Ben Greenfield’s Tips on Using A Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device to Increase HRV
Ben Greenfield’s Tips on Using A Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device to Increase HRV
Key Takeaways
Understanding the vagus nerve is key to tapping into its health benefits, especially for gut health and the gut-brain axis.
High heart rate variability (HRV) indicates a strong stress response system, vital for those dealing with IBS and related gut health issues.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) devices have been found effective in boosting HRV.
Monitoring HRV changes can be instrumental in personal health optimization, particularly in strengthening the gut-brain connection and combating inflammation.
Ben Greenfield stands out as a leading authority in fitness, nutrition, peak human performance, and the use of VNS.
Ben Greenfield's Biohacking Secret with Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Over the years, VNS has been found to be a powerful technique for improving HRV, which in turn leads to a gamut of health benefits. While it might seem like a method reserved for elite biohackers like Ben Greenfield, it's actually accessible to anyone looking to enhance their health and vitality.
Delving into the science behind VNS and its profound impact on health, this article attempts to uncover actionable insights that you can apply to your daily life.
What is the Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve acts as the command center of your parasympathetic nervous system. It's the superhighway that sends signals between your brain and many vital organs, including the heart and gut. When activated, it tells your body to chill out and relax, which is why it's a big deal in the biohacking community.
Why HRV Matters for Your Well-being
Heart rate variability, or HRV, is a key indicator of your body's resilience and adaptability to stress. It’s not just the speed of your heartbeat that matters, but also the subtle variations in the intervals between each beat.
A higher HRV signifies a more adaptable body and mind, which is why biohackers and health tech companies have invested time and resources in developing methods and devices to facilitate its increase. One such method, VNS, involves applying gentle electrical impulses to stimulate the vagus nerve. This technique has been shown to significantly improve mood, reduce stress levels, and bolster the immune system's efficacy.
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Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulator: feel calmer and sleep better in just 4 minutes a day
Experience immediate relaxation with the Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulator.
Sit back, close your eyes, and immerse yourself in the soothing Pulsetto experience, designed to gently promote a state of calmness and well-being.
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In Stock: Ships Within 24 Hours (30-Day Money-Back Guarantee)
Rated 4.5/5 by 20,137+ Customers
Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulator: feel calmer and sleep better in just 4 minutes a day
Experience immediate relaxation with the Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulator.
Sit back, close your eyes, and immerse yourself in the soothing Pulsetto experience, designed to gently promote a state of calmness and well-being.
Best Value Deal! Save $250!
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
Select device:
Pulsetto Lite vs Pulsetto FIT
Which one is right for you?
Pulsetto dual-technology, hands-free device
Best if you wear size S or smaller tops. Only with FIT
New stimulation that rises and falls, which feels more fun (coming July–Aug 2025). Only with FIT
20% longer battery life for fewer recharges. Only with FIT
Free lifetime Pulsetto App with 5 expert-designed programs for Stress, Anxiety, and More.
One 60g gel tube (can be used up to a month), USB-C charging cable, user guide included
Extra gift: Pulsetto Premium 14-day Free Trial. 3 extra stimulations, 11 unique guided meditations, 54 breathing exercises, 1200 positive affirmations, and more.
$296/$546
In Stock: Ships Within 24 Hours (30-Day Money-Back Guarantee)
$296/$546
In Stock: Ships Within 24 Hours (30-Day Money-Back Guarantee)
Ben Greenfield’s Tips on Using A Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device to Increase HRV
Ben Greenfield: Maximize VNS Effects With A VNS Device
In one Ben Greenfield Life upload, Ben tackled the brain-gut axis, a two-way communication system between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract. He explained that the brain-gut axis is vital not only for basic functions like digestion and appetite but also for emotional and mental health, noting that disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, depression, and ulcers can sometimes be treated by targeting this axis.
Ben Greenfield discussing VNS and Pulsetto in one post on his YouTube channel.
Ben pointed to stimulating the vagus nerve as a means to activate this system. While this can be done through traditional methods, in his post, he showcased the Pulsetto device as a more convenient method of VNS. "The Pulsetto can do this more quickly, more safely, and more effectively because nothing travels through the body faster than electricity," he said.
Best Times to Use VNS for Optimal Results
To maximize the benefits of your VNS device, especially for the gut-brain axis and its impact on IBS, it's advisable to use it before meals. This can help increase stomach acid and saliva production, aiding digestion.
For overall stress management, use the device during relaxation times or before stress-inducing activities. Mornings are great for starting your day calmly, and evenings can assist in unwinding and preparing for restful sleep. If you wake up at night and struggle to fall back asleep, a 10-minute session can be beneficial.
The optimal usage time is between 1-4 PM, in line with the body's natural rest period. Post-workout sessions can also facilitate recovery by helping your body transition from exertion to healing.
Combining VNS with Lifestyle Choices
It’s important to understand that VNS is not a standalone solution. Performing VNS alongside other health-promoting activities can lead to synergistic effects.
As one of this generation’s most well-known biohackers, Ben Greenfield employs a comprehensive mix of strength, mobility, power, cardio, sports training, adventure activities, and detox practices. Your routine could be simpler and less packed, but what is important is to have a structure that supports your VNS practice and enhances its beneficial effects.
Long-Term Usage: Managing Expectations
While some benefits of VNS may be noticeable relatively quickly, others require time and consistent application to become evident. Consider VNS a long-term investment in your health rather than a quick fix. It's important to remember that individual responses to VNS vary. Stay patient and be ready to tailor your approach as you discover how your body responds to the stimulation.
Over time, you’re likely to observe an enhancement in your ability to manage stress and an overall improvement in well-being, highlighting its importance in supporting gut health and the gut-brain connection.
Step-by-Step Guide on Using a VNS Device
It's essential to choose the right VNS device for your needs. There are various models on the market, each with different features and levels of intensity. Do your research, read reviews, and consider consulting with a healthcare professional or a trusted biohacker in the community.
Choosing the Right Device for You
When selecting a VNS device, consider the following factors:
Quality and reliability of the device
User-friendliness and comfort
Adjustability of stimulation settings
Battery life and portability for consistent use
Customer support and warranty
Opt for a device that aligns with your lifestyle and is backed by solid science. This ensures that you're making a well-informed decision that will support your health goals.
The Pulsetto device is designed as a neckband—an ideal choice for those looking for hands-free options.
Setting Up Your Device for the First Time
Begin with the lowest setting to see how your body reacts to the stimulation. It's important to listen to your body and gradually increase the intensity as needed. Consistency is key, so try to incorporate VNS into your routine in a way that feels natural and sustainable for you.
Tracking Changes in HRV
Monitoring your health and wellness journey involves closely observing changes in your HRV to gain valuable insights into your body's response to stress, physical activity, and overall heart health.
Try Pulsetto Today
If you're committed to elevating your health like Ben Greenfield, it's time to consider getting Pulsetto.
As you’ve already learned, Pulsetto provides a convenient way to influence the gut-brain axis by sending signals that encourage your body to relax and achieve a meditative state, while simultaneously improving your HRV. This promotes a sense of calm and can also be used as a non-narcotic therapy for alleviating gut disorders and conditions like epilepsy.
Affordable and lightweight, Pulsetto offers a modern solution for enhancing overall health and recovery.
Can anyone use vagus nerve stimulation safely? VNS is generally considered safe, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Certain conditions and individual health factors could affect its suitability and safety, so it’s essential to consult your physician before starting VNS.
How might incorporating vagus nerve stimulation into a wellness routine enhance overall health and stress management? Incorporating VNS into a wellness routine can significantly enhance overall health and stress management by activating the body's relaxation response and improving HRV. This helps in managing stress more effectively and supporting overall well-being.
How does Pulsetto distinguish itself from other devices in the VNS market? Pulsetto distinguishes itself in the VNS market through its ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and proven results in enhancing HRV and overall health. Its user-friendly design and affordability make it accessible for a broader audience.
How does improving HRV with vagus nerve stimulation benefit gut health and the gut-brain axis, according to Ben Greenfield? According to Ben Greenfield, VNS boosts parasympathetic nervous system activity, which promotes relaxation and recovery. This can help balance the autonomic nervous system, positively influencing digestion and overall gut function by improving the gut-brain axis.
Absolutely. The Pulsetto device itself is fully certified by the FCC and CE, which means it complies with strict laws and is approved for use for general health. It uses the lowest bluetooth energy, called “ultra low radiofrequency energy” (ULRE), which is safe for use on the body.
It’s also clinically tested and designed for daily use. Since it’s non-invasive and drug-free, there’s no risk of dependency or side effects. You can use it once a day or several times depending on your needs, before bed, during a stressful moment, or to reset between work tasks. It’s safe, simple, and built for consistency, so the more you use it, the better your nervous system functions over time.
Above all, Pulsetto devices have performed more than 1.5 million simulations already with zero side effects.
How fast will I feel results?
Most users feel noticeably calmer within just 4 minutes. That’s because Pulsetto uses clinically proven vagus nerve stimulation to rapidly shift your nervous system out of fight-or-flight mode and into rest-and-digest. Unlike supplements or meditation apps, there’s no need to wait weeks for subtle changes, relief starts almost immediately. Over time, regular use also strengthens your vagal tone, making you more resilient to stress and better able to stay calm throughout the day.
What does it feel like?
It feels pleasant! Most users describe it as a slight tingling sensation, or a tickle. It’s designed to relax you, so it’s completely pain-free — otherwise it wouldn’t be very calming, would it!
What exactly is the vagus nerve, and why does it matter?
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in your body, and it plays a crucial role in regulating your mood, stress, digestion, heart rate, and sleep. It’s like your body’s internal switchboard for calm and recovery. Pulsetto gently stimulates this nerve to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you slow down, relax, and restore balance. It’s the same nerve doctors stimulate in clinical settings to treat mood and anxiety disorders, but Pulsetto brings this powerful science home.
Can Pulsetto help me sleep better?
Yes, Pulsetto helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up more refreshed. By stimulating your vagus nerve, it activates your parasympathetic nervous system (the one responsible for rest and recovery), helping your body power down naturally. It’s a non-invasive, drug-free solution that works with your body’s own biology. Whether you struggle with racing thoughts, trouble falling asleep, or restless nights, Pulsetto helps create the calm, balanced state your body needs to enter deep, restorative sleep.
What’s included in the Pulsetto App? Is it free?
Yes, the app is 100% free and comes included with the Pulsetto device. It offers 5 unlimited stimulation programs for sleep improvement, nervousness, stress reduction, burnout, and pain management.
The app works with both iOS and Android. It also has a specialized Sound Library filled with sounds specifically designed for Pulsetto, which improve the overall experience.
Do I need to be tech-savvy to use it?
Not at all. Pulsetto is designed to be incredibly easy to use. Just place it around your neck, open the free app, and start your session. The app walks you through everything, from choosing the type of session to adjusting intensity levels. Even if you're not into tech, you’ll find it intuitive and seamless. It’s as easy as putting on a pair of headphones and pressing play, except instead of sound, you're stimulating calm.
Can Pulsetto really help with stress and anxiety?
Yes, and that’s where Pulsetto truly shines. Chronic stress and anxiety are often caused by an overactive sympathetic nervous system (the fight-or-flight response). Pulsetto works by activating the opposite system, the parasympathetic, which signals to your body that it’s safe, helping you relax almost instantly. Whether you're managing daily overwhelm or deeper emotional stress, Pulsetto gives you a powerful tool to self-regulate in a natural, consistent way. It’s peace of mind at the push of a button.
How is Pulsetto different from other wellness tools like meditation apps or supplements?
Meditation apps and supplements can help, but they often take time, focus, and commitment. Pulsetto works physically, not just mentally. By directly stimulating the vagus nerve, it taps into your nervous system’s core functions, creating a fast and reliable physiological shift. You don’t need to “get in the zone” or wait weeks for effects. It’s consistent, clinically supported, and easy to use daily. Pulsetto is not just a wellness tool, it’s a nervous system upgrade.
What if I don’t struggle with anxiety or sleep, can Pulsetto still benefit me?
Yes! Even if you’re not actively struggling, Pulsetto can still improve your overall health and performance. Regular vagus nerve stimulation boosts focus, sharpens mental clarity, supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and even enhances athletic recovery. Think of it like exercise for your nervous system, the more you use it, the stronger and more balanced it becomes. Pulsetto is perfect for anyone who wants to feel more grounded, energized, and resilient in their everyday life.
Who is Pulsetto designed for?
Pulsetto is for anyone who feels overwhelmed, stressed, tired, anxious, or sleep-deprived, basically, most people today. It’s especially helpful for busy professionals, parents, high-performers, and anyone seeking a non-medicated, science-backed way to feel better. Whether you're facing burnout or just want a daily mental reset, Pulsetto empowers you to take back control of your mood, focus, and energy, with just minutes a day.
What if it doesn’t work for me?
We stand behind Pulsetto with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 2-year warranty. While over 86% of users report feeling calmer and less stressed, we understand that every body is different. That’s why we encourage you to try it risk-free and see how it fits into your routine. If you’re not satisfied, we’ll make it right, because your well-being comes first. No gimmicks, no pressure, just real results or your money back.
Will I have to pay any additional customs, duties or VAT fees when I receive my order?
Depending on your country, it is possible that you will be charged one or more of these fees when you receive your order.
Please note that all international orders are charged in US dollars. International charges are based on the standard exchange rates between your currency and the US dollar at the time of purchase or refund.
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Yes, we will send an invoice by email when your order has been placed and another when your order has been shipped.
If you can not find our emails in your normal inbox, it is worth checking in your spam or junk mail folder.
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