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What is Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation or CES?
Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) is a type of treatment in which the brain is stimulated by a tiny current of electricity, no more than 600 millionths of an ampere. This current is so low that many users cannot even feel it and those that do feel a small tingle.
While all CES devices transmit electricity to the brain, only Alpha-Stim offers a unique, patented waveform that has been rigorously tested and is backed by decades of success. Alpha-Stim® is such a CES device. However, while all CES devices transmit electricity to the brain, only Alpha-Stim offers a unique, patented waveform that has been rigorously tested and is backed by decades of success.
*FDA cleared for anxiety, insomnia and pain only, with approval for depression outside of the United States.
How Does CES Work?
Alpha-Stim applies rhythmic, low-amplitude current to the brain via earclip electrodes. Psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and insomnia, are associated with alterations in electric activity in large-scale brain networks. Research suggests that Alpha-Stim® CES modulates large-scale brain network activity patterns in two synergistic ways: 1) by stimulating cranial nerves including the vagus nerve, 2) by directly modulating cortical oscillations in the temporal lobe, which is part of the default mode network.
Ultimately, these two ways of stimulating the brain normalize the pathological signaling in the default mode network observed in psychiatric disorders, providing rapid, effective, and lasting symptom relief without the side effects of medication.
Is CES the Right Choice for Me?
If you suffer from anxiety and/or insomnia an Alpha-Stim CES device may be able to help. Alpha-Stim is an ideal CES option for the following reasons:
- It is perfectly safe to use in conjunction with other treatment modalities.
- You can use Alpha-Stim in conjunction with current medications if approved by your doctor.
- There is no risk of misuse or abuse, or addiction or withdrawal. It is a safe alternative to medications for people who are recovering from addiction, or anyone who prefers not to take drugs.)
- Alpha-Stim is safe for individuals who may otherwise be hard to treat including the elderly, those with chronic or complex conditions (including cancer), who are already on a number of medications, or who need a drug-free option.
Treatments with Alpha-Stim are also quick and easy, and conducted in the comfort of your own home.
That being said, Alpha-Stim should not be used by people who have pacemakers or other implantable devices.
Does CES Work for Anxiety, Insomnia, and Pain?
The short answer is yes.
While CES may be getting more attention as of late, Alpha-Stim is actually not a “new” treatment at all. It has been changing lives for the better since 1981 and has continued to evolve with new devices and technical updates since then.
More than 100 clinical research studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of Alpha-Stim. Across these studies, results have shown that Alpha-Stim users experience clinically significant relief from their symptoms and often get results far superior to those of medications.
Commonly Asked Questions About Alpha-Stim and Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation
Do I need a prescription for Alpha-Stim?
In the United States, a prescription is required for Alpha-Stim. You can schedule a telehealth appointment though to get Alpha-Stim faster.
Outside the United States, Alpha-Stim is available over the counter.
Will my insurance pay for an Alpha-Stim device?
Insurance coverage varies by policy. Durable medical equipment coverage is often required to obtain some level of reimbursement for Alpha-Stim devices. We do not bill private carriers but will assist you by providing a paid invoice and a sample Statement of Medical Necessity for your practitioner to complete. This statement is typically required by the insurance carrier if the device is covered. If you have a flex spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you may often use these to purchase an Alpha-Stim.
How do I get started using Alpha-Stim?
It’s easy to get started with Alpha-Stim. First, if you live in the United States, you’ll need a prescription from a licensed healthcare practitioner. Once you have that, you can either order directly through our website, or we can put you in touch with your local distributor. If you’d like us to provide additional information to your doctor, we can do that, too! Simply provide his or her information on our submit a doctor form. If you’re just not sure where to begin and would like for an Alpha-Stim representative to contact you, complete the form located here and we’ll be in touch to help.
Outside of the United States, Alpha-Stim is available without a prescription; you can skip straight to the ordering step.
