Auricular neuromodulation may act through interoception modulation.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Physiology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Auricular neuromodulation (ANM) is a non-invasive technique stimulating nerves in the outer ear.
• ANM, particularly vagal nerve stimulation, shows promise for treating pain and anxiety.
• The precise mechanisms underlying ANM's therapeutic effects require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hypothesis that ANM modulates interoception, influencing body-brain interactions.
• To define an auricle-brain axis and elucidate the pathways involved in ANM's effects.
• To explore ANM's potential in treating interoception-related pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Review of anatomical, physiological, and pathophysiological evidence linking ANM and interoception.
• Proposal of two functional pathways activated by auricular nerves.
• Assessment of ANM's effects on interoception and related pathologies.

Main Results:

• ANM is proposed to modulate interoception via two distinct neural pathways.
• ANM influences the autonomic nervous system and stress response, key outputs of interoception.
• The study suggests ANM may improve body-brain communication compromised in certain diseases.

Conclusions:

• ANM potentially enhances interoception by providing novel sensory input.
• This modulation can lead to improved regulation of the autonomic nervous system and stress response.
• ANM offers a promising non-invasive approach for conditions linked to disrupted interoception.