E86- Vagus Nerve Stimulation: The Science, the Devices, and Why It Changed My Healing Journey

In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and founder of the Balance App, dives into the science and lived experience behind vagal nerve stimulation—a powerful tool for nervous system regulation and healing.

Kristie explains that the vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve, explains where it runs in the body, how it’s part of the autonomic nervous system and why it plays such a critical role in heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, inflammation, overall stress response, immune response and quality of life. She explores how the vagus nerve can become dysregulated not only in chronically ill individuals, but also in those living high-stress, fast-paced lifestyles.

Kristie also shares deeply personal insight into her own experience with nervous system overload, adrenaline surges, mast cell activation syndrome, and extreme fight-or-flight reactions—especially during treatments meant to help her heal. A Vagus nerve stimulator became one of the most impactful tools in helping her body feel safe again.

🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• ⚫ What the vagus nerve is and how it supports the parasympathetic nervous system
• ⚫ How stress, illness, trauma, and inflammation affect vagal tone
• ⚫ Why nervous system dysregulation can worsen conditions like MCAS and POTS
• ⚫ How vagus nerve stimulation helped reduce adrenaline surges and reactivity
• ⚫ An overview of three vagus nerve stimulation devices Kristie uses or recommends:

If you feel wired but exhausted, stuck in fight or flight, or are navigating chronic illness or high stress, this episode offers education, validation, and practical insight into whether vagus nerve stimulation may be a treatment option worth exploring with your healthcare provider.

• ⚫ VaguStim (ear-based stimulation with strong research backing & clinical trials)
• ⚫ Truvaga (neck-based stimulation; Kristie’s personal go-to)
• ⚫ Pulsetto (bilateral neck stimulation with app-guided programs)

🎧 Hit play— this could be exactly what your healing journey might need!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your routine.