A new neuroscience study suggests that stimulating the vagus nerve can reduce the rubber hand illusion, a phenomenon where a fake hand is mistaken for part of the body. The findings, published in a leading psychology journal, point to potential treatments for conditions tied to bodily self-awareness and mental health.
The vagus nerve is a key communication link between brain and body, influencing emotion, attention, and self-perception. The research focuses on a non-invasive method called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, or taVNS. By sending gentle electrical pulses to the ear area connected to the vagus nerve, taVNS may enhance the brain’s ability to read internal signals, such as heartbeat.
In a high-fidelity virtual reality setup, researchers recreated the rubber hand illusion. Participants watched a fake hand being touched while their own real hand received synchronized stimuli and heartbeats. Lead researcher Dr. Alisha Vabba explains that interoception—the brain’s perception of internal bodily signals—is central to how people feel ownership over their bodies.
In the trial, 27 healthy young adults received real and sham taVNS across several sessions, with electrodes placed on the ear. The results showed taVNS reduced susceptibility to the illusion, signaling a shift toward prioritizing internal bodily cues in multisensory processing.
Dr. Vabba notes that such a shift could inform therapies for disorders where body perception is disrupted, including depersonalization, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain. However, the study’s small sample size means larger, more diverse trials are needed to determine the duration and variability of effects.
The implications reach beyond laboratories. In Thailand, clinicians and researchers can explore taVNS as part of integrative mental health approaches, aligning with national priorities to improve patient outcomes. This technique could complement traditional therapies by strengthening internal body awareness—an emphasis common in mindfulness practices widely used in Thai wellness and medical communities.
As Thailand continues to advance its healthcare landscape, stakeholders should monitor global findings on vagus nerve stimulation and consider how such approaches might be integrated into clinical practice and public health strategies. Future work should prioritize diverse populations and practical protocols suitable for local settings.
For readers seeking updates, follow ongoing research and clinical trials related to vagus nerve stimulation and its applications. As science deepens our understanding of the body–mind connection, these advances may shape future mental health care in Thailand and beyond.