Does Vagus Nerve Icing Really Help With Anxiety? We Asked An Expert
It’s wise to be wary of the “health tips” that influencers share on social media. Because many of them aren’t science-backed (see: taking certain supplements). But there’s one piece of advice that’s been making the rounds lately that actually does come from a psychologist’s handbook. It’s the trend where people dunk their faces in ice water, or place ice on their chest or face, as a way to ease anxiety. Aka vagus nerve icing. And everyone from TikTok influencers to AOC have documented their experience with using something cold to stimulate the vagus nerve (the longest cranial nerve in the body).