What is neurostimulation?
Neuromodulation, also known as neurostimulation, makes us different from other neurofeedback practitioners.
Neuromodulation includes transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), and pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation (pEMF).
These various modalities are used in customized and nuanced ways to aid our clients’ brain a’ brain and body function.
TACS
tACS is transcranial alternating current stimulation. It is a form of electrical stimulation that uses two electrodes (a positive electrode called an anode and a negative electrode, the cathode) to pass current back and forth through either the brain or the body.
TDCS
tDCS is transcranial direct current stimulation. It is a form of electrical stimulation that is used to treat many conditions and pathologies, both in the brain and in the body. The technology uses a positive and a negative electrode (called the anode and the cathode, respectively).
Direct current passes a one-way current through the brain or the body. In the brain, a surge in calcium ions and in sodium ions creates a condition of neuroplasticity, which makes the brain more susceptible to neurofeedback and pEMF conditioning.
TRNS
tRNS is transcranial random noise stimulation. It is a form of electrical stimulation that is used to treat many conditions and pathologies, both in the brain and in the body. The technology uses a positive and a negative electrode (called the anode and the cathode, respectively). Alternating current similar to white noise (like the fuzz of a television screen) passes back and forth at the desired frequency through the brain or the body.
pEMF
pEMF is pulsed eletromagnetic field therapy. The application of stimulation is imperceptible, yet the effects are real. You can't feel it because the electricity is sent through a spiral which changes the elecromagnetic field around the coil. pEMF has been shown in the academic literature to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation in the body which can help the body to heal itself.
An Analogy
If neurotherapy is like going to the gym, then the neurofeedback piece is like weight training while the neurostimulation piece is like cardiovascular exercise. We often begin our clients with neurostimulation (cardio) for the first few sessions. This primes their system and has an immediate, noticeable effect for most. It is a way to show the brain what we want it to do on its own. Once a client has become accustomed to stim only (has gained cardiovascular endurance), they are ready to move onto the next piece.
Photobiomodulation
The latest addition to our suite of neurostimulation devices is the Vielight Neuro Alpha and Gamma.
Photobiomodulation is a form of low level light therapy. The brain can be stimulated by electricity (tACS/tDCS/tRNS), magnetic fields (pEMF), and light (PBM). Photons (units of light) are at their essence an electromagnetic wave.
Light energy can be absorbed by the mitochondria (the power generators of the cell) in the neurons. The light stimulates specific enzymes which increases the production of ATP (fuel for the cell). It also sets off a chain reaction of events which causes protection and repair chemicals to be made in the brain.
