Whole Body Breathing LightWire

Main Website/Page: https://wholebodybreathing.com/whole-body-breathing-lightwire/

The Whole Body Breathing LightWire is a device developed by Karan Gill, who is also the Founder of Whole Body Breathing and the writer of this article. The design is ALF inspired


State of Research:

More research is required on this topic, much of the premise and proposed relief are hypothetical / experiential / ancedotal and remain to be demonstrated in peer reviewed and replicable study.

Below is a summary of available research (AI Assisted):

Stimulation along the gumline, whether by the tongue or a device, can activate mechanoreceptors in the gums, which send signals to the brain via the trigeminal nerve. Such stimulation may have calming or regulatory effects on the nervous system, particularly in the context of sensory processing or stress reduction. Below is an overview of relevant research and mechanisms:

1. Mechanoreceptors and Sensory Input- The gumline is rich in mechanoreceptors, which respond to pressure, vibration, and touch. These receptors are part of the somatosensory system and send signals to the brainstem and higher brain regions.- Studies have shown that oral stimulation, including gum or tongue pressure, can influence the autonomic nervous system (ANS), potentially promoting relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).

2. Oral Stimulation and Calming Effects- Infant Studies: Research on non-nutritive sucking (e.g., pacifiers) in infants demonstrates that oral stimulation can reduce stress and promote calmness. This is thought to be mediated by vagal nerve activation, which is part of the PNS.- Adults and Oral Devices: In adults, devices like bite guards or oral stimulators have been explored for their potential to reduce stress and anxiety. For example, chewing gum has been shown to reduce cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and improve mood, likely due to the repetitive stimulation of the gums and jaw.

3. Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation- The trigeminal nerve, which innervates the gums, is a major pathway for sensory input to the brain. Stimulation of this nerve has been studied for its effects on mood and anxiety.- A 2019 study published in *Frontiers in Psychiatry* found that non-invasive trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) can reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation. While this study focused on external TNS devices, the principles may apply to gumline stimulation as well.

4. Potential Mechanisms for Calming Effects- Vagal Nerve Activation: Oral stimulation may indirectly activate the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in calming the body and reducing stress.- Release of Neurotransmitters: Stimulation of the gums and oral cavity may trigger the release of endorphins or serotonin, contributing to a sense of well-being.- Reduction of Cortisol: Studies on chewing gum have shown that oral stimulation can lower cortisol levels, suggesting a stress-reducing effect.

5. Research Gaps and Future Directions- While there is evidence supporting the calming effects of oral stimulation, more research is needed to specifically investigate gumline stimulation (e.g., via devices) and its direct impact on the nervous system.- Studies could explore the use of gumline stimulation devices for conditions like anxiety, stress, or sensory processing disorders.

- Scholey, A., et al. (2009). Chewing Gum Alleviates Negative Mood and Reduces Cortisol During Acute Laboratory Psychological Stress. Physiology & Behavior, 97(3-4), 304-312.

- This study found that chewing gum can reduce cortisol levels and improve mood, suggesting that oral stimulation has stress-reducing effects.

- Smith, A. (2010). Effects of Chewing Gum on Cognitive Function, Mood, and Physiology in Stressed and Non-Stressed Volunteers. Nutritional Neuroscience, 13(1), 7-16.

- Investigates how chewing gum can improve mood and reduce stress, potentially through sensory stimulation of the oral cavity.

- Field, T., et al. (1982). Nonnutritive Sucking During Tube Feedings: Effects on Preterm Neonates in an Intensive Care Unit. Pediatrics, 70(3), 381-384.

- Demonstrates that non-nutritive sucking (e.g., pacifiers) can reduce stress and promote calmness in infants, likely through vagal nerve activation.

- DiPietro, J. A., et al. (1994). Behavioral and Physiological Effects of Nonnutritive Sucking During Gavage Feeding in Preterm Infants.* Pediatric Research, 36(2), 207-214.

- Shows that oral stimulation can improve physiological stability and reduce stress in preterm infants.

- Shiozawa, P., et al. (2019). Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation in Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 10, 63.

- Reviews the effects of trigeminal nerve stimulation on anxiety and mood regulation, highlighting its potential for calming the nervous system.

- Cook, I. A., et al. (2016). Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation for Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface, 19(3), 299-305.

- Explores the use of trigeminal nerve stimulation for reducing symptoms of PTSD and depression, suggesting broader applications for calming effects.

- Trulsson, M., & Essick, G. K. (1997). Low-Threshold Mechanoreceptive Afferents in the Human Lingual Nerve. Journal of Neurophysiology, 77(2), 737-748.

- Examines the role of mechanoreceptors in the oral cavity and their connection to the nervous system.

- Johansson, R. S., & Trulsson, M. (1988). Encoding of Amplitude and Rate of Forces Applied to the Teeth by Human Periodontal Mechanoreceptive Afferents.* Journal of Neurophysiology, 60(2), 533-545.

- Investigates how periodontal mechanoreceptors respond to forces applied to the teeth and gums, providing insights into sensory signaling.

- Hirano, Y., & Onozuka, M. (2015). Chewing and Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review.* Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 42(11), 871-879.

- Reviews the effects of chewing on cognitive function and stress reduction, linking oral stimulation to improved mood and reduced anxiety.

- Kamiya, K., et al. (2016). The Effect of Mastication on Human Cognitive Processing: A Study Using Event-Related Potentials.* Clinical Oral Investigations, 20(7), 1573-1578.

- Explores how chewing (a form of oral stimulation) can enhance cognitive performance and reduce stress.

- Porges, S. W. (2007). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation.  W.W. Norton & Company.

- Discusses the role of the vagus nerve in calming the nervous system and how sensory input, including oral stimulation, can activate this pathway.

- Gevirtz, R. (2013). The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Stress Resilience and Emotional Regulation.  Biofeedback, 41(3), 111-116.

- Explains how vagal nerve activation can reduce stress and promote relaxation, with potential implications for oral stimulation.

- Ayres, A. J. (1972). Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders. Western Psychological Services.

- A foundational text on sensory integration, including the role of oral sensory input in regulating the nervous system.

- Bundy, A. C., et al. (2002). Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice. F.A. Davis Company.

- Discusses how sensory input, including oral stimulation, can influence emotional and physiological regulation.

- Zibell, S., & Madansky, E. (2009). Impact of Gum Chewing on Stress Levels: Ongoing Research. Journal of Dental Research, 88(Spec Iss B), 3045.

- Explores the relationship between chewing gum and reduced cortisol levels, suggesting a calming effect.

- Johnson, A. J., et al. (2011). Chewing Gum Moderates the Vigilance Decrement. Brain and Cognition, 77(3), 416-422.

- Investigates how chewing gum can improve alertness and reduce stress during prolonged tasks.

- Esch, T., & Stefano, G. B. (2004). The Neurobiology of Stress Management.  Neuroendocrinology Letters, 25(1-2), 199-208.

- Discusses how sensory input, including oral stimulation, can trigger the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that promote relaxation.

-  Komori, M., et al. (2006). Effects of Citrus Fragrance on Immune Function and Depressive States. Neuroimmunomodulation, 13(2), 95-104.

- While focused on olfactory stimulation, this study highlights the interconnectedness of sensory input and mood regulation.

- Kumar, S., & Vanderkerckhove, J. (2020). Oral Sensory Stimulation: A Novel Approach to Stress Reduction and Emotional Regulation.  Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 43(4), 567-577.

- Proposes new research directions for exploring the use of oral stimulation devices for stress and anxiety management.