• Education
    • Higher Education
    • Scholarships & Grants
    • Online Learning
    • School Reforms
    • Research & Innovation
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Fashion & Beauty
    • Home & Living
    • Relationships & Family
  • Technology & Startups
    • Software & Apps
    • Startup Success Stories
    • Startups & Innovations
    • Tech Regulations
    • Venture Capital
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cybersecurity
    • Emerging Technologies
    • Gadgets & Devices
    • Industry Analysis
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy
Today Headline
  • Home
  • World News
    • Us & Canada
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • Middle East
  • Politics
    • Elections
    • Political Parties
    • Government Policies
    • International Relations
    • Legislative News
  • Business & Finance
    • Market Trends
    • Stock Market
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Corporate News
    • Economic Policies
  • Science & Environment
    • Space Exploration
    • Climate Change
    • Wildlife & Conservation
    • Environmental Policies
    • Medical Research
  • Health
    • Public Health
    • Mental Health
    • Medical Breakthroughs
    • Fitness & Nutrition
    • Pandemic Updates
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Basketball
    • Tennis
    • Olympics
    • Motorsport
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • TV & Streaming
    • Celebrity News
    • Awards & Festivals
  • Crime & Justice
    • Court Cases
    • Cybercrime
    • Policing
    • Criminal Investigations
    • Legal Reforms
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • World News
    • Us & Canada
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • Middle East
  • Politics
    • Elections
    • Political Parties
    • Government Policies
    • International Relations
    • Legislative News
  • Business & Finance
    • Market Trends
    • Stock Market
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Corporate News
    • Economic Policies
  • Science & Environment
    • Space Exploration
    • Climate Change
    • Wildlife & Conservation
    • Environmental Policies
    • Medical Research
  • Health
    • Public Health
    • Mental Health
    • Medical Breakthroughs
    • Fitness & Nutrition
    • Pandemic Updates
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Basketball
    • Tennis
    • Olympics
    • Motorsport
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • TV & Streaming
    • Celebrity News
    • Awards & Festivals
  • Crime & Justice
    • Court Cases
    • Cybercrime
    • Policing
    • Criminal Investigations
    • Legal Reforms
No Result
View All Result
Today Headline
No Result
View All Result
Home Science & Environment Medical Research

Vagus nerve stimulation paired with meditation increases self-compassion and mindfulness benefits

August 4, 2025
in Medical Research
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
0
Small electric shocks to ear can boost self-compassion from meditation training
1
SHARES
3
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


Small electric shocks to ear can boost self-compassion from meditation training
Design and procedure. Credit: Psychological Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1017/S0033291725101013

Stimulating the vagus nerve with a device attached to the outer ear can help make compassion meditation training more effective at boosting people’s capacity for self-kindness and mindfulness, finds a new study led by University College London (UCL) researchers.

The study, published in Psychological Medicine, adds to evidence of the potential benefits of stimulating this key nerve that connects the brain with major organs in the chest and abdomen.

The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in the “rest-and-digest” (parasympathetic) system, counteracting the “fight-or-flight” (sympathetic) stress response, and allows the brain to communicate with all major organs in the body. By transmitting signals from the body up to the brain, the vagus nerve can also regulate a range of psychological processes, including some involved in social interactions and emotional control.

The researchers stimulated study participants’ vagus nerve by delivering a painless electric pulse to the tragus, the small cartilaginous flap located in front of the ear canal on the outer ear. This electronic pulse was designed to activate nerve fibers that pass close to the skin surface.

The academics tested 120 healthy participants who either received vagus nerve stimulation through the skin on their tragus, or a placebo stimulation to another part of the ear. This was combined either with self-compassion meditation training or another form of training not designed to promote compassion.

The participants who received the vagus nerve stimulation alongside the self-compassion training experienced a larger and more immediate increase in self-compassion than those in the other three groups.

The participants’ level of mindfulness (awareness of the present moment and calm acknowledgment of one’s thoughts and feelings) was also measured, and the benefits to mindfulness accumulated across multiple training sessions, suggesting that while some effects of stimulation and training are immediate, others build over time.

Lead author Professor Sunjeev Kamboj (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) said, “We found that delivering a small shock to the ear, to stimulate the vagus nerve, can amplify the benefits of certain meditation techniques, particularly those involved in cultivating self-compassion.

“Our findings reveal how neuroscience technology may have a meaningful impact on how we feel about ourselves. Neurostimulation alone had limited benefits, but it may have an important role to play in supporting meditation therapies, which are increasingly used to help people with mental and physical health problems.

“Meditation can be hard work, requiring persistence and dedication, so a way to boost and accelerate its impacts could be a welcome development for therapists and patients alike.”

The researchers say that further research is needed to refine the technique and to see how long the effects last. Additionally, as this study only investigated healthy participants without a diagnosed psychological disorder, further research is needed to see if this approach could benefit people with conditions such as anxiety, depression or trauma.

In a separate study published in July 2025, a team co-led by a UCL researcher also found that vagus nerve stimulation could help to improve fitness and exercise tolerance.

More information:
Sunjeev K. Kamboj et al, Electroceutical enhancement of self-compassion training using transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation: results from a preregistered fully factorial randomized controlled trial, Psychological Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1017/S0033291725101013

Provided by
University College London


Citation:
Vagus nerve stimulation paired with meditation increases self-compassion and mindfulness benefits (2025, August 4)
retrieved 4 August 2025
from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-vagus-nerve-paired-meditation-compassion.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.




Small electric shocks to ear can boost self-compassion from meditation training
Design and procedure. Credit: Psychological Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1017/S0033291725101013

Stimulating the vagus nerve with a device attached to the outer ear can help make compassion meditation training more effective at boosting people’s capacity for self-kindness and mindfulness, finds a new study led by University College London (UCL) researchers.

The study, published in Psychological Medicine, adds to evidence of the potential benefits of stimulating this key nerve that connects the brain with major organs in the chest and abdomen.

The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in the “rest-and-digest” (parasympathetic) system, counteracting the “fight-or-flight” (sympathetic) stress response, and allows the brain to communicate with all major organs in the body. By transmitting signals from the body up to the brain, the vagus nerve can also regulate a range of psychological processes, including some involved in social interactions and emotional control.

The researchers stimulated study participants’ vagus nerve by delivering a painless electric pulse to the tragus, the small cartilaginous flap located in front of the ear canal on the outer ear. This electronic pulse was designed to activate nerve fibers that pass close to the skin surface.

The academics tested 120 healthy participants who either received vagus nerve stimulation through the skin on their tragus, or a placebo stimulation to another part of the ear. This was combined either with self-compassion meditation training or another form of training not designed to promote compassion.

The participants who received the vagus nerve stimulation alongside the self-compassion training experienced a larger and more immediate increase in self-compassion than those in the other three groups.

The participants’ level of mindfulness (awareness of the present moment and calm acknowledgment of one’s thoughts and feelings) was also measured, and the benefits to mindfulness accumulated across multiple training sessions, suggesting that while some effects of stimulation and training are immediate, others build over time.

Lead author Professor Sunjeev Kamboj (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) said, “We found that delivering a small shock to the ear, to stimulate the vagus nerve, can amplify the benefits of certain meditation techniques, particularly those involved in cultivating self-compassion.

“Our findings reveal how neuroscience technology may have a meaningful impact on how we feel about ourselves. Neurostimulation alone had limited benefits, but it may have an important role to play in supporting meditation therapies, which are increasingly used to help people with mental and physical health problems.

“Meditation can be hard work, requiring persistence and dedication, so a way to boost and accelerate its impacts could be a welcome development for therapists and patients alike.”

The researchers say that further research is needed to refine the technique and to see how long the effects last. Additionally, as this study only investigated healthy participants without a diagnosed psychological disorder, further research is needed to see if this approach could benefit people with conditions such as anxiety, depression or trauma.

In a separate study published in July 2025, a team co-led by a UCL researcher also found that vagus nerve stimulation could help to improve fitness and exercise tolerance.

More information:
Sunjeev K. Kamboj et al, Electroceutical enhancement of self-compassion training using transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation: results from a preregistered fully factorial randomized controlled trial, Psychological Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1017/S0033291725101013

Provided by
University College London


Citation:
Vagus nerve stimulation paired with meditation increases self-compassion and mindfulness benefits (2025, August 4)
retrieved 4 August 2025
from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-vagus-nerve-paired-meditation-compassion.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.



Tags: Health ResearchHealth Research NewsHealth ScienceMedicine ResearchMedicine Research NewsMedicine Science
Previous Post

Redistricting reprisals: From the Politics Desk

Next Post

Skyrora gets UK launch license as first flight likely slips to 2026

Related Posts

New molecular technology targets tumors and simultaneously silences two 'undruggable' cancer genes

New molecular technology targets tumors and simultaneously silences two ‘undruggable’ cancer genes

August 4, 2025
5
liver model

Combined exposure to alcohol and ‘forever chemicals’ increases liver damage

August 4, 2025
5
Next Post
Skyrora gets UK launch license as first flight likely slips to 2026

Skyrora gets UK launch license as first flight likely slips to 2026

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Family calls for change after B.C. nurse dies by suicide after attacks on the job

Family calls for change after B.C. nurse dies by suicide after attacks on the job

April 2, 2025
Pioneering 3D printing project shares successes

Product reduces TPH levels to non-hazardous status

November 27, 2024

Police ID man who died after Corso Italia fight

December 23, 2024

Hospital Mergers Fail to Deliver Better Care or Lower Costs, Study Finds todayheadline

December 31, 2024
Harris tells supporters 'never give up' and urges peaceful transfer of power

Harris tells supporters ‘never give up’ and urges peaceful transfer of power

0
Des Moines Man Accused Of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend's Mother

Des Moines Man Accused Of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend’s Mother

0

Trump ‘looks forward’ to White House meeting with Biden

0
Catholic voters were critical to Donald Trump’s blowout victory: ‘Harris snubbed us’

Catholic voters were critical to Donald Trump’s blowout victory: ‘Harris snubbed us’

0
Amazon is selling a beautiful Timex watch for $59 off

Amazon is selling a beautiful Timex watch for $59 off todayheadline

August 5, 2025
Australian job ads fall 1% in July, ANZ-Indeed data shows

Australian job ads fall 1% in July, ANZ-Indeed data shows todayheadline

August 5, 2025
Delhi weather: IMD predicts moderate rainfall for Tuesday

Delhi weather: IMD predicts moderate rainfall for Tuesday todayheadline

August 5, 2025
Deep-living microbes could 'eat' energy generated by earthquakes

Deep-living microbes could ‘eat’ energy generated by earthquakes todayheadline

August 5, 2025

Recent News

Amazon is selling a beautiful Timex watch for $59 off

Amazon is selling a beautiful Timex watch for $59 off todayheadline

August 5, 2025
2
Australian job ads fall 1% in July, ANZ-Indeed data shows

Australian job ads fall 1% in July, ANZ-Indeed data shows todayheadline

August 5, 2025
7
Delhi weather: IMD predicts moderate rainfall for Tuesday

Delhi weather: IMD predicts moderate rainfall for Tuesday todayheadline

August 5, 2025
1
Deep-living microbes could 'eat' energy generated by earthquakes

Deep-living microbes could ‘eat’ energy generated by earthquakes todayheadline

August 5, 2025
2

TodayHeadline is a dynamic news website dedicated to delivering up-to-date and comprehensive news coverage from around the globe.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Basketball
  • Business & Finance
  • Climate Change
  • Crime & Justice
  • Cybersecurity
  • Economic Policies
  • Elections
  • Entertainment
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environmental Policies
  • Europe
  • Football
  • Gadgets & Devices
  • Health
  • Medical Research
  • Mental Health
  • Middle East
  • Motorsport
  • Olympics
  • Politics
  • Public Health
  • Relationships & Family
  • Science & Environment
  • Software & Apps
  • Space Exploration
  • Sports
  • Stock Market
  • Technology & Startups
  • Tennis
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized
  • Us & Canada
  • Wildlife & Conservation
  • World News

Recent News

Amazon is selling a beautiful Timex watch for $59 off

Amazon is selling a beautiful Timex watch for $59 off todayheadline

August 5, 2025
Australian job ads fall 1% in July, ANZ-Indeed data shows

Australian job ads fall 1% in July, ANZ-Indeed data shows todayheadline

August 5, 2025
  • Education
  • Lifestyle
  • Technology & Startups
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy

© 2024 Todayheadline.co

Welcome Back!

OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Business & Finance
  • Corporate News
  • Economic Policies
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Market Trends
  • Crime & Justice
  • Court Cases
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Cybercrime
  • Legal Reforms
  • Policing
  • Education
  • Higher Education
  • Online Learning
  • Entertainment
  • Awards & Festivals
  • Celebrity News
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Health
  • Fitness & Nutrition
  • Medical Breakthroughs
  • Mental Health
  • Pandemic Updates
  • Lifestyle
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Food & Drink
  • Home & Living
  • Politics
  • Elections
  • Government Policies
  • International Relations
  • Legislative News
  • Political Parties
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Gadgets & Devices
  • Industry Analysis
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Motorsport
  • Olympics
  • Climate Change
  • Environmental Policies
  • Medical Research
  • Science & Environment
  • Space Exploration
  • Wildlife & Conservation
  • Sports
  • Tennis
  • Technology & Startups
  • Software & Apps
  • Startup Success Stories
  • Startups & Innovations
  • Tech Regulations
  • Venture Capital
  • Uncategorized
  • World News
  • Us & Canada
  • Public Health
  • Relationships & Family
  • Travel
  • Research & Innovation
  • Scholarships & Grants
  • School Reforms
  • Stock Market
  • TV & Streaming
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy
  • About us
  • Contact

© 2024 Todayheadline.co