Researchers at University College London (UCL) have found that delivering small, painless electric pulses to the outer ear can significantly enhance the effects of self-compassion meditation. The technique stimulates the vagus nerve—a key part of the nervous system that helps regulate stress and emotional responses—by targeting the tragus, a small flap of cartilage near the ear canal. When paired with compassion-focused meditation, this stimulation led to a stronger and more immediate increase in participants’ self-kindness and mindfulness compared to meditation alone.
The study involved 120 healthy volunteers who were divided into four groups. Some received vagus nerve stimulation while practicing self-compassion meditation, others received stimulation with a different type of training, and two control groups received placebo stimulation. The group that combined vagus nerve stimulation with compassion meditation showed the most pronounced benefits, including improved emotional regulation and greater awareness of thoughts and feelings.
Importantly, the effects weren’t just short-term. Participants who continued the combined practice over multiple sessions experienced accumulating benefits, suggesting that the technique could help accelerate the psychological gains typically associated with meditation. While the stimulation alone had limited impact, it proved to be a powerful enhancer when used alongside contemplative practices.
Article from UCL: Small electric shocks to ear can boost self-compassion from meditation training
Abstract in Psychological Medicine: Electroceutical enhancement of self-compassion training using transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation: results from a preregistered fully factorial randomized controlled trial
