Hoolest
Nick Hool, Hoolest CEO, explains how vagus nerve stimulation can offer stress relief for first responders, especially when coupled with ice baths.
The Science of the Vagus Nerve
Hoolest understands that the vagus nerve is the direct link to the parasympathetic nervous system, as well as a vital cranial nerve that connects both the brain & body. In his interview with Professor Seager, Nick Hool (CEO of Hoolest) defines the difference between the parasympathetic & sympathetic divisions of the nervous system, explaining the role that the vagus nerve plays in their function. The sympathetic contains the "flight or fight" response, where stress is triggered in the body. The parasympathetic system, as he states, is
what triggers relaxation & is considered the "rest & digest" response. While the sympathetic is necessary for survival, people often become stuck in this state for tasks that do not require such feedback.
This results in an imbalance of the body & mind. The accumulation of stress then can cascade into other issues, such as longer recovery periods, higher chances of chronic disease, etc. Something that can improve this is strengthening vagal tone, meaning that the vagus nerve is healthy & functioning properly. Improved vagal tone results in steady adaptation & recovery from stressors versus staying in a stressed state. The vagus nerve also controls bodily functions such as our heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure & other automatic responses.
Current Protocol for Nervous System Dysregulation
While there are other modalities (such as breath work, meditation, self-massage, or humming/singing) to activate the vagus nerve, they require much more time & effort. They also may not prove effective for those suffering from extreme nervous system dysregulation.
In other instances, people will use prescribed medications or harmful substances to obtain a missing sense of calm.
However, there has been research done that shows that ice baths are effective in improving heart rate variability (HRV), which is associated with stress, worry, emotional regulation, immune function, inflammation, cardiovascular disease & mortality. This is because cold water immersion will activate the sympathetic nervous system, in turn challenging the parasympathetic nervous system, which can result in an increased HRV, improved vagal tone & boosted psychological resistance.
Apart from this, most options are seemingly time consuming or temporary bandaids for the issue. VeRelief, however, offers an alternate remedy that is both convenient & effortless.
Hoolest showcases drug-free devices that are targeted towards accelerating your relaxation, no matter the environment. Their newest model, the VeRelief Reset, is a portable vagus nerve stimulator that can calm the nervous system in seconds. Hoolest strives to reduce the limitations that anxiety and stress often imposes on our day to day life with tools that are simple, yet effective for mental recovery.
VeRelief Reset Solution
The VeRelief Reset works by targeting a small branch of the vagus nerve known as the auricular branch, found just under the ear on the side of the neck. It sends electrical energy to this part through a soothing vibration, producing a calming effect on the mind & body. This branch communicates with the emotional regulation centers of the brain & can aid in muting the brain's stress response. Because the auricular branch connects to other regions of the brainstem, it can decrease activity in the amygdala, another part of the brain that produces the fear response.
Along with this, it can positively effect the regions of the brain responsible for the production of serotonin & norepinephrine, as well as regulating our sleep/wake cycles. VeRelief is for those not wanting to slow down for treatment. It is not only portable, but also designed to be small & discreet for use in any environment. The VeRelief settings can be modified depending upon the user's preferred intensity levels as their stress levels fluctuate & vary. Hoolest also offers other VeRelief models & helpful tools & accessories, such as the VeRelief Prime, VeRelief PRO & the Mini Max PEMF system.
To purchase VeRelief & experience the benefits of instant nervous system regulation, click one of the links below, or click here.
