An ideal way to prime your nervous system before bodywork or extend the benefit after.
Not sure what to book? Start Here
STANDALONE SESSION
10-20
MINUTES
$25
New clients begin with a 10-minute session and progress to 20 minutes as your nervous system adapts. No intake required — just show up and breathe.
MASSAGE ADD-ON
10
MINUTES
$15
Add VNS to the beginning or end of any massage session. An ideal way to prime your nervous system before bodywork or extend the benefit after.
THE SCIENCE
Your body's master reset switch
The vagus nerve initiates approximately 80% of your body's relaxation response. It governs your heart rate, breathing, digestion, immune function, and your ability to shift out of stress. When vagal tone is high, your body recovers faster, inflammation stays low, and your nervous system remains resilient. When it's low, everything becomes harder — pain amplifies, sleep suffers, and the body stays locked in a stress state it can't escape on its own.​
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Vagus nerve stimulation activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the "rest, digest, and heal" state — and counters the chronic sympathetic dominance that underlies so many modern health conditions. By applying gentle microcurrent directly to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, VNS Therapy triggers a cascade of effects throughout the body: reduced cortisol, lower inflammation, improved heart rate variability, and a measurable shift toward calm.
59%
reduction in chronic pain intensity
35%
improvement in depression severity
4 wks
increase in vagal tone
HRV+
measurable parasympathetic shift
THE PROTOCOL
How VNS Therapy Works
Blue Monarch uses a precise biphasic stimulation protocol designed to balance the vagus nerve — not just activate it. Here's what makes this approach specific and intentional.
Biphasic Stimulation
The Dolphin Neurostim is set to biphasic mode — delivering alternating positive and negative microcurrent pulses. This balanced waveform is specifically designed to balance the autonomic nervous system rather than simply stimulating it in one direction, producing a more complete and sustained regulatory effect.
Auricular Attachment
Two small electrode attachments are applied to the tragus of the ear or the earlobe — where the auricular branch of the vagus nerve sits just beneath the skin. This is the most accessible and clinically validated point for non-invasive vagal stimulation, providing a direct pathway to the nerve without any discomfort.
Left Wrist Grounding
The circuit is grounded to the left wrist during each session. The left side of the body is anatomically dominant for vagal activity — grounding here completes the electrical circuit in alignment with the body's natural neurological lateralization, supporting a more effective and balanced stimulation response.
Starting at 10 Minutes
New clients always begin with a 10-minute session. The vagus nerve responds to stimulation progressively — starting gently allows your nervous system to adapt and respond optimally before increasing duration. Most clients advance to 20-minute sessions over subsequent visits. There is no intake required, and the process is entirely passive and deeply relaxing.
WHY IT WORKS
Benefits of VNS Therapy
Because the vagus nerve connects the brain to nearly every major organ and system, stimulating it produces wide-ranging effects — from immediate relaxation to lasting improvements in chronic health conditions.
Reduces cortisol and sympathetic stress
Improves sleep quality and depth
Supports gut health and digestion
Improves mood and emotional regulation
Improves vagal tone and HRV
Reduces chronic pain and inflammation
Enhances immune function
Supports PTSD and trauma recovery
Supports anxiety and stress resilience
Decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines
Reduces muscle tension and trigger points
Aids Long COVID symptom recovery
WHO THIS HELPS
Conditions That Respond Well to VNS
VNS Therapy is beneficial for a wide range of conditions rooted in nervous system dysregulation, chronic stress, and inflammatory overload. If your body has been stuck in a state of stress, VNS can help interrupt that pattern.
Chronic Stress
Sleep Disorders
Digestive Issues
Anxiety
Chronic Pain
POTS
Depression
Fibromyalgia
Long Covid
PTSD
Migraines
General Wellness
VNS as a Massage Add-On
Adding VNS to a massage session creates a powerful synergy. Applied at the beginning, it shifts the nervous system into parasympathetic mode before hands-on work begins — allowing muscles to release more deeply and the body to receive the work more fully. Applied at the end, it extends and deepens the relaxation response, supporting a longer-lasting therapeutic effect. For clients managing chronic pain, anxiety, or nervous system dysregulation, the add-on is highly recommended.
YOUR VISIT
What to Expect
01
Get Comfortable
No intake or special preparation is required for a standalone VNS session. You'll be seated comfortably in a quiet space. VNS is entirely passive — you simply relax while the device does the work. Many clients use this time to breathe deeply, close their eyes, or simply be still.
02
Electrode Placement
Two small electrode attachments are applied to the tragus of your ear or your earlobe — the surface point closest to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. A grounding attachment is also placed on your left wrist to complete the biphasic circuit. The placements take only a moment and are completely painless.
03
Stimulation Begins
The Dolphin Neurostim is set to biphasic mode and activated at a gentle, comfortable intensity. Most clients feel a mild warmth or subtle tingling at the ear. The session runs for 10 minutes for first-time clients, progressing to 20 minutes over subsequent visits as your nervous system adapts. There is no discomfort and no needles.
04
What You Might Feel
Many clients notice a shift within the first few minutes — a softening of tension in the shoulders and jaw, a slower and deeper breath, and a quiet sense of calm that feels different from ordinary relaxation. Some notice warmth spreading through the chest or their heart rate settling. These are signs that the parasympathetic nervous system is activating.
05
After Your Session
Before you leave, your therapist will bring you a bottle of water. Hydration supports the body's integration of the session. The calm you feel during VNS often extends well beyond the session — many clients report improved sleep, reduced tension, and a greater sense of ease that lasts for days. Regular sessions amplify these effects over time.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it feel like?
Most clients describe a gentle warmth or mild tingling at the ear during the session, and a gradual sense of calm spreading through the body. Some notice a slower heartbeat, softer breathing, or a quiet heaviness in the limbs. The sensation is pleasant and deeply relaxing — nothing sharp or uncomfortable.
Why do new clients start at 10 minutes?
The vagus nerve responds to stimulation progressively. Starting at 10 minutes allows your nervous system to acclimate before increasing duration. Beginning with too long a session can occasionally produce a stronger parasympathetic response than some clients expect. The gradual approach ensures a comfortable, effective experience every time.
How often should I come?
For general wellness and stress management, once or twice a week is a great starting point. For chronic conditions like anxiety, sleep disorders, or chronic pain, more frequent sessions — especially early on — can accelerate results. Your therapist can help you find a rhythm that fits your needs and schedule.
Can I combine VNS with other services?
Yes — and it's highly recommended. VNS pairs beautifully with any massage service as an add-on, and is already included in every MPS Pain Therapy and Scar Release Therapy session. Adding VNS to bodywork helps the nervous system receive manual therapy more fully and extends its effects.
Is it safe?
Yes. The Dolphin Neurostim is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive device. Auricular VNS is well-studied and has an excellent safety record. It is not recommended for clients with pacemakers or implanted electrical devices, during pregnancy, or for clients with active cancer undergoing treatment. Your therapist will confirm it is appropriate for you before beginning.
Is this the same as medical VNS implants?