Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation is the name given to the process of sending specific electric messages to a nerve

Nerve

A peripheral nerve, or simply nerve, is an enclosed, cable-like bundle of peripheral axons . A nerve provides a common pathway for the electrochemical nerve impulses that are transmitted along each of the axons. Nerves are found only in the peripheral nervous system...

 in the ear that maintains balance. This technology has been investigated for both military and commercial purposes. The technology is being applied in ATSUGI, Japan and the Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical practice and medical research group specializing in treating difficult patients . Patients are referred to Mayo Clinic from across the U.S. and the world, and it is known for innovative and effective treatments. Mayo Clinic is known for being at the top of...

in the U.S, as well as a number of other research institutions around the world. It is being investigated for a variety of applications; biomedical, pilot training, and entertainment.

From an article concerning GVS:

I felt a mysterious, irresistible urge to start walking to the right whenever the researcher turned the switch to the right. I was convinced — mistakenly — that this was the only way to maintain my balance.


The phenomenon is painless but dramatic. Your feet start to move before you know it. I could even remote-control myself by taking the switch into my own hands.

An example video of how GVS works out in practice can be watched via this link: http://bme.weblog.tudelft.nl/2011/08/26/transcutaneous-vestibular-stimulator.

Not much is known about Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation, but more scientists are continuing to research the topic.