Cranial Electrotherapy and Mental Restoration
In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, more and more individuals are prioritizing the search for effective, non-drug solutions to help cope with overactive and compulsive thoughts as well as difficulties falling asleep. While traditional approaches such as therapy and medications offer some relief, there is a growing interest in alternative methods like Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES).
This non-invasive technique involves the use of low-level, pulsed, alternating current delivered to the head using electrodes. This gentle stimulation targets the brain and nervous system, potentially restoring balance to the centers responsible for regulating emotions and sensory processing. By modulating neuronal activity, CES aims to promote a state of calmness and relaxation.
Treating Overactive & Compulsive Thoughts
Anxiety is defined as an emotional state characterized by a sense of tension, apprehension, and unease. However, anxiety disorders affect millions of people worldwide, causing significant distress and interfering with daily life. CES has been explored recently as a potential alternative method of treatment for overactive and/or compulsive thoughts.
One study entitled, “A clinical trial of cranial electrotherapy stimulation for anxiety and comorbid depression” written by Timothy Barclay and Raymond Barclay and published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2014, aimed to examine the effectiveness of CES as a treatment for anxiety disorders and comorbid depression. The study used a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled design and enrolled 115 participants with a primary diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. The participants were assessed using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale17 (HAM-D17) at baseline and at weeks one, three, and five. The results of the analysis indicated that the group receiving active CES showed a significant difference in anxiety and depression levels compared to the group receiving sham CES. The active CES group experienced a decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms. Overall, the study suggests that CES can be an effective treatment option for individuals with anxiety disorders and comorbid depression.
Another study titled “Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE) as a Treatment Modality for Seasonal Affective Disorder” written by Kathy Berg and Dave Siever aimed to assess the effectiveness of AVE in reducing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD affects 6% of northern populations, with women between 20 and 40 years old being the most vulnerable. The study used the Digital Audio-Visual Integration Device (DAVID) by Comptronic Devices Limited to apply AVE using flashing lights and pulsing tones. The participants underwent a 4-week study, and their symptoms were assessed using measures such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI). Daily diaries were also kept to monitor various symptoms. The study had two groups: a Control Group that did not receive the AVE unit and a Treatment Group that received both placebo and treatment sessions. The Treatment Group received sub-delta frequencies (placebo) for 2 weeks, followed by beta frequencies (treatment sessions) for another 2 weeks. The results showed that the treatment group experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of depression, with 100% of participants showing reduced depression, and 84% no longer meeting the criteria for clinical depression. Anxiety levels also decreased in the AVE group, while the control group saw a mild reduction. In conclusion, the study suggests that AVE, specifically the beta frequencies generated by the DAVID AVE device, can be effective in reducing symptoms of SAD, including depression and anxiety. The study also noted potential benefits such as weight loss. Nonetheless, further research is needed to validate these findings.
Difficulty Falling Asslep
Insomnia, which is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, can also have a significant impact on overall well-being and daily functioning. CES devices have been found to help reduce symptoms of insomnia and even improve sleep quality in several studies.
One study entitled “Efficacy of cranial electric stimulation for the treatment of insomnia: A randomized pilot study” written by R. Gregory Lande and Cynthia Gragnani and published in 2013 in the Complementary Therapies in Medicine journal, examined the potential efficacy of CES in treating insomnia. They recruited subjects with a score of 21 or above on the Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale and randomly assigned them to receive either active or sham treatment for 60 minutes per day over five days. Sleep logs were collected from the subjects following each intervention, as well as three and ten days later. The primary outcome variables measured in the study were the time to sleep onset, total time slept, and number of awakenings, as reported by the subjects in their sleep logs. The results showed a nearly significant increase in total time slept among all study subjects after three CES treatments. However, when analyzing the data, researchers observed a gender bias, with men experiencing a robust increase in total time slept after one treatment, followed by a decay in effect over the next two interventions, and then an additional increase in total time slept after the fourth treatment. The researchers speculated that this fluctuation could be due to an insufficient dose of cranial electric stimulation.
A different study entitled “Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation to Improve the Physiology and Psychology Response, Response-Ability, and Sleep Efficiency in Athletes with Poor Sleep Quality” written by Wen-Dien Chang et al and published in 2022 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health explored the effects of CES on athletes who have poor sleep quality before a competition. The study involved a randomized controlled trial with two groups: the CES group received a 2-week CES treatment, while the placebo group received a 2-week sham CES treatment. The researchers measured various outcomes, including mood states, reaction times, heart rate variability, and sleep efficiency. The results showed that the CES group experienced significant decreases in negative mood states (such as anger, tension, and depression) and choice reaction time compared to the placebo group. The CES group also exhibited improvements in the balance of parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve activity and a slower deterioration of sleep efficiency. However, there were no significant differences in physiological measures, such as hormone levels and blood markers, between the two groups. Overall, the study suggests that CES intervention can reduce negative emotions, improve reaction times, enhance nerve activity balance, and slow the decline of sleep efficiency in athletes with poor sleep quality before competitions. However, the authors note that the effect sizes of CES on psychological response, response-ability, and sleep efficiency were small in this population.
Another study entitled “The effect of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on sleep in healthy women” written by Boris Wagenseil et al and published in 2018 in the Physiological Measurement Journal, aimed to investigate the impact of CES on sleep efficiency in young, healthy women without sleep disorders. The researchers conducted a randomized, controlled clinical study with 40 participants and administered CES using the Alpha-Stim 100 device in active or sham (placebo) modes. Polysomnography was used to evaluate sleep differences between the two modes, and electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis was performed to assess frequency changes. The study found that applying cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) with current levels higher than 100 µA and frequencies above 0.5 Hz, specifically when directly applied to the cranium, may have a reproducible effect on the alpha frequency measured in EEG. However, the researchers did not observe any significant influence on sleep parameters. Despite this, the observed effect on the low-alpha band in quantitative EEG analysis indicates a need for further investigation with a larger effect size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation, or CES, is a non-invasive treatment method that involves the use of low-intensity electrical currents to stimulate specific areas of the brain. This gentle electrical stimulation has been shown to have therapeutic effects in managing various psychological and psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and addiction.
CES works by modulating electrical activity in the brain, promoting relaxation, enhancing mood, and reducing symptoms associated with various conditions. The exact mechanisms are still being researched, but it is believed that CES influences neurotransmitter levels and neuronal activity in a way that restores balance and promotes mental wellbeing.
Yes, CES is generally considered safe when used as directed by healthcare professionals. Numerous studies have demonstrated the low-risk nature of CES, with minimal side effects reported. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure CES is suitable for your specific situation and medical history.
A typical CES treatment session lasts approximately 50 minutes.
CES effects can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience immediate relief and noticeable improvements in their symptoms after a single session, while others may require several sessions to observe significant changes. It’s important to remember that CES is a cumulative therapy, and consistent use over time can lead to more sustained benefits.
CES is often used as an adjunct therapy alongside other treatment modalities. It can complement existing treatments, such as medication, herbs, psychotherapy, auriculotherapy, acupuncture, massage and bodywork, dietary changes, and lifestyle changes, to provide a comprehensive approach to managing mental health conditions.
