Used around the world for over 50 years, Cranial Electrical Stimulation (CES) is used for neurotransmitter balancing, mood control, IQ gains, sleep, exploration of altered states, peak performance, pain, anxiety, stress, depression and much more.

First, lets have some technical information: 

Most CES units (of which there are many) are considered: Class IIa. Type BF medical device generating microcurrent pulses which are thought to reach the brain via the auditory meatus. 

By placing either ‘electrical clip/electrodes’ on the earlobes, or small, sticky electrodes behind each ear, cranial stimulation sends a micro-current which helps to ‘balance’ the chemicals and reestablish optimal neurotransmitter levels in the brain.  CES differs from TENS stimulation; which is low-frequency and tends to just block nerve pain. Also known as ‘The Sleep Machine,’ cranial electrotherapy stimulation has been proven to help reduce stress and anxiety in patients, while allowing them to become drowsy. In addition, it has been proven useful (although, not yet FDA approved) in treating ADD, ADHD, PTSD, stage 1 hypertension, headache, tics from Tourette syndrome, Alzheimer symptoms and dementia, autism, and painful conditions of traumatic brain injury, cancer, dental pain or surgery, Parkinson’s disease and MS. CES is not electro-convulsive therapy, and has few side effects –  such as causing more lucid dreaming. Some contraindications, however, are:

• Do not use this device if you are pregnant or lactating without first seeking advice from your doctor.
• Do not use if you have a pacemaker (particularly demand type pacemakers) or other implanted bio-electric equipment without, again, first consulting your doctor.
• There have been isolated reports of CES treatment lowering blood pressure so care should be taken while using CES in conjunction with high blood pressure medication. The same is true with other medications; who’s effectiveness may be ‘sped up.’ This has the advantage of being able to ‘reduce’ the dosage of some medications.

How often should one use a CES device? That is something that the patient should ask their doctor or neuropathist. If having dental work, we recommend taking the device into the dentist office with you to use during treatment. If treating at home for depression, it depends upon your symptoms; some patients use CES on an ‘as needed’ basis, where others may use it once, twice or three times per day. In our office, we will have patients use it while having other treatments; which can help them to relax or sleep through treatment. Or, for insomnia, most patients use CES an hour before going to bed. While treatment keeps most patients asleep, some people may wake up in the middle of the night and use the device again.

Depending upon the CES device, some MS or Parkinson’s patients may use it on a continuous basis to reduce tremors, drooling or to help bring back the power of speech. With the proper frequency, even facial atrophy and tongue numbness can be helped.

A ‘prescription only,’ device, CES can be purchased through an authorized distributor. Chico Holistic Healthcare can, either, use a device on you during treatment, monitor your use through our office, or help you obtain a prescription to own and use your device at home.