Your questions are fascinating and challenging to answer; I love reading them and am so happy to be in touch with people actively using the instruments daily in practices around the world. I hope that with my input you'll have even better results.
Keep those questions coming . . . for the sake of your patients and your practice.
As soon as I have the answers to the new questions you send to me, I'll shoot them out to you in an email and ask my webmaster to post them in this section.
When treating the back using the Trigger and Non-Trigger probes, is it necessary to switch probes if you are using the probes on each side of the spine?
Does it matter which side is active and which is passive, given that the current is flowing through the spine from one side to the other?
A: When the Acuscope is in feedback mode, a tiny trickle of a few micro-currents is flowing from the negative [passive/reference] electrode to the positive [active] electrode (regardless of whatever probe combination you may be using!) This is necessary to allow the instrument to "Look and Listen"; it is how it gathers feedback from the tissue between the probe contact points while giving you (the operator & the patient) an auditory tone and digital readout indicating tissue impedance (resistance) status at that particular moment.
Once the button is pushed and the treatment is initiated, the polarity reverses back and forth, again and again – what begins as the positive electrode becomes the negative, then goes back to being positive, and so forth and so on!
So technically, at this point, it does not matter which probe is placed on which side for the treatment to be effective. Balance is achieved by the back-and-forth; as the pathway is cleared, conductivity is normalized during the push-pull of the current.
When, after 12-seconds of treatment, the instrument automatically reverts back to feedback mode, the Intensity [force] of the current is reduced once again to a miniscule trickle of a few micro-amps.
You might, at this point, reverse the probes to see (out of curiosity) if you get a different readout; but it doesn’t matter. The results are being achieved during stimulation and the feedback is informational only.
Does this make sense? People make this too complicated. It's really very simple.
On the other hand, some Acupuncturists, who use a point-specific location formula, are cognizant of the directionality of the current during the feedback phase. I still say, it makes no difference in the effectiveness of the treatment, only possibly in the feedback you hear and see.
Q: When I'm treating an area of involvement, the degree of impedance is different on different parts of the body. For example, I treated tendonitis of the knee, and in one part I could get a 100 readout on 160 Gain, but in another part I had to raise the Gain to get that readout. Is this usual? Changing the Gain on different placements?
A: Absolutely. It is “normal” to have varying degrees of conductance in tissue throughout the body. The Acuscope is monitoring only that tissue which lies between the two probe/electrode contacts at any given moment. Impedance varies widely, especially when there is inflammation.
Theoretically, inflamed tissue will give higher readouts on a lower Gain. However, when an inflammatory condition has existed for a length of time (days, weeks, months, years!) the body has attempted to self-repair for so long that a secondary effect sets in: the area becomes highly congested, and therefore electronically blocked. So readouts may be confusing; indicating both acute inflammation AND chronic resistance.
The way to address this issue is to raise the conductivity in the surrounding tissue first; secondly to do so systemically throughout the entire body. You’ll achieve this effect by using 0.5; then 10; then 20 Hz (Low Frequencies). This is necessary because surrounding areas have been “leeched” of energy, so to speak, because the area of involvement is so demanding of the micro-electrical currents to heal the injured/inflamed tissue. Once these surrounding areas are “charged up” then one can address the area of involvement.
Next, going directly to the ankle, for example, one would “break through the resistance with 0.5 briefly; manipulating the Gain as needed to do so. Then, as soon as 100+ readouts are achieved, stimulate with 40, 80, 320 Hz. Not too much, however! A little high frequency goes a long way to give this “damaged” tissue the high frequencies it requires for resolving inflammatory conditions.
Repeat this procedure over time (days, weeks). Don’t try to “fix” it all at once during one session. Normalize the tissue by this process applied very briefly at first; then in treatment session three or four, give it more of both low in the surrounding areas and high in the inflamed area of involvement. Eventually the treatment procedure will take less time and the results will last longer (“the cumulative effect”). Ultimately the goal is to see good readings in all tissue in and around the area with the first 0.5 stimulations. This may require five to ten (or more) treatments – but it’s worth it! It could surprise you and happen in only three.
If you are using the newest Model 80L, finish each treatment by using 1” X 1” mini-placement electrodes to conduct current through the “heart” of the area of involvement. Treat with the preset AUTO setting on Continuous for 1 – 2 minutes to establish normal current flow in the entire range of various preset Frequency Bands. Of course, as we know, the instrument is reading the input; comparing it to norms; calculating the appropriate output in order to adjust the waveform patterns being conducted through the tissue. It’s a brilliant way to end an Acuscope treatment.
Q: Sometimes when I have done a 12-second treatment with the Acuscope Trigger Probe, the initial readout after the treatment might be 24 or 36; then after a second it jumps to more than 100. Usually after one treatment the numbers are low and stay there, and after a couple of treatments they go into the 100 range. But this initial low number and then the jump to 100 or 107 confuses me. What does this mean?
A: Let’s answer this question in two parts.
Part One: when the numbers are low and stay in the low range after stimulation(s), you can feel certain that the tissue is in a chronic state of resistance. 0.5 for a number of stimulations will do the job of bringing up the low conductivity little by little. If this is the case, once 100+ readouts are achieved by using 0.5 over all the tissue being addressed, then follow by treating the same points with additional low frequencies up to 20 Hz (at highest, 40). (Note: Use whatever Gain is required to see 100+ resulting from 0.5; then adjust the Gain only if necessary to continue seeing 100+ resulting from other low frequencies.)
Part Two: when the readout after initially low readings, then goes right to 100, it is generally indicative of inflammation. (See previous answer to review the condition of tissue that has chronic inflammation.) In this case, serious blockage is initially present. The 0.5 stimulation gently drives micro-currents through the resistant tissue between the two probes; the high feedback indicates a sudden breakthrough. Deep within the area, inflamed tissue is highly electrically active and therefore will read high immediately and benefit most from high frequencies. When this happens, you can feel confident that the treatment procedure described above is appropriate. To review: address the surrounding areas with low frequencies first; area of inflammation with 0.5 just to break through; then with high frequencies following (but not too much too soon!) until everything far and near reads 100+ (or as high as can be achieved).
Q: I’ve heard that the Acuscope is very effective for relaxation therapy. I have both the ear clips and the headband but I’m not sure how to use them. Can you give me any suggestions? A: Yes, of course! This is possibly one of the most beneficial treatments for a patient who has pain or is suffering from injury, post-op, acute or chronic conditions because the psychological benefit of relaxation is as important for healing as the physiological mechanisms. Trans-cranial (trans-cerebral) micro-current stimulation with the Acuscope is safe, gentle, and provides an opportunity for an individual to experience that state of mind most conducive to activating the body’s self-repair processes, relaxation.
Here are the settings:
Mode 1
Intensity: no higher than 200 micro-amps; preferably lower. No sensation should be felt or it will be distracting (and indicates more push behind the current than is required by this patient)
Frequency: 8 Hz to relax deeply and possibly drift off to sleep;
10 Hz to let go of tension and achieve a very relaxed, fully conscious state (use this setting if the patient will be leaving the office and driving a car)
Timer: 12 seconds intermittently while adjusting the Gain Spectrum*
once Gain is set; Turn Timer to Continuous.
Lower the Volume when feedback is no longer necessary
Treat for 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes. No longer.
Take patient comfort and air quality into careful consideration.
Suggest breathing techniques to release tension and the observation of natural scenery to quiet the mind. Encourage the patient to simply let go of all distressing and distracting thoughts for awhile. Relaxation requires practice. Conditioning is developed over time. (Before the patient leaves your office, discuss the benefits of practicing often.)
*Treatment Procedure:
It is HIGHLY PREFERABLE to offer this stress reduction therapy in a room that is conducive to being relaxed. The Green Oasis environment, described elsewhere throughout this website is ideal: a room filled with fresh air to breathe provided by live green, leafy plants; Full-Spectrum Lighting to reduce glare and eye strain; video and photography depicting nature and natural scenery; a waterfall; ambient sounds of nature and/or New Age music. Provide a comfortable chair (but NOT ELECTRONIC or the electro-magnetic field of the wall current powering the chair will interfere with the Acuscope’s ability to address the subtle micro-currents traveling through the brain).
Accessories:
The Earclips – place gently on the earlobes after generously applying Electrolyte Solution to the fronts and backs of both earlobes, as well amply covering the inside metal surfaces of the Earclips with the “gel”.
The Headband – attach the two accessory cords over the cups of choice: frontals, temples, mastoids. Be sure to fill cups with enough Electrolyte to make good contact. Can be worn comfortably if not pulled too tightly.
Overview of the Basics of Stress Relief Therapy with the Acuscope:
WHO NEEDS IT? – Anyone with stress (isn’t that everyone in the world today?) Especially those whose tension and anxiety is influencing their condition – making it worse and more difficult for the body to heal itself. Tension headaches are highly responsive to this therapy.
WHAT IS IT? – Trans-cranial micro-current therapy with the Acuscope causes the brainwaves to entrain to (conform, mimic) an Alpha pattern while in treatment mode. This enables the patient to experience relaxation, release tension in the mind, distributing relaxing waveform signals throughout the body via the nervous system. It can be a way for a patient to learn how to feel relaxed; and if instructed properly in breathing and other relaxation techniques, the individual can then reach this relaxed state on his/her own.
WHEN TO DO IT? – Relaxation Treatments can be administered before OR after other types of therapy such as manual adjustment, massage, ultrasound – but NOT ever in conjunction with any other electrical stimulation (exception: can be combined with the Acuscope’s companion instrument for soft tissue treatment, the Myopulse). A patient may have this trans-cerebral Acuscope treatment each time they come in for an appointment. It would be highly beneficial for them to come in for this treatment once or twice weekly while undergoing pain management therapy; then on a wellness maintenance schedule once per week or twice monthly thereafter.
WHERE TO DO IT? – Relaxation Treatments are best administered in a Green Oasis, full of fresh air and natural scenery, free of interfering milli-amperage electronic equipment.
WHY DO IT? – Trans-cranial micro-current Relaxation Treatments will enhance the overall electro-chemical ability of a body to repair itself by adjusting the type of signals generated by the brain. As seen on an electro-encephalograph, Alpha brainwave patterns indicate a relaxation response. After trans-cerebral Acuscope treatment, PET scans have indicated a relaxation response. Ample medical/scientific research has shown that a relaxed state of mind promotes healing. Click here to see PET scans.
Q: Dear Jan,
Should a person curtail his or her activities while receiving treatment? I am treating two people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, but they are both continuing to type and do other things that aggravate the repetitive-motion injury. Do the Acuscope treatments override the damage? Or should the person receiving treatment favor the injured limb?
A: Elizabeth, what a great question!
In an ideal world, we would remain still for at least 20 minutes to one hour post-treatment to let the benefit of the corrective currents boost cellular self-repair mechanisms as much as possible. Of course, most people must leave the office and drive away after their appointment. Whenever possible, finish the treatment with 5 or 10 or 15 minutes of Earclips or Headband on 10Hz (8Hz if they don't have to drive a car). This both gives them an excuse to remain still for at least a little while and causes relaxing Alpha brainwaves to send calm, tranquil waveform patterns throughout the nervous system. A relaxed mind and body are more likely to heal, don't you agree? If you can encourage the patient to think only pleasant, relaxing thoughts and really rest during this time, all the better. And require that they drink lots of natural, clean water at all times to help flush out the toxins released by cellular metabolic processes.
As far as not using the limb . . . well, isn't that a nice thought. But then, there's reality! If it's Carpal Tunnel, a wrist brace would be helpful - especially if worn for a few hours right after treatment and if possible, while doing the repetitive activity. If they can curtail the activity, it will help speed up the healing process; however, life usually doesn’t permit this indulgence.
Just keep in mind, the cumulative effect occurs when enough treatment helps the injured, damaged, overused, and/or inflammed, involved tissue to fully repair itself. This doesn't happen overnight. And it only happens when treatments are given frequently enough to make a difference and the tissue can “accumulate” the benefits from the restorative micro-currents.
This is why Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw were able to stay in the game far longer than they would have. Terry even owns his own Acuscope and Myopulse! They didn’t stop playing, they got lots of treatment – they love the Acuscope to this day for what it did for them at the height of their football quarterback careers!
A final thought. When treating a particular area of involvement (e.g., a wrist, knee, shoulder, elbow, hip, low back . . .whatever) remember:
1. The tissue surrounding the acute area must be given attention; it is probably low in energy, bring it up with 0.5, 10, and 20Hz. Then, treat the acute, inflamed tissue with high frequencies when you are directly over the “hot spot”.
2. If the entire body is given Well-Being Treatments (Master Points on 0.5 and 10Hz) to achieve overall homeostasis, the benefit from Acuscope Therapy will be greater.
3. When the mind is relaxed (ear clips/headband), the injured area will heal more quickly.
Q: Hello Jan. It appears most of my questions have been answered in your DVD: however the large foot plates still elude me a little.
One of my patients has had chronic Plantar Fasciatis in both feet for the last ten years. So, this is an area I’d like to treat with the Acuscope. (I guess that it would be best in combo with the Myopulse, however, no doctors in New Zealand are using one at this point.)
Jan, you mentioned in the DVD that to treat feet one could use footplates under both feet and a
reference probe on lower back. Would this be as effective (generally) as using a probe or plate on top of the foot?
A: Both approaches are valuable over the course of a series of treatments. The generalized, dispursive effect of using the two large plates (with junction box, of course) under the feet, in combination with a placement electrode at the base of the spine, allows the Acuscope to resolve issues detected throughout the neural network of the lower extremities. This is an important and valuable treatment.
Use 0.5 Frequency for a series of 12 second stimulations until the Gain Spectrum is set to cause the resulting readout be the maximum your Acuscope can produce (generally 104 – 106). Then, turn the Timer to Continuous and let the treatment run for several minutes. Check to see if the Gain can be lowered after one minute; then continue with treatment for another minute or more. Next, use 2.5 with the same approach. Then, use 10Hz for a few minutes. This is an excellent generalized treatment to boost the overall neurological condition to a healthy state conducive to healing anything below the waistline. Use this same approach with the hands on the big plates for any syndromes in the upper body.
Then, when approaching the area of involvement directly, use a single 1” X 1” placement electrode right over the Plantar Fasciitis. This can be done in combination with the large plates; however, it is more precisely aimed at the involved tissue when two small electrodes are placed directly above and below the core of the problem. This way the Acuscope can read and treat specifically as the current PASSES THROUGH the involved tissue. One could also use the two main probes (Trigger and Non-Trigger) for this approach. Another great electrode combination for this is a 1” X 1” directly under the involved area plus the small Single Mini Roller used over and above.
(See Accessories List: http://www.jandacri.com/GreenRoom/am_accessories.php .)
Keep in mind that anytime you are dealing with a condition that is an “itis”, you will be encountering inflammation. As you know, from previous explanations regarding the use of higher frequencies when the tissue is acute and inflamed, this is best approached with smaller contact surface electrodes (to get precisely aimed treatment right to the “heart” of the problem).
Once again – when treating directly over the area(s) of acute inflammation, begin with a few brief 0.5 Hz treatments to set the Gain Spectrum properly (seeing 100+ readouts); then treat with a series of 12-second stimulations in a range of high Frequencies up to the highest (40 – 320 Hz). Keep in mind that high readouts (with a relatively low Gain) occur quickly in areas where there is detectable inflammation. Treat the surrounding area (either prior to, or after) with low Frequencies (0.5 – 20 Hz) to bring the readings up as high as possible (with the lowest possible Gain) and equalize the conductivity throughout all tissue that is abnormally high or abnormally low.
Q: Do the footplates actually give treatment or are they merely for monitoring (when placed under the soles of the feet) when used in conjunction with a probe or mini plates or a small roller?
A: Whenever ANY electrodes are used with the Acuscope and/or Myopulse, they are actively monitoring AND conducting treatment. The difference is only in that the amount of area of surface contact causes a more generalized (dispursive) or a more precise, specific impact.
There is no such thing as “merely monitoring” with this equipment. In Feedback mode, the Acuscope monitors and gives you (the operator and the patient) readouts that are informative (sound and numbers). During treatment phase, it calculates its output based on the feedback. Regardless of the choice of electrodes/probes, both points of contact are actively conducting current into and through the tissue. As you know, the polarity alternates. Each probe alternately becomes the positive; then the negative; then the positive, etc. causing the current to flow back-and-forth, back-and-forth. This is why it is known as “polarity reversing” alternating current.
Q: Jan,
I have a question that I've been thinking about for a while.
I’m excited to be back to having a dialogue with you. Your questions, comments, and observations have been so astute and insightful, I heartily enjoy responding.
It appears many of the protocols treat inflammation that is superficial. That is normal because that is what we can visually observe. But of late, I've been doing work that seeks to find the cause of the problem. For example, many times people complain about lower back issues so we treat that area, the quadratus lumborem or above the illiac spine. But it has been demonstrated to me that many times the psoas or illiopsoas is involved as well putting tension on the muscle. Doing structural therapy I would check the psoas to confirm my suspicions and treat. But how do you treat a muscle such as the psoas because it is so deep. The Myopulse would be a good candidate to use, but it needs to be on the muscle doesn't it?
A: The current will penetrate into and through the tissue placed between any two probes/electrodes. If the muscle is deep, visualize the current traveling between the points of contact, back and forth. The Myopulse will detect abnormalities and correct them. If the electrodes can be placed strategically to allow the current to pass through the involved muscle or muscle group, the instrument can resolve the abnormality.
If using the Y-Probe, this is not possible, unless the problem is in a small, relatively superficial muscle. The choice of probes for deep psoas, etc. would have to be the Trigger and Non-Trigger Probe with Ball Tips placed at various angles (contact points) that cause current to pass through to the depth of the muscle. A Mini-Plate Placement electrode in combination with the Trigger Probe or the Grand Ball Probe or Mini-Double Roller can also be set up strategically, if you can visualize that the current moves back-and-forth between the electrodes. In a series of treatments, two Mini-Plates placed this way can provide an excellent boost back to normal. (However, I would NOT do the entire series of treatments strictly with placement electrodes.) It is always good to be able to angle, probe, and massage with one or both hand-held electrodes. Think Trigger Point Pressure and Massage Technique. Move slowly and probe deeply (without causing discomfort, of course) and the current will penetrate that much more effectively. Good Electrolyte Solution/Cream coverage is essential.
And, of course, with the Myopulse, we use every Frequency, but allow longer time at the high Frequencies, if one suspects acute, hot, inflamed tissue; and longer time in the low Frequency range when the tissue is in a prolonged chronic, low energy, depleted state. And, naturally, as a general rule, the Intensity is set to the highest level without causing ANY sensation when treating the body from below the neck, down.
Q 2: Wouldn't the Acuscope be better because it doesn't have to be on the muscle? But is the Acuscope calibrated for that work?
A 2: It is always, in every condition, regardless, better to treat with both instruments. They have different work to do.
Begin with the Acuscope, charging up the Acu-points in general throughout the body; then more specifically, those in tissue surrounding the target area. Be sure, first of all, that currents are moving freely along all meridians (neural pathways) throughout the body (use the Acuscope on 0.5 and 10 Hz to accomplish this); then specifically, open the nerve pathways from the spine, to and through the target area. We treat the muscle directly with the Acuscope to normalize the nerve conduction through a muscle, from end to end (origin to insertion); and we also are normalizing the nerve signal as it enters and imbeds in the muscles, (nerve endings become “aggravated” and “agitated” in acute muscle conditions; and are dormant, low, and depleted in chronic situations).
So, we correct the neurological component first (as well as we can); then, address the muscle tissue directly, in its own “language” with the Myopulse after that.
Q: I have an Acuscope 80L and a Myopulse 75L. Is this Myopulse that is being used in Spas and Facial Surgery Clinics?
A: The aestheticians, cosmetologists, and facial surgeons are using the Facial Myopulse for post-operative rehabilitation and non-surgical prevention of further deterioration. It’s true purpose? Of course, beautification! To reenergize (lift) the facial muscles underneath the skin is the goal.
This instrument is a Myopulse in the sense that it addresses the issues of connective, contractile tissue directly (muscle, tendon, ligament, fascia; i.e., myofascial issues). However, the Facial Myopulse is unique in that it is calibrated to interface with the delicate, superficial and very complex musculature of the face region. Whereas, the regular, clinical Myopulse 75L is meant to treat the large body muscles, etc. The feedback is modified; the current is appropriately calibrated to match fields generated by smaller facial structures.
The results are dramatic! Especially when combined with Acuscope treatments on the points, meridians, and complex nerve pathways of the upper body, neck, head, and face.
Above Left Photo credit: lovely wife of Bob Moore, Bio-Health.
Q: Is it true about the “Frequency Specific Microcurrent”? I read claims on some website that they know the specific Frequency for Herpes or Shingles . . . and that’s the only one that works . . . for inflammation, etc.
A: Lorinda: Let me clarify this for you. This is a simple output-only device that is pre-programmed with Frequencies that are preset according to a diagnosis of a condition. It does not read the tissue; it is only a current generator.
So, let me ask you this: with the complexity of human conditions, is a medical diagnosis ever totally accurate? Wouldn't you rather have an instrument that takes the specific tissue placed between the two probes into account; technology that utilizing biofeedback, evaluates cellular resonance abnormalities during any given treatment? This is what you have in the Acuscope and Myopulse.
In addition, that device has a preset waveform pattern. This does not take into account the fact that the electrical signals for nerve conduction issues and muscle (connective tissue) conditions must be addressed with different waveforms (square or sinusoidal) accordingly.
If you will notice in the “Sample Stimulus Waveforms” illustration below, the Electro-Acuscope generates an infinitely variable” square waveform that is adjusted according to the OHM factor. This has been scientifically proven to be the appropriate waveform pattern for addressing the nervous system.
The “Electro-Myopulse Sample Stimulus Waveform” (below) illustrates an Alternating Current (AC) that gently rises in an upward sloping pattern, then descends as the polarity reverses. When connective/contractile tissue cells fire simultaneously, they are influenced by this waveform pattern and adjust to normal potentials.
Don't be fooled by the claims of other equipment. The Frequency Specific Microcurrent is a simple device. Of course, since it is micro-current, it will get better results than other higher voltage (milli-amperage) devices. However, I know of quite a few practitioners who have tried both and have set this one aside and gone back to the Acuscope and Myopulse in order to be certain that their instruments can do the diagnostic work which allows the output to be modified according to the readings they are taking (resistance, cell-capacitance, etc.) during treatment. And in addition, they can track the progress of their patient’s condition by the digital and auditory feedback which no other equipment provides!
Q: Part 2: I realize that we work our way up the scale from 0.5 to 320 Hz with the Acuscope; and use the entire range of Frequencies with the Myopulse. Is that meant to find the “right” Frequency to apply?
A: We know for certain that cellular resonance must be restored at all Frequencies for living tissue to self-repair. We also know that when inflammation is present, generally the tissue is producing more electrical activity in the higher Frequency range than normal; hence, the higher frequency range is emphasized during treatment in order to address what is most abnormal (acute) first.
Until the tissue has enough higher Frequency current introduced to resolve its inflammation, it remains needy (highly electrically active). Over a series of treatments, inflammation is reduced and tissue gradually returns to normal. So how can a device that is pre-programmed with "specific" Frequencies deal with the gradual and eventual resolution of issues if it is unable to read and respond to the needs of the tissue during any given treatment? Only the Acuscope and Myopulse can do this! The other devices (and there are others that make claims too!) are unable to interface and respond with accuracy over a course of therapy.
Perhaps the Therapist must be more well-informed and well-trained to know how to administer treatments with the Acuscope and Myopulse than these other devices. Personally, I call pre-programmed, output-only devices "Micro-current for Dummies". Thanks for asking, though.
I think it is a good thing for everyone to understand the difference between our sophisticated technology and the other simple micro-current devices around. A lot of claims are made. The Acuscope has been in existence for 30 years and is becoming more popular because others have seen what it can do and they try to duplicate the results. They don't come close. You can be assured of that.
A: When the Acuscope is in feedback mode, a tiny trickle of a few micro-currents is flowing from the negative [passive/reference] electrode to the positive [active] electrode (regardless of whatever probe combination you may be using!) This is necessary to allow the instrument to "Look and Listen"; it is how it gathers feedback from the tissue between the probe contact points while giving you (the operator & the patient) an auditory tone and digital readout indicating tissue impedance (resistance) status at that particular moment.
Q:
The results are dramatic! Especially when combined with Acuscope treatments on the points, meridians, and complex nerve pathways of the upper body, neck, head, and face.
