Vagus Nerve Stimulation Combined with Meditation Boosts Self-Compassion, Study Finds
BOSTON, MA – August 4, 2025 – A novel approach combining vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with mindfulness meditation has demonstrated significant increases in self-compassion and mindfulness levels, according to research published this week by a team at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). The study, involving 60 participants aged 25-55, suggests a potential new avenue for treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Researchers, led by Dr. Elena Ramirez, a neuroscientist at MGH, utilized non-invasive VNS delivered via a device targeting the auricular vagus nerve – a branch of the vagus nerve accessible through the ear. Participants were divided into three groups: one receiving VNS during meditation, one receiving sham VNS during meditation, and a control group engaging in meditation alone. the VNS device, manufactured by NeuroTone Solutions, delivered a low-level electrical current for 20 minutes during each meditation session.
The study, conducted over eight weeks, employed the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) to measure changes in participants’ emotional states. Results indicated that the group receiving VNS alongside meditation exhibited a 35% greater increase in SCS scores and a 28% increase in FFMQ scores compared to the sham VNS and control groups. These differences reached statistical significance (p < 0.01).
“We observed that VNS appears to enhance the brain’s capacity to process and respond to self-critical thoughts with kindness and understanding,” explained Dr. Ramirez. “This is likely due to the vagus nerve’s role in regulating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the ‘rest and digest’ response, counteracting the effects of chronic stress.”
The vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve in the body, connects the brain to many vital organs, including the heart, lungs, and gut. Recent studies from the American Psychological Association (APA) indicate that individuals with higher vagal tone – a measure of vagus nerve activity – generally exhibit greater emotional resilience and better stress management skills. A 2024 report by the national Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that over 21 million adults in the United States experiance mood disorders annually, highlighting the urgent need for innovative treatment options.
Participants also underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans before and after the intervention. The scans revealed increased activity in brain regions associated with self-compassion and emotional regulation, specifically the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the insula, in the VNS-meditation group.
Researchers caution that further investigation is needed to determine the long-term effects of this combined therapy and to identify which individuals might benefit moast. future studies will explore the potential of VNS-enhanced meditation for specific clinical populations, including veterans with PTSD and individuals struggling with chronic pain. The team is currently recruiting for a follow-up study focusing on the impact of this therapy on cortisol levels,a key biomarker of stress.
Source: Massachusetts General Hospital
Citation: Vagus nerve stimulation paired with meditation increases self-compassion and mindfulness benefits (2025, August 4) retrieved 4 August 2025 from [Original URL Removed – Replaced with Generic Statement]
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