NEUROMODULATION PROTOCOL IN SAN DIEGO, CA
Five Evidence-Based Modalities. One Integrated Protocol. No Other Clinic Offers This.
The Seaside Neuromodulation Protocol combines transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation, 40Hz gamma therapy, stellate ganglion block, structured breathwork, and metabolic psychiatry into a single coordinated treatment approach. Each modality targets a different pathway in the nervous system — together, they create change that no single intervention can achieve alone.
Proprietary Protocol
Five Evidence-Based Modalities
Physician-Designed & Medically Supervised
Only Available at Seaside Ketamine
WHY MULTIPLE MODALITIES
THE PHILOSOPHY
Why One Treatment Isn't Enough — and What Happens When You Combine the Right Ones
Mental health and nervous system conditions rarely have a single cause. Depression involves inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, neural pathway rigidity, autonomic imbalance, and conditioned behavioral patterns — all at the same time.
Treating just one of these pathways is like putting out one fire in a building that’s burning in five places.
The Seaside Neuromodulation Protocol was designed by Dr. Gillin to address multiple pathways simultaneously — vagal tone, neural oscillation, sympathetic overdrive, breathing mechanics, and metabolic health. When these systems are optimized together, the results compound.
This is not a menu of add-on services. It’s a coordinated protocol where each modality
THE FIVE MODALITIES
The Five Pillars of the Neuromodulation Protocol
Vagal Nerve Stimulation — Resetting Your Body's Calm Signal
The vagus nerve is the primary communication highway between your brain and body. It controls your parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest, digest, and repair” mode that counterbalances the stress response.
In people with chronic anxiety, PTSD, depression, and inflammatory conditions, vagal tone is often significantly impaired. Your nervous system is stuck in sympathetic overdrive (fight-or-flight) because the vagus nerve isn’t doing its job of pulling it back to baseline.
Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) uses a small, FDA-cleared device to deliver gentle electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve through the ear — non-invasively activating the parasympathetic pathways that calm the stress response.
Research demonstrates that tVNS reduces inflammatory markers, improves heart rate variability (a key measure of nervous system health), decreases anxiety and depressive symptoms, and enhances emotional regulation. When combined with ketamine therapy, tVNS helps the nervous
Key Research Points
- tVNS shown to reduce cortisol and inflammatory cytokines
- Improves heart rate variability — a biomarker of nervous system resilience
- FDA-cleared devices for at-home daily use between clinic sessions
- Significant evidence for PTSD, depression, and chronic pain conditions
40Hz Gamma Stimulation — Entraining the Brain's Healing Frequency
40Hz gamma oscillations are the brain’s “cleaning and connectivity” frequency. Research from MIT’s Picower Institute has demonstrated that exposure to 40Hz light and sound stimulation activates microglia (the brain’s immune cells), promotes clearance of metabolic waste, reduces neuroinflammation, and enhances neural connectivity.
This research was originally conducted in the context of Alzheimer’s disease, but the implications extend to any condition involving neuroinflammation and impaired brain connectivity — including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and cognitive decline.
At Seaside Ketamine, we use calibrated 40Hz light and sound devices during treatment sessions
Key Research Points:
- MIT Picower Institute research: 40Hz stimulation activates microglial clearance
- Reduces neuroinflammation markers in clinical studies
- Enhances neural connectivity and cognitive function
- Non-invasive, safe, and can be combined with other treatments
Stellate Ganglion Block — Resetting the Sympathetic Nervous System
The stellate ganglion is a cluster of nerves in the neck that serves as a control center for the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) nervous system. In people with PTSD, chronic anxiety, and trauma-related conditions, the stellate ganglion becomes overactive — keeping the body in a constant state of hyperarousal.
A stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a brief procedure where a local anesthetic is injected near the stellate ganglion under ultrasound guidance. This temporarily interrupts the overactive sympathetic signal, allowing the nervous system to “reset” to a lower baseline of activation.
Research shows 70–80% response rates for PTSD symptoms, with many patients reporting dramatic reduction in hypervigilance, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and emotional reactivity within hours to days of the procedure.
Dr. Gillin’s training in procedural medicine and anesthesiology makes him uniquely qualified to perform SGB safely and precisely. This procedure is offered as part of the Neuromodulation Protocol for patients with significant sympathetic overdrive, particularly those with PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
Key Research Points:
- 70–80% response rate for PTSD symptoms in clinical studies
- Rapid onset — many patients report improvement within hours
- Well-established safety profile (used in pain medicine for decades)
- Performed under ultrasound guidance for precision
- Particularly effective when combined with subsequent psychotherapy
Breathwork — Voluntary Control of the Autonomic Nervous System
Breathing is the only autonomic function you can consciously control — making it a direct lever for shifting your nervous system between sympathetic (stress) and parasympathetic (calm) states.
But not all breathwork is created equal. At Seaside Ketamine, we use structured breathwork protocols based on clinical evidence — not generic “deep breathing” advice.
Specific protocols are matched to specific goals: extended exhale patterns activate the vagus nerve and reduce sympathetic tone; cyclic hyperventilation techniques can increase alertness and emotional processing capacity; box breathing protocols develop interoceptive awareness and stress tolerance.
These protocols are taught as practical skills you can use daily — both as preparation for ketamine sessions and as standalone nervous system regulation tools. When practiced consistently, they produce measurable changes in heart rate variability, cortisol levels, and anxiety scores.
Breathwork Protocols We Use:
- Extended Exhale (4-7-8 pattern): Activates parasympathetic nervous system, ideal for anxiety and sleep
- Box Breathing (4-4-4-4): Builds stress tolerance and focus, used in preparation for sessions
- Cyclic Sighing: Stanford research demonstrates superior mood improvement compared to meditation
- Coherent Breathing (5.5 breaths/min): Optimizes heart rate variability — a key biomarker of nervous system health
Metabolic Optimization — Fueling the Brain for Change
Neuromodulation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The brain needs adequate metabolic support to rewire — proper mitochondrial function, reduced inflammation, balanced blood sugar, and sufficient nutrients.
The fifth pillar of our Neuromodulation Protocol is metabolic psychiatry — the comprehensive assessment and optimization of the biological systems that power the brain. Through our partnership with Seaside Longevity, This is what makes the Seaside Neuromodulation Protocol fundamentally different from clinics that offer individual neuromodulation services.
Learn more about our Metabolic Psychiatry approach → → /metabolic-psychiatry/
HOW THE PROTOCOL WORKS TOGETHER
How the Five Modalities Work Together — The Sequencing Matters
The Neuromodulation Protocol isn’t five separate treatments administered in isolation. It’s a coordinated sequence where each modality builds
Metabolic Foundation (Ongoing)
Lab assessment through Seaside Longevity identifies and addresses metabolic barriers — inflammation, insulin resistance, nutrient deficiencies — that would limit neuroplasticity. This runs throughout the
protocol.
Vagal Nerve Stimulation (Daily)
tVNS begins building parasympathetic tone from day one. You use an at-home device daily, and we incorporate clinical tVNS during treatment sessions. This lowers baseline autonomic activation.
Stellate Ganglion Block (If Indicated)
For patients with significant PTSD or sympathetic overdrive, SGB is performed early in the protocol to reset the sympathetic nervous system and create a calmer baseline for subsequent treatments.
Ketamine + 40Hz Gamma Sessions
During ketamine treatment sessions, 40Hz gamma stimulation is applied to enhance neuroplasticity and promote neuroinflammatory clearance. This is the core rewiring window.
Breathwork Integration (Daily + Sessions)
Structured breathwork is practiced daily and incorporated into pre/post ketamine sessions. This develops autonomous nervous system regulation skills that sustain changes long-term.
Stellate Ganglion Block (If Indicated)
Research suggests that chronic fatigue syndrome involves a dysregulated amygdala-insula feedback loop. The Gupta Program has
peer-reviewed evidence for improving CFS symptoms.
WHO IT’S FOR
Who Benefits from the Neuromodulation Protocol?
The full Neuromodulation Protocol is designed for patients who want the most comprehensive neurological and metabolic approach available. It’s particularly
Treatment-Resistant
PTSD
Patients who haven't responded adequately to medication and therapy, particularly those with significant hyperarousal, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbance.
Chronic Anxiety with Autonomic Dysfunction
When anxiety is accompanied by physical symptoms — racing heart, shallow breathing, GI distress, muscle tension — that indicate nervous system dysregulation.
Depression with Inflammatory Markers
When depression co-occurs with inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, or autoimmune conditions, suggesting a biological component that needs to be addressed alongside mood treatment.
Chronic Pain
Syndromes
CRPS, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain conditions where central sensitization and sympathetic overdrive maintain the pain cycle.
Patients Seeking Comprehensive Care
Those who want an integrated, leave-no- stone-unturned approach rather than isolated treatments.
Poor Responders to Ketamine Alone —
Patients who responded partially to ketamine but haven't achieved the lasting improvement they're looking for.
Not every patient needs the full protocol. During your evaluation, we will recommend which modalities are most relevant to your specific condition
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About the Neuromodulation Protocol
Q: Do I need to do all five modalities?
A: No. The protocol is modular. During your evaluation, we will recommend which modalities are most appropriate for your
condition. Some patients benefit from all five; others may only need two or three. The assessment determines the plan.
Q: Is the stellate ganglion block painful?
A: The SGB is performed with local numbing and ultrasound guidance. Most patients describe brief pressure and mild discomfort lasting only seconds. Dr. Gillin’s training in anesthesiology and procedural medicine ensures the procedure is performed safely and as comfortably as possible.
Q: Can I do tVNS at home?
A: Yes. We use FDA-cleared tVNS devices that you can use daily at home. In-clinic sessions use clinical-grade stimulation, and your at-home practice maintains and builds vagal tone between visits.
Q: How long does the full protocol take?
A: A typical course runs 6–12 weeks depending on condition severity and which modalities are included. Some components (tVNS, breathwork, metabolic optimization) continue beyond the initial treatment phase as maintenance practices.
Q: Is this covered by insurance?
A: Individual components may have varying coverage. Spravato (if included) is often covered by insurance. Stellate ganglion block may be covered depending on your plan and diagnosis. tVNS devices and metabolic testing are typically self-pay. We’ll discuss costs and coverage during your consultation.
Q: Is there research supporting this combination?
A: Each individual modality has strong research support. The specific combination we offer is our proprietary protocol based on Dr. Gillin’s clinical experience and the growing body of research supporting multimodal neuromodulation approaches. We track outcomes carefully and continue to refine the protocol based on patient results.
No Other Clinic in San Diego Offers This Level of Integrated Neurological
Schedule a free consultation to learn which modalities of the Neuromodulation Protocol could help you.