Transcranial current stimulation
Transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS Therapy) are a trending subject of current studies.
The newly discovered benefits of these therapies include pain relief, treatment for sleep disorders, depression, cognitive enhancement (including speeding up learning, creativity enhancement, and improving mathematical abilities, etc.).
Are these transcranial therapies really novel? These treatments are strikingly similar to a well-established treatment – scalp electroacupuncture.
Scalp electroacupuncture has been used safely and effectively for decades, with numerous studies supporting its benefits for conditions such as
- pain, complex regional pain syndrome,
- insomnia, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder
- cognitive and memory enhancement, autism
- acute ischemic stroke rehabilitation and prevention, low limb dysfunction of patients with stroke, apoplectic aphasia
- Parkinson’s disease
But here’s the best part: scalp acupuncture is much more cost-effective than transcranial therapies.
- US$300 is a cost of a typical TMS session
- NZ$90 (~US$55) approximate cost of acupuncture session in Auckland NZ
Brain mapping techniques are becoming cheaper and more accessible. This leads to more studies and a better understanding of the human brain. This will open up opportunities for new treatments using transcranial current stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and even electro-acupuncture. So if you’re looking for an effective and affordable alternative treatment, give electroacupuncture a try!
The image: fibers of the White Matter