The number one question I get on the blog is, “How do I use the Chill Pill,” followed by, “Why can’t I feel the pulse?” The Chill Pill is a small handheld device that uses electrotherapy stimulation to ease anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia.

The review I wrote on my blog over a year ago, titled Review of the Chill Pill: a Drug-Free Alternative for Anxiety and Insomnia, is still the number one post on my blog 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.

Check out my YouTube video explaining how I 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:

What is the Chill Pill

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 for about $45: 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 Use the Chill Pill

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.

And click here to read my full review and personal experience trying the Chill Pill device for anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia, and how it worked (and in one instance didn’t work) for me.