You’ve probably heard that vagus nerve stimulation can help with anxiety, gut issues, inflammation, or even long COVID.

Maybe your doctor mentioned it. Maybe you’ve seen devices that promise to “reset” your nervous system. And maybe you’ve noticed the small detail tucked into every VNS device description: surgery, side effects, or a hefty price tag.

But what if there was a gentler way?

At Fast Relief Acupuncture, we help patients activate the vagus nerve naturally, no machines, no implants, no side effects. Just your body, working the way it’s supposed to.

Let’s break down how it works and why acupuncture might be the safer, smarter step before you commit to a device.

What Is the Vagus Nerve and Why Does It Matter?

The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in your body. It starts in your brainstem and runs all the way down into your gut. It’s like the body’s built-in calming system.

When the vagus nerve is working well, it keeps your heart rate steady, your digestion on track, and your stress levels low. But when it’s not? You might feel anxious, inflamed, tired, or wired.

Vagus nerve stimulation, or VNS, is often used to treat conditions like:

• Epilepsy
• Depression
• Chronic inflammation
• PTSD
• Long COVID
• IBS and digestive issues

Implants and electrical stimulators are designed to activate this nerve, but they’re not the only options.

Why People Are Looking for Alternatives to VNS Devices

Not everyone is ready to jump into surgery or rely on a machine.

Here’s what we hear from people who are exploring other options:

• They want something less invasive
• They’re worried about side effects or long-term use
• They’re not sure if it’s worth the cost or hassle

For many, devices feel like a last resort. But acupuncture offers a way to support the same systems without introducing anything foreign to the body.

Acupuncture Stimulates the Vagus Nerve Naturally

Acupuncture taps into your nervous system through precise, gentle stimulation. When a needle is placed in specific points, it sends a signal to the brain to shift gears from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest.”

That shift is the parasympathetic nervous system kicking in, and the vagus nerve is a major player in that system.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can:

• Increase vagal tone
• Improve heart rate variability
• Lower inflammation markers
• Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression

And all of this happens without machines, wires, or implants.

Auricular Acupuncture and the Vagus Nerve

One of the most effective areas to access the vagus nerve is actually the ear.

That’s why auricular acupuncture, or ear acupuncture, is such a powerful technique. It targets points near the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, right at the surface of the skin.

At Fast Relief Acupuncture, we use this method in treatments like SAAT Allergy Therapy, which, thanks to its vagal nerve stimulation, not only supports allergy relief but also has calming, anti-inflammatory benefits.

Acupuncture for Anxiety, Sleep, and Inflammation

You may not be searching for “vagus nerve help”. You might just know you’re tired, anxious, or not sleeping well.

These are all signs that your parasympathetic system needs support.

Through treatments like Acupuncture for Restful Sleep, we help regulate the nervous system so your body can do what it’s meant to: heal, recover, and relax.

What to Expect at Fast Relief Acupuncture

Your first visit is all about understanding what your body needs. Whether you’re exploring acupuncture as an alternative to a device or just want to feel more in control of your health, we’ll meet you there.

We often use:

• Auricular acupuncture
• Full-body acupuncture
• Electro Acupuncture for deeper stimulation, still without implants
• Non-invasive methods tailored to your nervous system

You don’t have to commit to anything long-term. You just have to be open to trying something your body already knows how to do.

Vagus Nerve Support Without Surgery

Before you move forward with surgery or buy a costly device, acupuncture might be the gentle step your body is asking for.

Here’s what to remember:

• Acupuncture naturally activates the vagus nerve
• It can improve mood, digestion, sleep, and inflammation
• It’s non-invasive, safe, and personalized
• It may offer the benefits of VNS without the downsides

If you’re curious about whether your vagus nerve could be the missing piece, let’s explore it together. Book your session today and let’s discover what’s possible when your nervous system is working with you, not against you.

Acupuncture is a potent anti-inflammatory therapy that helps promote cell damage repair. Treatment usually includes therapeutic massages and herbal medicine. The acupuncture points focus on the foot and heal and help stimulate blood flow and pressure release.

We will dive deep into the causes and potential treatments for plantar fasciitis. If you're seeking fast relief, you've come to the right place! We'll help you make the right choices.

How Can Acupuncture Relieve Plantar Fasciitis?

Acupuncture is an effective therapeutic method for treating the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. The acupuncture needles are inserted at the base of the foot and several nerve endings. This activates the body's neurotransmitters and regulates pain and inflammation.

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammatory condition that manifests in the bottom of the foot. This disorder usually starts to surface in people between the ages of 40-60. Although the exact trigger is unknown, there are several theories.

Experts believe Plantar Fasciitis is caused by strain on the bottom part of the heel and front of the foot. This causes tear lines along the ligament connecting the back of the foot to the front portion (the "plantar fascia").

Some experts believe stresses cause this on the base of the foot. These include:

• Running long distances
• Aerobic activities
• Being overweight
• Obesity
• Standing for long periods
• Pre-existing conditions such as flat foot

Although the causes are multifaceted, treatments are relatively standard. They include physical therapy, pharmacological treatments, and massage therapy. However, these treatments are insufficient for most who suffer from the disorder.

Acupuncture is an excellent treatment for plantar fasciitis since it releases the body's natural endorphins. These endorphins elevate mood and decrease pain. Acupuncture will also reduce inflammation, a common contributing factor to pain from plantar fasciitis.

Can Acupuncture Help with Plantar Fasciitis?

Acupuncture has successfully been tested on many sufferers to treat and relieve pain and inflammation.

Plantar fasciitis is not a chronic disorder and can be helped through therapy and other treatments. Although most people suffer from this most of their lives, it is possible to reverse some of the side effects.

Treating Plantar Fasciitis with Acupuncture and Therapy

Plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating experience for those suffering from it. It causes sharp pain, especially first thing in the morning, and can worsen progressively.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment of pain and inflammation from plantar fasciitis. By stimulating blood flow and triggering neurotransmitters, you can experience natural relief.

If you're seeking quick and effective treatments for your pain, our crew at Fast Relief Acupuncture can help! Please contact us for more details so we can get the proper treatment for you.

Nearly 23.5 (11.2%) adults experience chronic pain in the US, and almost 40 million (17.6%) experience severe pain.  So is it not about time that we had more efficient options?

What is Chronic Pain

Chronic pain, by definition, is persistent/intermittent pain that lasts for three months or longer. It can interfere with everyday life functions, work, and life quality in general. Chronic pain affects more than 200,000 cases per year within the United States. While various treatments help manage the effect, there are no known cures given that causes are multiple.

Causes

The difficulty in pinpointing chronic pain cause is that it often mutates with complications. Mainstream causes are surgery, injury, obesity, cancer, inflammation or tendinitis, sinus dysfunction, arthritis, musculoskeletal, headache/migraines, psychosomatic dysfunctions, and more. Chronic pain hurts one’s whole being. It affects not only the nerves but emotions, self-sufficiency, and the whole being. A person impacted by such pain can not only cease to be self-sufficient, but experience an effect on the entire family, work, and community.

Treatment of Chronic Pain

Depending on the cause, Chronic pain management techniques can involve invasive surgery, chemical therapy, steroid injections, Radiofrequency ablation, physiotherapy, heat/cold treatment, prescribed activity/diet, massage, injections, Botox, and more.

Recovery Rate

According to the National Library of Medicine, severe pain prevalence has increased from 28 to 33% within the last decade. We need to keep in mind that it takes at least half a year to recover from chronic pain there is no immediate care or solution. Treatment effectiveness varies from person to person. Since our research on chronic pain is still minimal, why not consider holistic therapies?

How Can Acupuncture Help Chronic Pain?

According to Harvard Health Publishing, when traditional methods fail, “acupuncture is an option with a good track record.” While a single treatment will not perform a miracle, an acupuncture regimen supervised by the acupuncturist (as well as your doctor) can yield miraculous results. For example, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, the effect of true acupuncture was 50% more effective than that of a placebo. While it takes time to see results, acupuncture in conjunction with your doctor’s recommendations, physiotherapy, and a holistic approach can yield promising results.
Schedule your consultation today with Fast Relief Acupuncture to find out how a comprehensive acupuncture regimen can improve blood circulation, raise endorphin levels, and, therefore, alleviate pain, anxiety, and depression.

Invasive treatment is often needlessly used to remedy acute pain.
However, acupuncture is particularly successful with acute disorders.

What is back pain?

For many, this is a ridiculous question because we all know back pain. But let us stop to think for a moment. We know back pain as a symptom, but what is the cause, and is it preventable?

According to the John Hopkins Institute, an injury can cause acute pain and last up to six weeks. While not as persistent as chronic pain, it can become chronic if not managed properly. Pain can present as acute stabbing, intermittent, constant, aching, burning, dull, or throbbing. Severe pain can transfer to the legs or the buttocks. It is crucial to address the fundamental cause so that it does not impede our daily activities. Pain can come on suddenly or increase with time. It is caused by injury, over-use, strain, improper body movement, infection, degeneration of muscle or bone, abnormal growth, obesity/weakened muscle, joint/disc/nerve problems, fractures, bone abnormalities, aneurysms, abdominal/immune complications, and more.

Treatments and maintenance

Because there is a myriad of back pain causes, prevention, and proper diagnosis are the key. Depending on the cause, treatments can vary from an ice pack to surgery. Regardless of treatment choice, there are preventative actions we can take to improve or prevent future occurrences. In conjunction with the advice of a doctor, a healthy lifestyle adjustment is crucial. Key improvements include a healthy diet (aimed at weight loss, strength, and improved muscle tone/flexibility), lifestyle changes, stress management, meditation, exercise, physical therapy, and alternative remedies such as acupuncture.

Acupuncture treats acute pain

Many are surprised to hear that acupuncture is effective at treating acute pain. By reducing inflammation, acupuncture improves the range of motion and reduces pain. In a series of successive treatments, the effect is cumulative and can eliminate pain. National Library of Pain (a government resource) compiled articles on the benefits of acupuncture and minimal side effects. In Acupuncture for Pain, Robert B Kelly speaks to the benefits of both traditional and non-traditional acupuncture methods. American Pain Society and American College of Physicians sites twenty-two studies that effectively confirm acupuncture as a viable pain/inflammation relief method. Regardless of studies, acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular. The key is to finish successive treatments and stick to the therapist's prescribed regimen. Take care of your health by scheduling your treatment today and feel instant relief.