Doubling Down on the Vagus Nerve: Now Serving Tranquility, One Ear at a Time

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In this episode, Brad asks Alex about her new certification as a certified “acupunct” (not to be confused with full-blown acupuncturists—those folks train for years), to explore the magical, stress-melting world of auricular acupuncture. That’s right: it’s acupuncture, but just for your ears.

Alex breaks down how this ear-only version of acupuncture taps into the vagus nerve, bringing on a deep sense of calm she fondly refers to as being “Accu-stoned.” We talk ear maps (yes, your ear has a whole body on it), how tiny pins can chill you out, and why your wax situation isn’t actually a big deal. Bonus: Alex loves removing earwax, so she’s truly in the right line of work.

We also get into how this chill-inducing treatment is just one part of the growing lifestyle medicine toolkit at Holy Cross—along with culinary coaching, half-marathon training, and plans to crash a Montserrat class or two with some nutrition truth bombs.

Worried about the pins? Don’t be. They're tiny, single-use, and nowhere near your eyeballs (that would be ocular acupuncture, and no one wants that). Want to try it? Just call Health Services at [phone] and say, “Pin my ears!”

This episode is proof that wellness doesn’t always come in a green smoothie—sometimes, it comes in the form of a pin to the ear and a nap-level vibe reset.

Come get pinned. Stay zen. No eyeballs involved.