How does cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) work?
How does CES work?
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The exact physiological mechanism by which CES
works is not fully understood
(and is still the subject of research study)
"The cells in your body constantly draw energy from the brain
and the Earth's electromagnetic field in an effort to achieve what is called "magnetic
resonance." Magnetic resonance occurs when the magnetic frequency in your brain
matches a harmonic of the frequencies of the other organs and body tissues.This
normally occurs for only brief periods during sleep. During these periods, your
body's ability to heal and repair itself, create enzymes, and boost immunity is
enhanced".
- Dr. David Williams, Alternatives,
March 2004
It appears that CES influences
areas of the brain called the thalamus, hypothalamus and the reticular activating
system (the part of the brain believed to be the center
of arousal and motivation). (Brotman et al,
1989; Gibson & O'Hair, 1987; Madden & Kirsch, 1987). 42- 46%
of the applied CES current enters the brain, with the highest levels of current
recorded in the thalamus (Rush &Driscoll,
1968; Jarzembski & Sances, 1970).
CES via electrodes placed over the ear lobes stimulate
afferent branches of cranial nerves. E.g. facial nerve , glossopharyngeal
nerve and vagus nerve. (Sharma & Sarkar, 2018)
Specific electronic frequencies appear to stimulate
the brain to manufacture and rebalance certain brain neurotransmitter chemicals,
such as endorphins,
SEROTONIN ,
DOPAMINE, NOREPINEPHRINE, and
CORTISOL etc. These may be
involved in many stress related conditions. This can affect ones moods and emotions
as well as ones cognitive capabilities.
(Shealy et al, 1998)
What does CES therapy do in the body?
CES substantially reduces muscle tension.
As shown by EMG recordings. There are reports of changes
in heart, blood pressure, galvanic skin responses and increased peripheral temperature,
consistent with positive autonomic effects, which maintain homeostasis in the body.
(Heffernan 1995)
CES seems to stimulate the vagus nerve.
Producing a state of parasympathetic nervous system dominance,
a system which has a general calming effect on the body.
This is certainly consistent with the effects observed with CES.
CES normalizes the body's electrical fields that
are disturbed with injury or pain. This
has been measured on EEG (brain wave tracing). For example, people with
moderate to severe pain from osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease)
are found to have ABNORMAL brain wave activity . After
5 minutes of CES treatment, brain waves were virtually normal, and pain was reduced
by more than 50%. It has been found that individuals whose brain waves improved
the most had the greatest pain relief. (Heffernan,
1997)
It is postulated that CES restores normal electromagnetic
communication between cells. This may have the effect
of regulating cellular differentiation, tissue repair, and immune system function.
For more detailed information on how CES affects the body:
For Those who Would like more Details
on CES
References Brotman, Philip (1989). Low-intensity transcranial
electrostimulation improves the efficacy of thermal biofeedback and quieting reflex
training in the treatment of classical migraine headache . American
Journal of Electromedicine, 6(5):120-123, Doctoral dissertation, City University
Los Angeles, 117 pages, 1986. pdf
Gibson, TH & O'Hair, DE, (1987); Cranial Application
of Low-Level transcranial electrotherapy vs. relaxation instruction in anxious patients;
Am. J. of Electromedicine 4(1), 18-21.
Madden, RE, Kirsch DL, (1987, Apr) Low
intensity electrostimulation improves human learning of a psychomotor task. American
Journal of Electromedicine, 4(2):41-45, 1987. Doctoral dissertation, City University
Los Angeles, 95 pages, 1987. Presented at The New Brain Technologies and Accelerated
Learning Conference at the University of Hawaii. pdf
Heffernan M., (1995) "The effect of a single cranial
electrotherapy stimulation on multiple stress measures", The Townsends Letter
for Doctors and Patients
Heffernan M, (1997) "The Effects of variable microcurrents
on EEG spectrum ans pain control", Canadian J. of Clin. Medicine.
Jarzembski W, Sances
AJ (1970) Evaluation of specific cerebral impedance and cerebral current density.
Ann NY Acad Sci 170: 476- 490.
Rush S, Driscoll DA
(1968) Current distribution in the brain from surface electrodes. Anesth Analg Curr
Res 47(6): 717-723.
Sharma K, Sarkar A. (2018)
Effects of Cranial Electrical Stimulation on Brain - A Brief Review . Anatomy
Physiol Biochem Int J. 5(2): 555659.
Shealy et al, (1998) "Cerebrospinal fluid and plasma
neurochemicals:response to CES", J. of Neurological and Orthopedic Medicine
and Surgery.