WHAT IS ELECTROMEDICINE?
ELECTROMEDICINE* is a field of study by scientists, researchers and doctors that involves the application of electrical currents to the body, to help relive the symptoms of medical illnesses. Some examples of electromedical devices are: heart pacemakers, cochlear implants, TMS, Vagal Nerve Stimulation, TENS machines, ECT, to name a few.
HOW DOES ALPHA-STIM® WORK?
The Alpha-Stim® electromedical devices involve the application of minute currents of electricity to the body and brain. They are all about working with therapeutic electricity to effect changes in the biophysics that control the body. The body is made up of 75 trillion cells and each cell has electrical properties much like that of a battery. The Alpha-Stim devices work by applying low level, pulsed electrical currents to either the body or brain. The level used is very similar to the body's own natural current.
The Alpha-Stim®'s proprietary waveform works to normalise the electrical and chemical processes within the cells and to bring the body back into homeostasis. This allows your body's cells to operate naturally and bring you long lasting relief. This might explain the wide diversity of disorders that respond favourably to Microcurrent Electrotherapy Stimulation that uses the correct waveform.
Alpha-Stim was developed in 1981, and has since provided relief for millions of people around the world, even when nothing else has worked for them. It is not equivalent to one drug, but has effects closer to an entire pharmacy, but without the side effects of synthetic informational substances.
The above is a very brief introduction to Electromedicine. For more detailed information please contact us for further information.
WHAT IS CES?
CRANIAL ELECTROTHERAPY STIMULATION (CES)
Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation is the application of low-level currents applied across the head, via earclip electrodes, for medical or psychological conditions or just as an aid to relaxation. It is used to manage anxiety, stress, insomnia and the types of pain associated with syndromes such as fibromyalgia. Its effects are residual and cumulative.
CES uses ear-clip electrodes to apply microcurrents of electricity to the brain. This current ranges from 100 - 500 microamperes and is equivalent to the body's own natural current.
CES has been shown to normalise the electrical activity of the nervous system and brain, (shown on EEG). It is believed to activate the limbic system, the hypothalamus and/or the reticular activating system and has been shown to increase the levels of serotonin and beta-endorphins. CES brings the brain into an alpha state. Certain neurological mechanisms which occur in the brain during an Alpha state decrease stress effects, reduce agitation and stabilise mood. These mechanisms are also believed to regulate sensations and perceptions of some types of pain.
CES can be used to manage the underlying stress and anxiety brought on by chronic pain. It can be used as an adjunct to medication and/psychotherapy. There are usually no physical limitation imposed after the treatment and normal activities can be resumed immediately. Maintenance of a relaxed state can generally be achieved with treatments 2 to 3 times a week.
Alpha-Stim CES is ideally suited for home or clinical use.
The AS-SCS and the AS-100 both use Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation.
MET: A Tutorial by D.L. Kirsch PhD. DAAPM.FAIS
WHAT IS MET?
MICROCURRENT ELECTRICAL THERAPY (MET)
Microcurrent Electrical Therapy is the application of low-level pulsed electrical currents, usually less than 1 milli-ampere, to the body and brain. This level of current is very similar to the body's own natural current.
MET is a form of electromedicine that uses low-level electrical currents to manage acute, chronic and post-operative pain. The Alpha-Stim devices generate an electrical waveform which works to normalise the electrical and chemical properties of injured cells. Microcurrent therapy has been shown to increase levels of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) as well as to increase protein synthesis and amino acid transfer.
Microcurrent Electrical Therapy works with your body on a large variety of ailments including difficult to treat pain problems. Alpha-Stim's unique electrical waveform produces residual and cumulative pain relief. The current is applied to the pain site via probe electrodes or self-adhesive electrode patches. Specific treatment protocols including how to apply the probes and patches are included with the Alpha-Stim devices.
The AS-100 and the AS-PPM use Microcurrent Electrical Therapy.
Microcurrent Electrical Therapy (MET) vs. (TENS)Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
- The current used by a TENS is about a 1000 times higher than that used in MET.
- The effects of MET are long lasting and cumulative, unlike TENS where the effects stop when the device is turned off.
- The level of current in MET is usually sub-sensory or barely perceivable and never needs to be uncomfortable. TENS can be very uncomfortable.
- You will not build up a tolerance to MET, whereas it is usual to become tolerant to TENS.
What does MET do?
It decreases muscle tension and increases the production of Serotonin and Endorphins in your brain, and also ATP (adenosine triphosphate) - which re-settles any nervous imbalance and helps relieve pain sites in your body, and aids the body to heal itself.
MET: A Tutorial by D.L. Kirsch PhD. DAAPM. FAIS
page last mod Oct08
Always use as directed, always read the label. If symptoms persist contact a health care professional. ARTG No. 137247
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