The number one question I get on the blog is about how to use the Chill Pill to relieve anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia. Most people want to know how to hold the Chill Pill in their hand and where to place it.

The Chill Pill is a small handheld device that uses electrotherapy stimulation to ease anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia.

The review of the Chil Pill that I wrote on my blog over a year ago, is still one of my top blog posts today, and the one with the most questions. Sometimes it is hard to find the pulse, so I did a YouTube video showing how I use the device. You can also read step-by-step instructions at the end of this post.

Video on How to Use the Chill Pill

Check out my YouTube video explaining how to use the Chill Pill and showing where to place it on your hand. I talk about my experience a bit first, so go to 1:49 if you want to skip ahead to where I start showing how to use it:

Electrotherapy Stimulation Device

The Chill Pill made by Mend Your Mental is a small oval-shaped device made of stainless steel, wrapped in a silicone shell. It’s lightweight and about 2.5″ long, with a silicon loop to go around your wrist. (you’ll see my wrist strap broke in the video, so it isn’t the strongest thing!)

It is chargeable by USB and the charge lasts a good while. The small silver dome on one side is the part you place against your palm. You’ll find the “On/Off” button on the side, along with up and down options to increase or decrease the intensity of the pulse.

These light electronic pulses stimulate neurotransmitters that act as chemical messengers that influence and connect your nerve cells. These neurons have the ability to sooth or stimulate your entire body, head to toe. The regular waves pulsing from the Chill Pill send the message that it’s time to relax and let the stress and anxiety melt away.

You can now find the original brand name Chill Pill on Amazon: The Chill Pill – If you’d like to check out the cheaper off-brand ones, just scroll to the bottom of that page and a lot of imitation ones will pop up. I can’t vouch for their effectiveness, or how those work, but I assume they are act on a similar idea of light electronic pulses.

How to Hold the Chill Pill in Your Hand

I posted the video on YouTube for a visual, but if you are more of reader like me, then here’s the step-by-step break instructions:

It can be tricky at first, but once you learn how to hold it it’s easy. You need to give it a minute after you turn it on to get going. I’ve noticed that sometimes you can’t really feel it right away after you turn it on, like it needs to build up power first.

First – Turn it up! There is a button on the side where you can increase the intensity. I usually give it a few taps to increase the pulse, which makes it easier to feel and find the right spot. Once I find the spot, I turn it down until it’s just a light zap.

Next – Try holding it so the silver dot goes directly over the spot between your thumb and first finger, rather than the center of your hand. I can almost always get a good little pulse in that spot.

If you don’t feel anything in that spot, increase the pulse more and try placing it around your hand in different areas. Once you feel the pulse and get it set to a comfortable level, just hold it lightly in your hand for 20 minutes.

Make sure that big dome in the center is turned around and placed directly on your hand! Feel free to leave a comment or question if you have one.

How Electrotherapy Stimulation Devices Provide Relief

The Chill Pill is one of the more popular Electrotherapy Stimulation devices being used for anxiety and insomnia relief, and you may wonder exactly how a light zap in your palm helps calm your nerves.

I’ve been using mine for over a year now, and still find it effective in cases of anxiety inducing events (like a visit to the dentist) and panic attacks. If you read my personal review of the Chill Pill on the blog, you will find that I did not have luck with it for insomnia unfortunately.

What is Electrotherapy Stimulation?

Electrotherapy stimulation, such as using a device like the Chill Pill, is a therapeutic approach that uses mild electrical currents to stimulate specific areas of the body. While these techniques are often used for pain management, they may also have a positive impact on anxiety symptoms and reduce nighttime anxiety so you can sleep easier.

Here are a few reasons why devices like the Chill Pill may help relieve anxiety:

1. Endorphin release: Electrotherapy may trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving and mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain. This could potentially contribute to a sense of relaxation and well-being.
2. Nervous system modulation: Electrical stimulation may influence the autonomic nervous system, which plays a role in regulating bodily functions and stress responses. It may help balance the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) systems, potentially promoting a calmer state.
3. Distraction and relaxation: The sensation of electrical stimulation may provide a distracting and soothing effect, diverting attention away from anxious thoughts or physical sensations. This is actually what I find most effective. So, whether any of the other things are true, I know this one works!

You can find the original Chill Pill on Amazon plus plenty of similar and cheaper knock-off options as well. I have only used the name brand one, so I can’t vouch for the other kinds.