The Alpha-Stim as a therapeutic tool
What is the Alpha-Stim?
The Alpha-Stim CES is a small device that you can use yourself to treat depression, anxiety and insomnia. It looks a bit like an MP3 player, so you can use it whenever you like - wherever you are. It sends an electrical microcurrent to your brain, and therefore the treatment is called cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES).
This is not the same as Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) where an electric shock is given to the brain by medical professionals for a specific purpose. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation is a gentle treatment, which you control, and which you can do yourself.
Think of your brain as an electrical machine. The microcurrent produced by the Alpha-Stim provokes a natural extension of your brain’s electricity, affecting your brainwaves and providing a slight energy boost to your central nervous system. Therefore it increases the feel-good factor, and inhibits feelings of depression and anxiety.
Of course, how it works is much more complex than that, as the brain is a complex organ. There is a lot of information about this therapy on the internet. The Alpha-Stim is available to the public for home use, and the results of research into its efficacy and safety is easily obtainable.
Can Alpha-Stim help you?
Caroline says:
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In my practice, I sometimes use the Alpha-Stim as a therapeutic tool in the treatment of depression, anxiety and insomnia, and where appropriate, to encourage general wellbeing - as it can give you a wonderful boost when you feel tired or out of sorts.
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The reason why you are depressed, anxious, or have trouble sleeping is likely to be due to a combination of factors, and after an initial consultation, I can decide what the most appropriate treatment is for you. The Alpha-Stim cannot replace hypnotherapy or talking therapies, but it may be that it can be used as well – when used at the right time.
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Occasionally, correct use of the Alpha-Stim may be sufficient on its own to enable you to feel generally less anxious and depressed, and to sleep well; but I would strongly recommend that you seek advice from a therapist first.
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If you are so overwrought, or so depressed that you have been unable to engage properly with any other treatment (such as hypnotherapy or counselling of some kind), correct use of the Alpha-Stim is likely to enable you to feel much more ready to do so.
It is not recommended that you use the Alpha-Stim if you are pregnant, or if you are fitted with a cardiac pacemaker. And if you have high blood pressure, it should be closely monitored over the period when you use the Alpha-Stim.
Please note that if you are experiencing symptoms of depression anxiety or insomnia it is important to get checked out by your doctor in the first instance, in order to eliminate other reasons for your symptoms.
How to use the Alpha-Stim
It is very simple to use:
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You merely attach the ear clips to your ear lobes, switch the machine on, and turn up the electrical current to a comfortable level.
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You wear the machine for anything between twenty minutes to one hour, and though at first it is wise to relax whilst you are adjusting to the effect, you will soon find that you can use it anywhere – on the bus, the tube, whilst doing chores etc.
You may experience a feeling of grogginess at first, but this passes. Therefore it is recommended that you initially use the Alpha-Stim under the guidance of a practitioner, as this will reassure you, and help you to decide on the right level of microcurrent for you. Then you will feel very confident to use it on your own.
Caroline is happy to discuss how the Alpha-Stim could help you. Following an initial treatment in a safe and caring environment, you can then rent a machine for a month or so to familiarise yourself with it, and discover the benefits. Call 0207 467 8517 (or for Dorset: 01202 731385.)
Extensive research into cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), and testimonials from people all over the world who have used it, is readily available to see on the internet. A good starting point is this Telegraph article on the Alpha-Stim and Alpha-Stim UK
Alpha-Stim for pain relief
If you or anyone you know has a physical condition that causes them pain, you may be interested in another version of the Alpha-Stim, specifically designed for pain relief. The following feature in the Daily Mail describes how Alpha-Stim helped one woman with fibromyalgia. Read article here
What people have said:
"I feel pretty good actually! I'm not stressed in the way that I was at all. That seems to have gone. And I'm sleeping better." Mr D Hoath
"Alpha-Stim Rocks! I thought it was about time I dropped you a line to let you know how great the alpha stim is.
I have been religiously using it every morning and the cumulative benefits are now very evident! My anxiety is almost gone, it does resurface every now and then, but overall I feel much calmer and happier! It's also helped me realise that I finally need to change careers, so am finishing my job in six weeks and having a 5 week break in sunny California. Am thinking through my options and may become a student again, feels very exciting!
So, I just wanted to say a big thank you for everything you've done for me and for introducing me to the wonderful AS, it really has changed my life." Ms MS