{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Ellyn Ito - MindVibe and Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Stress and Focus","description":"In this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, host Dr. Ladan Jiracek speaks with Ellyn Ito, CEO and co-founder of Innerstill Health, about their wearable neurotechnology platform and flagship product, MindVibe. This non-invasive device combines vagus nerve stimulation and acupressure-based neuromodulation to help regulate the body\u2019s stress response and improve overall wellness. Ellyn shares how MindVibe is designed to promote calm, enhance focus, and improve sleep quality through ultra-low electrical stimulation that users don\u2019t even feel. The conversation explores the science behind multi-mode stimulation, why avoiding sensation may actually improve outcomes, and how Innerstill is navigating the path from wellness device to potential clinical applications. Key Takeaways MindVibe focuses on regulating the nervous system\u2014not treating specific diseases. As a wellness device, MindVibe targets stress, anxiety, and sleep by activating the body\u2019s \u201crest and digest\u201d response rather than claiming to cure medical conditions. Multi-mode stimulation may be the key differentiator in neuromodulation devices. By combining vagus nerve stimulation with ear-based acupressure points across multiple frequencies, MindVibe aims to avoid saturation and improve effectiveness across different users. \u201cDo no harm\u201d design avoids the sensory discomfort common in other devices. Unlike many stimulators that produce tingling or muscle twitching, MindVibe operates below sensory thresholds\u2014reducing cortisol responses and improving user adherence. Early results suggest improvements in calm, sleep, and focus. Users report reduced anxiety, better deep sleep, and increased focus\u2014likely tied to vagus nerve activation and improved neurohormonal regulation. The company is using a \u201cwellness-first\u201d strategy to accelerate adoption Innerstill is launching through clinics and consumer wellness channels before pursuing FDA pathways for broader clinical indications like addiction, ADHD, and neurological disorders. Episode Timestamps 0:17 \u2013 Introduction to MindVibe and Innerstill Health 1:00 \u2013 What does \u201cfeeling better\u201d actually mean? (calm, sleep, focus) 3:30 \u2013 Is this like alcohol or cannabis\u2014or something different? 6:00 \u2013 What does the device look like and how is it worn? 8:00 \u2013 How long do you need to use it and what\u2019s the protocol? 9:30 \u2013 Why avoid sensation in neuromodulation devices? 11:00 \u2013 Clinic rollout and early user feedback 12:15 \u2013 Why launch as a wellness device instead of FDA first? 14:15 \u2013 Future plans: non-invasive deep brain stimulation 18:15 \u2013 Origin story: from pediatric pain treatment to neurotech platform 21:30 \u2013 Why other vagus nerve stimulators didn\u2019t work as well 24:00 \u2013 Scaling the company and future applications ","author_name":"Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions","author_url":"http:\/\/neuralimplantpodcast.com","html":"