Microcurrent Stimulation
Microcurrent stimulation is an exciting development that is now being used to treat macular degeneration. Results of the initial clinical trials indicate that 70% of patients with the dry or wet form of macular degeneration will have a significant improvement of vision.
There are many factors related to the etiology of macular degeneration. The most common cause is the arteriosclerotic process that takes place as we age. The macula has very high metabolic needs compared to other areas of the body. It requires proper nutritional elements, oxygen, and the elimination of waste products in order to function properly. Arteriosclerosis reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the macula and will cause a dysfunction in the macula and, ultimately, degeneration. The increased levels of free radicals are related to the development of macular degeneration. Free radicals lead to the breakdown of important cellular structures, which are necessary for proper macular functioning. The earliest changes take place in the development of drusen.
Drusen are deposits, which develop at the base of the retinal pigment epithelial cells. These are often accompanied by pigmentary abnormalities. This can either be hypo or hyperpigmentary changes. These changes then progress to atrophy or dry macular degeneration. The dry type results in a slow progressive loss of vision. In another type of ARMD, small blood vessels develop which result in leakage of blood or fluid. This is wet macular degeneration and often leads to a rapid decrease in vision. In one study 88% of severe visual loss in ARMD was seen in the wet form.
Microcurrent stimulation (MCS) is a treatment in which a weak electric current is used to stimulate the retina and the diseased macula to restore sight. Interest in the procedure developed when Sam Snead, the retired professional golfer, underwent a series of MCS treatments which improved his vision which was weakened by macular degeneration.
The MCS is different from the more commonly used TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). TENS uses a higher voltage to block the nerve impulse and has wide application in pain control. It stimulates the pain-suppressing nerve fibers to work against the pain-carrying nerve fibers. MCS uses low voltage to stimulate the natural healing mechanisms of the body. Robert Becker, in The body electric, documents the relationship of electricity in life and healing. Becker found that voltage differences develop in the body during injury and disease. An injury produces a positive charge in the area and sets up the voltage potential differences. It becomes a bioelectric battery waiting to be turned on. Studies show that the MCS facilitates the healing of the body. An article by Cheng et al (1982) delineated the effect of Microcurrent on the three variables necessary to the healing process of the cell: adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation, protein synthesis, and membrane transport. His studies showed at low voltage (500 micro-amp) ATP generation in the rat skin increased almost 500%, and amino acid transport was increased 30 to 40%. Microcurrent technology has been used as an effective treatment for the healing of bone fractures, tendon, and skin injuries.
Frequency specific microcurrent is a therapy based on neutralizing and eliminating disease radiations through the use of electronic equipment. The effect is achieved through neutralizing those frequencies that are incorrect for the damaged or affected tissues.
The study of the repair process in damaged body tissues showed that electrical signals are present in repairing tissue. The fact that such signals make their appearance during the repair process suggests that they are integral to that process.
Based on that suggestion, the practitioners of microcurrent therapy have developed a way to introduce a mild electrical current into an area of damaged soft tissue. The introduced current is believed to have the ability to enhance the healing process already underway in that same tissue.
The practitioners of microcurrent therapy use an extremely mild current, and thus the procedure is painless. The current is applied using electrodes that have been either moistened or coated with a gel.
Microcurrent Therapy Side Effects
Proponents of microcurrent therapy believe that it enhances the healing process, helps the tissue to heal itself, and is believed to have a number of side effects. However, there is minimal research to support these claims.
The use of microcurrent therapy often helps to reduce swelling and inflammation. Stimulation of tissues with an electrical current has been shown to cover up both acute and chronic pain.
Stimulation of body tissues with electrical signals has an important affect on muscle "trigger points." Stress can often lead to the involuntary tightening of muscles at certain trigger points. When a patient undergoes microcurrent therapy, then he or she is released from such muscle tightening.
Microcurrent therapy appears to assist with body operations that take place following the simple healing process. Once a cut or damage has benefited from the body's normal healing process, then the repaired tissue needs to undergo a process of regeneration. Studies have shown that use of microcurrent therapy has the ability to enhance soft tissue regeneration.