04/03/2026
79% Anxiety Remission in Just 4 Weeks Using Ultrasound on the Vagus Nerve (Pilot Study)
We just published our latest study in JMIR Neurotechnology, and the results are exciting:
Using low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to stimulate the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, we achieved a 79% anxiety remission rate in just 4 weeks using a simple wearable device called ZenBud.
Here’s what you need to know 👇
🔗 Full Study:
🧾 https://doi.org/10.2196/69770
🧪 How the Study Worked:
✅ 28 people with moderate to severe anxiety
✅ Used ZenBud LIFU headset at home
✅ 5 minutes a day, for 4 weeks
✅ No restrictions on time or activity
✅ Measured: anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep
📊 Results:
• Anxiety: 79% remission
• Depression: clinically meaningful reduction in 71%
• PTSD: similar gains
• Sleep: significantly improved
👉 All with strong statistical backing
🛡️ Safety & Usability:
• Only 1 mild side effect (brief jitteriness)
• 89% said the headset was easy to use
• 79% felt their quality of life improved
👏 Easy, safe, and impactful
🧬 How It Works:
The vagus nerve plays a big role in calming the nervous system.
LIFU may boost "vagal tone" to help quiet anxiety.
We also saw heart rate variability (HRV) jump 10–27 points.
Next step: more studies with imaging (like fMRI) and biomarkers.
⚠️ Important Limitations:
🔸 Small group (28 people)
🔸 No placebo/control group
🔸 Study lasted just 4 weeks
We’re working toward larger trials and longer-term data.
🔬 Help Us Go Further:
We’re looking for:
👩🔬 Researchers
🧠 Neuroscientists
🧪 Clinicians
💻 Engineers
🌍 Citizen scientists
💰 Funders & partners
...to take this work to the next level.
🤝 Let’s Collaborate:
Are you interested in non-invasive mental health tech?
Want to help expand this research or develop new tools?
Reach out: [email protected]
💬 Join the Conversation:
What do you think of our findings?
Have you tried vagus nerve stimulation or other wearable tech for anxiety?
Drop your thoughts in the comments or DM us, we’re building a community of curious minds.