← Back to browse
Behaviors1 mentions

Rub Inside or Behind the Ears

Gently rub just inside the ear canal opening, right outside the ear canal, or behind the ears with light pressure to activate a sensory branch of the vagus nerve. Described as mildly calming, but not sufficient for severe stress or panic.

1 / 1

I'm putting my index finger into my ear and rubbing in a circular way that kind of the area right outside the hole of the ear. There's a branch of the vagus nerve there.

huberman · Control Your Vagus Nerve to Improve Mood, Alertness & Neuroplasticity · Jun 23, 2025 · 27:23 · open ↗
All mentions1 clips