If you have had pain for any length of time, you may wonder if there is any hope for ever enjoying life again. Pain, especially chronic pain, can be incredibly debilitating, and, despite major advances in science and medicine, many current approaches to pain treatment in western therapy, in many cases provide unsatisfactory outcomes to patients suffering from pain. Microcurrent point stimulation (MPS) Therapy is a therapeutic method we have used at our clinic with great success. The Dolphin Neurostim (the device) uses a hybrid therapeutic method that applies concentrated, low frequency, direct current (DC) microcurrent stimulation to key acupuncture and trigger points.
Through the combined use of modern Western science and ancient Chinese medicine, we can provide highly effective, all-natural relief from pain with the use of this device.
The Dolphin Neurostim device locates and applies concentrated DC microcurrent to therapeutically active points (acupuncture and trigger) for relaxing muscles, calming the nervous system and releasing endorphins. The device is designed to treat with precision stimulation of nervous, muscular and endocrine systems at once. MPS can provide an excellent non-invasive alternative to acupuncture or dry trigger point needling.
Recent research has shown positive and impressive results in improvement of ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) function and reduction in pain and cortisol levels. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and stress are closely related to health and well being in humans. When comparing alternating current (AC) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to DC (Direct Current) MPS, the autonomic nervous system response with MPS showed a measurable improvement in parasympathetic tone, and reductions in the pain score/rating. Parasympathetic tone normally dominates heart, smooth muscle of digestive and urinary tract organs and activates most glands: slows heartbeat, dictates normally activity levels of digestive and urinary tracts
MPS also significantly decreased the salivary cortisol levels, while AC TENS provided negative outcomes with cortisol levels, no improvement in the pain score and marked deterioration in some of the sympathetic nervous system markers. What do we know about cortisol? First—cortisol can be a lifesaving hormone. When we are under stress it comes to our rescue by mobilizing carbohydrates and fat for instant energy. It also keeps our blood sugar steady while we are sleeping and helps us wake up in the morning.
But what happens when this hormone goes wrong? Cortisol has a natural rhythm that is tightly connected to our daily cycle, which is called our circadian rhythm. It is usually lowest between midnight and 4:00AM and then gradually increases until around 8:00 AM, in time for us to get ready for the day. After 8:00 AM it begins to decline incrementally throughout the day to gradually prepare us for sleep.
If we encounter a stressful event, our body’s natural response is to increase cortisol and adrenaline temporarily to handle the stressful event and then return to normal. However, often this protective mechanism can run out of control. This can cause all kinds of health issues or problems, including:
- Impaired healing and cell regeneration
- Disrupted digestion, mental function and metabolism
- Imbalances in other important hormones
- Mood swing and depression
- Thyroid Imbalances
- Sleeplessness
- Weight gain
Too much cortisol can also produce some of the hallmark signs of Cushing Syndrome: a fatty hump between your shoulders, a rounded face, and pink or purple stretch marks on your skin. Cushing syndrome can also result in high blood pressure, bone loss and, on occasion, type 2 diabetes.
So the ability to impact cortisol levels in a positive way is very important—and MPS Therapy can help. We welcome questions regarding whether this treatment approach is the right one for you.
Regards,
Jan Hanson, MS, PT