WellCare has trained extensively in microcurrent point stimulation (MPS) therapy, which can treat both chronic and acute pain. By applying microcurrent stimulation to acupuncture points (no needles) along the meridians of the body, pain relief is provided for a number of medical conditions.
Microcurrent Point Stimulation
MPS therapy combines the principles of acupuncture with modern neurological science to provide an all–natural, holistic approach to treating the body and mind. This combination produces very effective results which have been recognized across North America.
MPS therapy utilizes the Dolphin Neurostim™ microcurrent device. MPS is the world’s first integrative therapy developed exclusively to deregulate the autonomic nervous system and battle chronic pain. The theory behind MPS are based on combining the “therapeutics” of acupuncture, osteopathy and neural therapy with modern neurology.
Working with MPS therapy and the Dolphin Neurostim™ can have a number of benefits, including relief from chronic pain, treatment without drugs or invasive procedures, and relatively fast treatment times, lasting anywhere from 10-20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the treatment painful? Generally not, some tingling discomfort may be felt.
Which conditions can MPS treat? There are current protocols for the following conditions: abdominal pain, ankle sprain, back pain (lower), back pain (upper), Bell’s palsy, calf pain, cervical spondylosis, elbow pain, facial pain, finger pain, foot pain, gout, hand pain, hamstring pain, headaches, heel pain, hip pain, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, knee pain, menstrual cramps, muscle strain (arms), neck pain, pelvic pain, sciatica, shin pain, shoulder pain (acute), thigh pain, wrist pain (acute), and wrist pain (chronic).
Are there contraindications for treatment? Individuals with heart conditions should avoid this treatment. The current can interfere with the function of pacemakers, cochlear implants, or other electronic devices. The device should not be used over metal plates, pins, or dental hardware, as these can conduct the current and cause damage. The electrical current could trigger seizures. The stimulation can affect cells, so it is advised against for those with active cancer. Safety in pregnancy has not been established.
Are there other considerations? There are cosmetic considerations. Wait at least 2 weeks after Botox or filler treatments, as microcurrent may disrupt the placement or speed up the metabolism of the filler. Avoid using retinol or harsh chemical peels in the 24 hours prior to treatment, as microcurrent drives products deeper into the skin, which can cause intense irritation.
Microcurrent point stimulation (MPS) treats scar tissue and chronic pain and helps clients recover from injuries more quickly. MPS stimulates the nervous system and helps decrease to stress and release internal chemical signals to promote healing and pain reduction.
A study in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine examined a group of 51 chronic pain patients. These patients were given a test to gauge their pain level both before and after treatment. The study showed that after one treatment of MPS, these patients had a 73% average decrease in pain.
A microcurrent treatment is noninvasive. The Dolphin Neurostim resembles a remote control with a tip on the end — this tip is used to send a small current through tissues of the body, which provides healing benefits.
Armstrong, K., Gokal, R., Durant, J., et al. (2017). The successful treatment of chronic pain using microcurrent point stimulation applied to scars. International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine.
Vagal Nerve Stimulation
The vagus nerve initiates 80% of your body relaxation mode. When the sympathetic nervous system goes into over-drive survival mode with fight, flight, and freeze, it signals the HPA axis to release stress hormone cortisol and adrenaline into your body. Through internal support, the vagus nerve puts the brakes and says “Chill Out!” People who have a stronger vagal tone can rest, recover, and restore much more quickly.
Decreased vagal activity or tone is associated with increased stress vulnerability and poor health. Low values suggest sympathetic system predominance and a possibility of prolonged stress or physical activity. High-frequency parasympathetic healthh as an inverse relationship with a sympathetic stress.
Health Benefits of Enhanced Vagal Tone
-Decreasing inflammation: The vagus nerve sends an anti-inflammatory signal to other parts of the body.
-Reduced muscle tone: activating vagal tone reduces muscle tension and trigger point tenderness.
-Improved circulation and lymph flow: The vagus nerve sends information from the gut to the brain, which is linked todealing with stress, anxiety, and fear–hence the saying, “gutfeeling.” These signals help a person to recover from stressful and scary situations.
-Reduced pain: Reducing stress reduces pain, pretty simple
Research — Microcurrent
Allen, C., Williamson, T., Norwood, S., et al. (2023). Do electrical stimulation devices reduce pain and improve function? A comparative review. Pain and Therapy.
Armstrong, K., Chevalier, A., Todorsky, W., et al. (2018). Pain relieving benefits of massage therapy compared to massage therapy combined with microcurrent point stimulation. Journal of Yoga and Physiotherapy.
Armstrong, K., Gokal, R., Chevalier, A., et al. (2017). Microcurrent point stimulation applied to lower back acupuncture points for the treatment of nonspecific neck pain. Journal of Alternative Complementary & Integrative Medicine.
Armstrong, K., Gokal, R., Durant, J., et al. (2017). The successful treatment of chronic pain using microcurrent point stimulation applied to scars. International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine.
Armstrong, K., Gokal, R., & Todorsky, T. (2019). Treatment of chronic post surgical pain using microcurrent point stimulation applied to C-section scars. Integrative and Complementary Medicine.
Armstrong, K., Gokal, R., Todorsky, W., et al. (2018). The successful treatment of chronic pain using microcurrent point stimulation applied to battlefield acupuncture protocol. Journal of Medical-Clinical Research & Reviews.
Cavezzi, A., Paccasassi, S., & Elio, C. (2013). Lymphedema treatment by means of an electro-medical device based on bioresonance and vacuum technology: Clinical and lymphoscintigraphic assessment. International Angiology.
Chevalier, A., Armstrong, K., & Gokal, R. (2016). Microcurrent point stimulation applied to acupuncture points for the treatment of nonspecific lower back pain. Journal of Alternative Complementary & Integrative Medicine.
Chevalier, A., Armstrong, K., Norwood-Williams, et al. (2016). DC electroacupuncture effects on scars and sutures of a patient with postconcussion pain. Medical Acupuncture.
Cheng, N., Van Hoof, H., Bockx, E., et al. (1982). The effects of electric currents on ATP generation, protein synthesis, and membrane transport of rat skin. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research.
Elio, C., Guaitolini, E., Paccasassi, S., et al. (2014). Application of microcurrents of bioresonance and transdermal delivery of active principles in lymphedema and lipedema of the lower limbs: A pilot study. Italian Journal of Dermatology and Venereology.
Gokal, R., Armstrong, K., Durant, J., et al. (2017). The successful treatment of chronic pain using microcurrent point stimulation applied to scars. International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine.
Gokal, R., Armstrong, K., & Fashong, B. (2020). C-section impact on maternal and fetal health. Positive outcomes with micro point stimulation of C-section scars. Journal of Internal Medicine: Science & Art.
Inoue, M., Nakajima, M., Hojo, T., et al. (2012). Spinal nerve root electroacupuncture for symptomatic treatment of lumbar spinal canal stenosis unresponsive to standard acupuncture: a prospective case series. Acupuncture in Medicine.
Kolimechkov, S., Seijo, M., Swaine, I., et al. (2023). Physiological effects of microcurrent and its application for maximising acute responses and chronic adaptations to exercise. European Journal of Applied Physiology.
Lee, H., Cho, S., Kim, D., et al. (2024). Bioelectric medicine: unveiling the therapeutic potential of micro-current stimulation. Biomedical Engineering Letters.
Lee, H., Hwang, D., Lee, M., et al. (2022). Micro-current stimulation suppresses inflammatory responses in peptidoglycan-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages and Propionibacterium acnes-induced skin inflammation via TLR2/NF-κB signaling pathway. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
McMakin, C. (2004). Microcurrent therapy: A novel treatment method for chronic low back myofascial pain. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
Additional Information
Is this 5-minute microcurrent facial better than botox? | Healthline
Microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation | Physiopedia
Microcurrent point stimulation: A new hope | USA Today
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Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy is a treatment that uses a device to send electrical pulses to the vagus nerve to help with seizures, depression, and stroke rehabilitation:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved VNS to treat three medical conditions:
For use in epilepsy. VNS is approved as add-on therapy for focal (partial) seizures in adults and children four years of age and older when medications haven’t controlled their seizures.
For use in depression. VNS is approved for adults 18 years of age or older who have long-term or recurrent (repeating) major depression that hasn’t responded to four or more antidepressant treatments.
For use in stroke rehabilitation. VNS is approved as an add-on to rehabilitation therapy for people who have moderate to severe loss of arm and hand function due to ischemic (blocked blood flow) stroke.
Dolphin Vagal Nerve Stimulation
Supporting the vagus nerve with Dolphin vagus nerve stimulation improves the ability to manage stress and to enhance sleep, relaxation, and exercise recovery. Dolphin is the only published, evidenced-based vagal stim therapy scientifically proven to improve the vagus nerve.
Dolphin vagus stimulation is the application of tiny electro-currents to the ear, targeting the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, which is considered the “brakes” of the body. Vagus nerve activation is proven in science to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, to stimulate immunity, and to improve respiratory dysfunction. Noninvasive vagal stimulation is reported to alleviate many conditions, including epilepsy, depression, and pain and to assist in stroke rehabilitation.
Noninvasive vagal stimulation is also widely reported in science to increase vagal tone and improve respiratory-pulmonary functioning, and is applied to treat COVID Long-Haul Recovery.
Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the Brain–Gut Axis in Psychiatric and inflammatory Disorders
Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS) applied through the Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) protocol showed significant improvements in autonomic nervous system regulation, pain reduction, and stress markers.
Key Results:
63% reduction in pain
42% improvement in heart rate variability
56% increase in vagal tone
The study’s positive outcomes demonstrate the potential of DC MPS applied through the BFA protocol to enhance ANS function and alleviate pain. This opens the door for future applications in managing conditions linked to sympathetic nervous system activation.
Detailed autonomic nervous system analysis of microcurrent point stimulation applied to battlefield acupuncture protocol
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vasovagal-syncope/symptoms-causes/syc-20350527
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A new proven way method for reducing stress while improving immunity, sleep and digestion
We are excited to announce that Therapeutic Bodywork is now offering the Dolphin Vagal Nerve Stimulator treatment as an add on to a CranioSacral Therapy session for $30.
The Dolphin, is a microcurrent device that haas been proven in studies to reduce stress, balance the nervous system and increase parasympathetic function of healing, recovery, immunity, rest, digest and repair. The government of Canada has approved the Dolphin device for use in the treatment of acute and long haul COVID because of its ability to improve the body’s natural ability to regulate the inflammatory response.
The Dolphin is a passive Vagal Nerve Stimulation treatment which applies direct low-frequency microcurrent stimulation to the ear and throughout the entire vagus nerve track providing deep vagal tone enhancement. It “mimics” the human nervous system and promotes electrical re-balance of cells.
The vagus nerve is the major nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system which controls our immune response to inflammation and pulmonary functioning. It represents 80% of the rest-repair-heal cycle in the body.
If you are experiencing high levels of stress, inflammation, recovering from long COVID or just want to boost your immune system, consider adding the Dolphin to your self-care regimen.
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Armstrong, K., Gokal, R., Durant, J., Todorsky, T., Chevalier, A., and Bruce FaShong, B. (2017). Detailed autonomic nervous system analysis of microcurrent point stimulation applied to battlefield acupuncture protocol. Medical Acupuncture.
Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the Brain–Gut Axis in Psychiatric and inflammatory Disorders. (2022). Cleveland Clinic.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation. (2022). Cleveland Clinic.
Research
Aaronson, S., Sears, P., Ruvuna, F., et al. (2017). A 5-year observational study of patients with treatment-resistant depression treated with vagus nerve stimulation or treatment as usual: Comparison of response, remission, and suicidality. American Journal of Psychiatry.
De Couck, M., Caers, R., Spiegel, D., et al. (2018). The role of the vagus nerve in cancer prognosis: A systematic and a comprehensive review Journal of Oncology.
de Lartigue, G. (2016). Role of the vagus nerve in the development and treatment of diet‐induced obesity. Journal of Physiology.
Gonzalez, H., Yengo-Kahn, A., & Englot, D. (2019) Vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of epilepsy. Neurosurgery clinics of North America.
Koenig, J., Falvay, D., Clamor, A., et al. (2016). Pneumogastric (vagus) nerve activity indexed by heart rate variability in chronic pain patients compared to healthy controls: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain Physician.
Lamb, D., Porges, E., Lewis, G., et al. (2017). Non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation effects on hyperarousal and autonomic state in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder and history of mild traumatic brain injury: Preliminary evidence. Frontiers in Medicine.
Loper, H., Leinen, M., Bassoff, L., et al. (2021). Both high fat and high carbohydrate diets impair vagus nerve signaling of satiety. Scientific Reports.
Pardo, J., Sheikh, S., Kuskowski, M., et al. (2007). Weight loss during chronic, cervical vagus nerve stimulation in depressed patients with obesity. International Journal of Obesity.
Pavlov, V., & Tracey, K. (2012). The vagus nerve and the inflammatory reflex—linking immunity and metabolism. Nature reviews. Endocrinology.
Additional Information
5 ways to stimulate your vagus nerve | Cleveland Clinic
The Key To Depression, Obesity, Alcoholism – And More? Why The Vagus Nerve Is So Exciting To Scientists | The Guardian
Vagus nerve stimulation | Cleveland Clinic
Vagus nerve stimulation | Mayo Clinic
What are the benefits of cold and hot showers? | Medical News Today