What are Nucalm stickers, how they keep you calm and stress free?

Anti-stress patches which claim to calm your anxiety, have seen a rise of interest in recent weeks, with people spotting them recently on the likes of Meghan Markle. Many have wondered whether there is actual science behind the patches, as they are available to buy online.

Reportedly, people saw Markle wearing the brand NuCalm. NuCalm's patches claim to harbor "neuroacoustic technology," which harnesses oscillations - frequencies and vibrations - to change a person's brain waves.

While some come under fire for the product, others who use them swear by their ability to de-stress. It's no surprise that the anti-anxiety industry is booming. The Mental Health Foundation found in a 2023 survey that one in five people feel anxious most or all of the time. But do the patches really work, and what are the experts saying about them?

NuCalm stickers, also known as "anti-stress patches," come in small, circular designs, and they aim to address post-traumatic stress disorder. They employ principles from biochemistry, physics, and neurophysiology to induce relaxation in both the brain and body. You can wear these stickers for up to 24 hours.

The stickers function by transmitting signals to the vagus nerve and hypothalamus, which are responsible for mood regulation. These signals disarm the adrenaline response and activate the GABAergic system, leading to a slowdown in brainwave activity and body relaxation. The stickers intend to shift brainwaves from the beta range to the alpha and theta ranges, which are associated with relaxation and deep meditation.

The stickers work with an app that plays sounds, or binaural beats, to engage the mind. The app has different sessions, including Rescue, PowerNap, and FlowState. 

Does NuCalm actually work? Or is it just another costly New Age gimmick?

What are Nucalm stickers?

A company called NuCalm sells NuCalm stickers, also known as "biosignal processing discs". These stickers promise to transmit signals to the brain that make the wearer feel peaceful and relaxed. Sports coaches and active military members have reportedly used them to combat the high-stress lifestyle that comes with their jobs.

The stickers are part of NuCalm’s primary service, which involves downloading an app where users can find ambient, spa-sounding music. The idea is to listen to this music with an eye mask on, while wearing the stickers, for 10 to 15 minutes. NuCalm claims that this will give you the best nap of your life - Resting with NuCalm for 20 minutes is equivalent to about two hours of regular sleep.

According to the company's website, the NuCalm biosignal processing disc revolutionizes the delivery mechanism that activates the parasympathetic nervous system. It achieves this by tapping into the body's Pericardium Meridian using specific electromagnetic frequencies of inhibitory neurotransmitters to interrupt the HPA axis and downregulate sympathetic tone.

How do they keep you calm and stress-free?

Each one-time use patch supposedly acts as a “tuning fork” of sorts, using resonance and frequencies to send signals to the vagus nerve and the hypothalamus (both of which manage mood), disarm the adrenaline response, and activate the production of the GABAergic system, slowing your brainwaves and relaxing your body.

However, it’s important to note that the scientific validity of these claims is still under debate. Some experts have expressed skepticism, stating that the stickers pick up on bio-frequencies, which somehow exist, and fixing those. Therefore, while some people may find these stickers helpful, others may not experience the same effects. A healthcare professional is always recommended to be consulted before starting any new wellness regimen.

Speaking to Marie Claire, nutritionist Lauren Johnson Reynolds gave some background on the stickers. Reynolds: "Most commonly, anti-stress patches are self-adhesive stickers infused with stress-supporting ingredients," explained.

The stickers' idea is that they will slowly absorb the ingredients into your skin, and some brands claim that the technology, combined with energetic frequencies, can help the wearer de-stress. However, there is little scientific evidence.

Reynolds adds, "Several stress patches are on the market, but most use similar transdermal technology that drip-feeds concentrated amounts of stress-reducing ingredients. Many also pair with essential oils to obtain the benefits of aromatherapy traveling through the limbic system."

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