MicroCurrent Explained : The Microcurrent Site

MicroCurrent and how it brings about such amazing healing effects upon the body is an extremely complex subject. However, the first two articles have been written in such a way as to try to explain, in a non-scientific way, exactly what it is and how it works,

MicroCurrent Therapy is a form of electric medicine used to naturally and safely stimulate cell growth, renewal and healing. It uses extremely low amounts of electricity measured in millionths of an Amp that most people can hardly feel.

To give you an idea of exactly how low this is, it would take one million times the units of electricity used in this therapy to light up a one watt light bulb. As most light bulbs used in the home are 60 watts, you would need to multiply this low level of electricity by sixty million times to light up an everyday household bulb.

The body’s batteries
Think of the cells in your body as being a bit like a dry cell battery in your car. When the battery is fully charged, the car starts and everything works fine. When the car battery is discharged or flat, sometimes all its needs is a “jump start”, a small amount of electricity, and everything is fine again.

Sick cells are merely like discharged cells: This may be an oversimplification, but is the best way to explain the technology of MicroCurrent Therapy in lay person terms.

Scientists have found that different microcurrent frequencies have different effects meaning this revolutionary medicine contains infinite applications and possibilities, especially in the areas of healthy new cell renewal and stimulation. The applications of MicroCurrent Therapy appear to be endless!

In order to understand how MicroCurrent Therapy is able to achieve such amazing results, we need to explain a bit about how cells get their energy. In layman’s terms, here goes…..

The cell is the basic component of all living things and they work ceaselessly to nourish, repair, and renew themselves. This ongoing activity, called "cell metabolism", requires energy which is provided by a substance created within the cell called ATP (adenosine-triphosphate).

Cell metabolism generates wastes that the body must get rid of. As well as eliminating these worn-out or dead cells, the body also needs to get rid of undigested or partially digested foods, chemicals taken in from water, cigarette smoking, alcohol and caffeine, the environment, and medications.

When waste products build up, they impede microcirculation to cells and tissues, decreasing the amount of oxygen and nutrients carried to the cells which, in turn, slows cellular activity reducing the amount of wastes eliminated from the cells. As a result, even more waste builds up so the cells function even less. This vicious cycle continues and can eventually lead to very serious health problems and, in severe cases, even death.

One of the key mechanisms within the cell that eliminates the waste is the “Sodium-Potassium Pump”. This keeps the cell in balance by pumping excess Sodium out of the cell and bringing Potassium into the cell. This pumping action needs a minute amount of electricity which can be measured in microamps (a millionth of an Amp).

When a cell does not function properly it does not generate sufficient electricity for the pump to work – a bit like a torch battery that only has enough energy to make the bulb glow rather than give off a bright beam of light!

In effect, MicroCurrent Therapy is able to ‘jump-start’ the cell by giving it the amount of energy needed to start functioning at the correct level. It should be stressed that the levels of current required are so small that they can not be felt.

As a result of adding low (microamp) levels of electric current, MicroCurrent Therapy mimics the body's own electrical impulses (also in microamps) and can therefore help the body recuperate, promote pain relief, relax muscles, dissolve scar tissue and improve healing, all at greatly accelerated rates. In fact, animal experiments have shown that these benefits can occur up to 5 times faster with MicroCurrent Therapy than in control subjects.

What’s more, once the body has been ‘recharged’ it is able to continue to work at the correct rate, so the ability of the body to repair itself continues long after the therapy session has finished.

3. How Alpha-Stim® Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) Works by James Giordano, Ph.D.

How does Alpha-Stim cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) technology work? The exact mechanism by which Alpha-Stim produces effects is not fully known. However, based on previous and ongoing studies, it appears that the Alpha-Stim microcurrent waveform activates particular groups of nerve cells that are located at the brainstem. These groups of nerve cells produce the chemicals serotonin and acetylcholine which can affect the chemical activity of nerve cells that are both nearby and at more distant sites in the nervous system. In fact, these cells are situated to control the activity of nerve pathways that run up into the brain and that course down into the spinal cord. By changing the electrical and chemical activity of certain nerve cells in the brainstem, Alpha-Stim appears to amplify activity in some neurological systems, and diminish activity in others. This neurological ‘fine tuning’ is called modulation, and occurs either as a result of, or together with the production of a certain type of electrical activity pattern in the brain known as an alpha state which can be measured on brain wave recordings (called electro-encephalograms, abbreviated EEG). Such alpha rhythms are accompanied by feelings of calmness, relaxation and increased mental focus. The neurological mechanisms that are occurring during the alpha state appear to decrease stress-effects, reduce agitation and stabilize mood, and regulate both sensations and perceptions of particular types of pain.

These effects can be produced after a single treatment, and repeated treatments have been shown to increase the relative strength and duration of these effects. In some cases, effects have been stable and permanent, suggesting that the electrical and chemical changes evoked by Alpha-Stim have led to a durable re-tuning back to normal function. Electromedical Products International, Inc. is dedicated to continued research into the mechanisms and effects through which Alpha-Stim can be beneficial to patients with pain, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders.

Alpha-Stim CES engages the serotonergic (5-HT) raphe nuclei of the brainstem. 5-HT inhibits brainstem cholinergic (ACh) and noradrenergic (NE) systems that project supratentorially. This suppresses thalamo-cortical activity, arousal, agitation, alters sensory processing and induces EEG alpha rhythm. As well, 5-HT can act directly to modulate pain sensation in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and alter pain perception, cognition and emotionality within the limbic forebrain.

Legend : Blue arrows: inhibitory interactions. Purple arrows: excitatory interactions. X : suppressed pathways/interactions

Abbreviations : ACh : actetylcholine; LDT : laterodorsal tegmental nucleus of the brainstem; PPN : pediculo-ponitne nucleus of the brainstem; NE : norepinephrine; LC : locus ceruleus, 5-HT : serotonin. Note: Diagram not to scale

James Giordano, Ph.D. is a UNESCO Fellow and Scholar in Residence at the Center for Clinical Bioethics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC. Dr. Giordano is also Visiting Scholar at the Center for Ethics, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH, and Invited Lecturer at the Roundtable in Arts and Sciences, Oxford University, UK. As a neuroscientist, Dr. Giordano's ongoing work is focused upon neural mechanisms of pain, the philosophy of pain research and practice of pain medicine, and the neuroethical issues inherent to the development and use of emergent technologies in neurology and psychiatry. Dr. Giordano received his Ph.D. in biological psychology from the City University of New York. He was a NIEHS post-doctoral fellow in neurotoxicology and neuroscience at The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, served as Visiting Scientist in the Department of Clinical Neuropharmacology, Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry, Munich, Germany, was an American Psychological Association Visiting Fellow in neuroimaging at the Martinos Center for Advanced Imaging, Harvard University Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, and completed post-graduate training in bioethics at the Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy, Loyola University/Stritch Medical School, Chicago, IL. The author of over 65 refereed publications on pain, ethics and medical philosophy, Dr. Giordano serves as Neuroscience Section Editor for the Pain Physician journal, Bioethics Editor for the American Journal of Pain Management, and Ethics Section Editor for the journal Practical Pain Management.

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It is believed that micro-current stimulation restores cellular electrical balance by changing potentials across cell membranes. This may alter the levels of certain ions and molecules toward a desirable equilibrium. Other physiological effects are believed to be produced: reduction of alkalinity proximate the passage of electrical current and the production of low levels of hydrochloric acid which can scavenge free radicals; attraction of oxygen to the region; localized vasoconstriction and vasodialation; reduction of local hemorrhage; sedation; increased tonicity of local tissues; antisepsis; production of desirable fibroplasia; and reduced neuromuscular irritability

Stimulation through the eyes allows access to 25% of the total blood volume of the body in a typical 20 minute treatment session. The blood consists of many cells which exist to capture electro-magnetic energy to control and direct biochemical reactions. This also includes animating and mineralizing the blood by adjusting the ph. Also, with blindness producing disease, inflamed retinal cells eventually lose cell function. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels drop, protein synthesis drops, the electrical resistance goes up, and cell membrane electrical potential goes down and cellular waste management diminishes. Basically, the cells seem to go dormant for a time before they die.

So, it is believed that, if electrical stimulation is provided to the cells before they die, blood vessel permeability is increased, a more normal cellular electrical potential will be achieved, the ATP levels will increase, and protein synthesis will occur again. This has important implications also for increased nerve conduction. By increasing the flicker fusion resolution and refresh rates Micro-current therapy increases signal strength to the brain. The macula has 128 million pixels or 100 million more than a high resolution TV monitor. As the action potentials increase from increased ATP production there is an increase in signal strength, conduction, and transmission serially to facilitate rod and cone re-polarization, regeneration, and visual processing.

As mentioned above, MCS Therapy works by increasing intracellular ATP (adenosine triphosphate) concentrations, enhancing protein synthesis, and stimulating the cells ability to absorb nutrients (Ngok Cheng, M.D.). It is theorized that through these mechanisms, MCS Therapy improves RPE efficiency and thereby may restore and/or improve macular function. In a 20 minute exposure to 500 micro-amps of stimulation ATP production is increased by 500%. ATP is synthesized in the mitochondria process known as the Krebs Cycle, the sequence of reactions in the mitochondria that complete the oxidation of glucose in respiration.

Kroll and Guerrieri have shown age related changes in mitochondrial metabolism resulting in a decrease of the ATP synthase activity. Guerrieri has gone further to show functional and structural differences of the mitochondria F0F1 ATP synthase complex in aging rats. It is theorized that many retinal diseases, at least in part, are due to a decrease in mitochondria function and the subsequent decrease in intracellular ATP. This decrease in mitochondria function results from free radical damage and the mutation of mtDNA (mitochondria DNA). It is interesting to note the genetic link between ATP and retinal disease. ATP Synthase (ATPase) is an enzyme which catalyzes the synthesis of ATP. A genetic defect in the ATPase 6 Gene has now been implicated in Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Chapter Reprint: Don’t Go Blind! Patient guide for treating Macular Degeneration and Retinitis Pigmentosa and other chronic eye diseases using Micro-Current Stimulation Therapy by Thomas W Harold, Dr. Darrell DeMello, MD and Dr. Larry B. Wallace, OD, FCSO. Copyright 2004

Jo seph M. Mercola and Daniel L. Kirsch (1995) coined the term “microcurrent electrical therapy” (MET) to define a new form of electromedical intervention using biocompatible waveforms.

Patrick DeBock (2000), a physiotherapist at the University of Antwerp in Belgium, recently compared MET with TENS based on the Eight Parameter Law which covers every possible influence in electrotherapy.

In his conclusion, DeBock states, “MET has a completely different mechanism, which at this time is not fully understood, but works on a cellular level…It looks as if TENS is going to lose this competition…MET will, in most cases, be much more satisfying than TENS because of the longer lasting and more intense effects.”

A growing body of research shows the effectiveness of MET to do more than control pain. It can actually accelerate and even induce healing. When a wound is dry, its bioelectric current flow is shut off. Eaglstein and Mertz (1978) have shown moist wounds to resurface up to 40% faster than air-exposed wounds. Falanga (1988) found that certain types of occlusive dressings, like Duoderm, accelerate the healing of wounds. It is probable that these dressings achieve their effects by promoting a moist environment (Kulig, Jarski, & Drewek, 1991). The moisture may allow endogenously produced current to flow more readily through the injury, and thus promote wound healing. Electrical stimulation of the wound has a similar effect, and also tends to increase the amount of growth factor receptors which increases the amount of collagen formation (Falanga, 1987).

Electricity was first used to treat surface wounds over 300 years ago when charged gold leaf was found to prevent smallpox scars (Robinson, 1925). There are several recent studies supporting the beneficial effects of treating wounds with an artificial current (Goldin, 1981; Jeran, 1987; Ieran, 1990; Mulder, 1991). Experimental animal wound models in the 1960’s demonstrated that electrical intervention results in accelerated healing with skin wounds resurfacing faster, and with stronger scar tissue formation (Carey & Lepley, 1962; Assimacopoulos, 1968).

Assimacopoulos (1968a) published the first human study using direct current for wound healing. He documented complete healing in three patients with chronic leg ulcers due to venous stasis after six weeks of electrical therapy. One year later Wolcott and Wheeler (1969) published the most frequently cited work in the history of electrical wound healing.. They used direct currents of 200-1,000 microamperes on 67 patients.

Gault and Gatesn (1976) repeated the Wolcott and Wheeler protocol on 76 additional patients with 106 ischemic skin ulcers. Rowley et al. (1974) studied a group of patients having 250 ischemic ulcers of various types. These included 14 symmetrical control ulcers. The electrically stimulated ulcers had a fourfold acceleration in healing response compared to the controls. Carley and Wainapel (1985) performed one of the only studies on this subject published with equal and randomized active and control groups. All of these studies documented significant accelerated healing from electrical stimulation.

One additional consistent observation in these studies was a reversal of contamination in the wounds. Wounds that were initially contaminated with Pseudomonas and/or Proteus were usually sterile after several days of MET. Other investigators have also noticed similar improvements and encourage the use of this therapy as the preferred treatment for indolent ulcers (Kaada, Flatheim, & Woie, 1991; Barron & Jacobson, 1985; Lundeberg, Eriksson, & Malm, 1992; Alvarez et al., 1983). Additionally, no significant adverse effects resulting from electrotherapy on wounds have been documented (Weiss, 1990). A review of the literature by Dayton and Palladino (1989) shows that MET is clearly an effective and safe supplement to the non-surgical management of recalcitrant leg ulcers.

Some of these studies used unipolar currents that were alternated between negative and positive based on various criteria. Some researchers initially used negative current to inhibit bacterial growth and then switched to positive current to promote healing. To date no study has compared this variable of MET. However, there is some compelling basic science research, and one animal study suggesting that a biphasic waveform, which provides both negative and positive current, may be better in that it both sterilizes the wound and promotes wound healing (Stromberg, 1988; Windsor, Lester, & Herring, 1993).

In the 1960’s Robert O. Becker (1985) demonstrated that electrical current is the trigger that stimulates healing, growth, and regeneration in all living organisms. He found that repair of injury occurs in response to signals that come from an electrical control system, and suggested that this system became less efficient as we age. Becker developed his theory of biological control systems based on concepts derived from physics, electronics, and biology. He postulated that the first living organisms must have been capable of self-repair, otherwise they never would have survived. The repair process requires a closed-loop system. A specific signal is generated, called the current of injury, which causes another signal to start repair. The injury signal gradually decreases over time with the repair process, until it finally stops when the repair is complete.

Such a primitive system does not require demonstrable consciousness or intelligence. In fact, many animals actually have a greater capacity for healing than humans. Science has amassed a vast amount of information on how the brain and nervous system work. Most of this research involves the action potential as the sole mechanism of the nerve impulse. This is a very sophisticated and complex system for the transfer of information. It is helpful to compare this conceptualized concept of the nervous system to a computer.

The fundamental signal in both the computer and the nervous system is a digital one. Both systems transfer information represented by the number of pulses per unit of time. Information is also coded according to where the pulses originate, where they go and whether or not there is more than one channel of pulses feeding into an area. All our senses (e.g., smell, taste, hearing, sight and touch) are based on this type of pulse system. Like a computer, the nervous system operates remarkably fast and can transfer large amounts of information as digital on and off data.

It is unlikely that the first living organisms had such a sophisticated system. Becker believes they must have had a much simpler mechanism for communicating information because they did not need to transmit large amounts of sophisticated data. Accordingly, they probably used an analog system. An analog system works by means of simple DC currents. Information in an analog system is represented by the strength of the current, its direction of flow, and slow wavelength variations in its strength. This is a much slower system than the digital model. However, the analog system is extremely precise and works well for its intended purpose.

Becker theorizes that primitive organisms used this analog type of data-transmission and control system for repair. He postulates that we still have this primitive nervous system in the perineural cells of the central nervous system. These cells comprise 90% of the nervous system. The perineural cells have semiconductor properties that allow them to produce and transmit non-propagating DC signals. This system functions so vastly different from the “all or none” law of propagation of the nerve action potentials that Becker called this the fourth nervous system.

This analog system senses injury and controls repair. It controls the activity of cells by producing specific DC electrical environments in their vicinity. It also appears to be the primary primitive system in the brain, controlling the actions of the neurons in their generation and receipt of nerve impulses. Accordingly, as knowledge of this aspect of our nervous system is uncovered, another mystery of brain physiology may be explained, including the regulation of our consciousness and decision-making processes. Given this understanding, the application of the correct form of electrical intervention is a powerful tool for treating pain, initiating the endogenous mechanisms for healing, and altering states of consciousness.

Chang (1982) proposed another mechanism for MET. His research showed that microcurrent stimulation increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation by almost 500%. Increasing the level of current to milliampere levels actually decreased the results. Microcurrent was also shown to enhance amino acid transport and protein synthesis in the treated area 30 to 40% above controls.

It would be helpful to review the cellular nature of an injury to fully appreciate the importance of Chang’s research. Becker (1985) has shown that trauma will affect the electrical potential of cells in damaged tissues. Initially the injured site has a much higher resistance than that of the surrounding tissue. Basic physics dictates that electricity tends to flow towards the path of least resistance. Therefore endogenous bioelectricity avoids areas of high resistance and takes the easiest path, generally around the injury. The decreased electrical flow through the injured area decreases the cellular capacitance ( Windsor, 1993). As a result, healing is actually impaired. This may be one of the reasons for inflammatory reactions. Pain, heat, swelling, and redness are the characteristics of inflamed tissues. Electricity flows more readily through these hot inflammatory fluids.

The correct microcurrent application to an injured site augments the endogenous current flow. This allows the traumatized area to regain its capacitance. The resistance of the injured tissue is then reduced allowing bioelectricity to enter the area to reestablish homeostasis. Therefore microcurrent electrical therapy can be viewed as a catalyst helpful in initiating and sustaining the numerous chemical and electrical reactions that occur in the healing process.

When a muscle experiences trauma it goes into spasm to protect itself. This decreases its blood supply reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach it. The decreased circulation causes an accumulation of metabolic waste products. This acts as noxious input resulting in pain.

Adenosine triphosphate is an essential factor in the healing process. Large amounts of ATP, the cell’s main energy source, are required to control primary functions such as the movement of vital minerals, like sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, into and out of the cell. It also sustains the movement of waste products out of the cell. Injured tissues are deficient in ATP. As MET restores circulation and replenishes ATP, nutrients can again flow into injured cells and waste products can flow out. This is necessary for the development of healthy tissues. As ATP provides the energy tissues require for building new proteins, it also increases protein synthesis and membrane transport of ions.

Chapter Reprint: A Practical Protocol for Electromedical Treatment of Pain in Pain Management: A Practical Guide for Clinicians. by Daniel L. Kirsch, Ph.D., D.A.A.P.M., Mineral Wells, Texas. Copyright 2001