NEUROSTIMULATION or NEUROMODULATION
What is Neurostimulation?
Neurostimulation is also known as neuromodulation and is what makes us different from other neurofeedback practitioners.
Neuromodulation is also comprised of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) and pulsed electro-magnetic field stimulation (pEMF).
These various modalities are used in customized and nuanced ways to aid our clients’ brain and body function. Below we’ve provided bried explanations about each type of neurostimulation technology we use in our practice.
An Analogy
Imagine teaching a child to eat with a spoon. Neurofeedback alone is akin to handing the child the spoon and never demonstrating to the child what to do with it. The child will dig in the dirt, play with the spoon, etc., and as soon as he places the spoon in his mouth, you clap.
Neurostimulation + neurofeedback is akin to showing the child first how to eat with a spoon. Then handing the child the spoon, and clapping when they mimic your behavior.
Which method do you think will better engender learning?
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.
PBM
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) Adenosine triphosphate aka 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.
Be Curious. Listen Deeper.
Listen to the whispers that matter.