Episode
#35 Vagus nerve stimulation for chronic illness and better health with Dr Elisabetta Burchi
- Published
- May 29, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3670
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Summary
SCIENCE: What if a small, non-invasive device could help regulate your nervous system, reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and support recovery from chronic illness? Dr Elisabetta Burchi, psychiatrist, entrepreneur, and Head of Research at Parasym, is advancing the field of neuromodulation — using gentle electrical stimulation to influence the body’s nervous system through the vagus nerve. Often described as the body’s communication superhighway, the vagus nerve plays a key role in regulating heart rate, inflammation, mood, cognition, and overall resilience. Parasym’s transcutaneous device stimulates the nerve through the tragus of the ear — a non-invasive alternative to implanted technologies, backed by more than 100 studies and clinical trials across conditions including Long Covid, ME/CFS, hypertension, depression, fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive dysfunction. In this episode we explore: What the vagus nerve is and why it matters How vagus nerve stimulation works and the science behind it Non-invasive ear stimulation vs implanted devices Effects on HRV, inflammation, and neuroplasticity What the evidence says about effectiveness, safety, and adherence The potential role of VNS in chronic illness and everyday health Whether you’re living with chronic illness, curious about neuroscience, or interested in longevity and performance, this is one of the most exciting areas in health science right now. Make Visible | @visible.health | [email protected]