Article 007
--------------------------
The Acutron Mentor
By Christina Heide – Microcurrent Research, Inc.
It’s not often that the actual performance of a product exceeds the claims made for it by manufacturers and salespeople. Yet that is the case with the multi-purpose Acutron Mentor state-of-the-art electrical stimulator manufactured by Microcurrent Research, Inc., of Phoenix, Arizona. This brief article describes the Acutron Mentor technology, and some of its benefits.
Electrical stimulation has been used for relieving aches and pains since ancient times, starting with shocks to the feet of gout patients induced by agitating torpedo fish in a bucket. Many devices have been constructed and sold, with varying claims, since the start of the Industrial Revolution. It was not until recent decades, however, that micro-controller technology made it possible to precisely regulate treatment currents in the microamp, or millionth of an amp, range.
The reason electrical stimulators work at all is that the human body is an electrical organism. This makes our bodies exquisitely sensitive to external electrical currents. All of our life functions are dependant on or regulated by subtle electrical currents, passed through the nervous system and the fascial connective tissue network of the body. Because the fascia inter-connects every body part, it is the physical substrate for the subtle energy communication systems of the body, the basis for the meridian system described by the ancient Chinese.<1> Because we are so sensitive to electrical currents, it is vital that appropriate levels and frequencies of current be applied. This is not always possible or convenient with the use of most clinical stimulators today.
There are two levels of electrical stimulation (ES) that are clinically valuable. Milliamps are currents regulated in the thousandth of an amp range, and are what are delivered from devices used in most physical therapy, chiropractic and pain clinic practices. Milliamps are so overbearing on the body’s innate electrical activity that they literally shut down some of the pain-carrying pathways in the central nervous system, thus reducing the sensation of pain. This is the basis for TENS devices and other clinical milliamp stimulators. Milliamps are useful for acute pain control, muscle spasm softening, reduction of gross edema and circulatory enhancement.
The other valuable form of ES is microamps, commonly called microcurrent. These currents, which are 1000 times lower in intensity than milliamps, are only offered through specialized stimulators called microcurrent devices. Quality microcurrent devices offer both pad and probe electrodes for application of treatment currents. Pad electrodes are used for generalized stimulation of large joints and body regions, and probes are used for acupuncture, auricular and trigger point stimulation. Because of their gentle nature, generally low frequency applications, and greater precision of probe electrodes, microcurrent therapeutics act in a more harmonious relationship with the body’s innate bio-electricity, and can deliver a form of electro-acupuncture without needles. Microcurrents are appropriate for treatment of acute or chronic pain conditions, neuropathic disorders, energy balancing treatments, and treatment of children, elderly and sensitive patients.
The Acutron Mentor is engineered to offer both milliamp and microamp treatments through each of its four independent output channels. Each channel also offers it’s own feedback sensors, used to confirm proper electrode placements and to evaluate changes in the body during and after treatment. It literally contains the functionality of 6 devices that have been sold separately, each with its own unique clinical value. These functions are:
1) Microcurrent stimulator – With 4 waveforms, 5 custom modulations, GSR feedback and combination protocols, Acutron technology is the most versatile offering of microcurrent that has ever been produced. No other device comes close. Easy-to-use treatment presets allow even the technology-shy to set it up with ease.
2) Conventional milliamp stimulator - Comparable to TENS unit and low-volt stimulators found in many pain clinics, which stimulates the nerves through the skin.
3) High-volt galvanic – Research has shown great value in wound healing acceleration and pain management, as they put out extra high peak milliamp voltage.
4) Electro-acupuncture - Although considered an experimental use by the FDA, this device can match any of the outputs of international electro-acupuncture devices. Microcurrent, which is not offered in such devices, may be a superior means of stimulating the acupuncture meridians in cases other than acute pain and anesthesia.
5) Interferential stimulator - The favored ES treatment among most chiropractors, interferential is a four-electrode mixed-frequency treatment that reputedly creates deeper penetration of current and a broader, more dynamic current pattern. It is excellent for low back pain, as well as pain and rehab applications for all the large joints of the body. Acutron Mentor offers 6 interferential presets, for uses ranging from assisted rehabilitation exercises to acute analgesic interventions.
6) Russian stimulation – This protocol was developed by doctors working for the Russian Olympic team for the purpose of helping athletes speed development of muscles mass during exercise. <2> Originally developed for passive muscle mass enhancement, it has found positive acceptance for treatment of sports injuries.
Why all this versatility? Because what is required to achieve clinical success varies from patient to patient. A thin, sensitive and fatigued woman cannot be treated with the same current as an overweight one with abundant energy. Extremity pain must be treated in a different pattern than neck or low back pain. While in some cases the immediate pain control offered by classic interferential is a priority, in many other sessions it is appropriate to support healing and rehab with gentle microcurrent interferential. It is the ability to respond appropriately to the individual needs of each patient that makes a successful practitioner. This is a far better service than “assembly line” care in which every patient gets the same treatment. This one unit, the Acutron Mentor, can accurately match the clinical needs of most patients with pain or injury complaints, who are ready to get well.
The final and very important aspect of the Acutron Mentor that sets it apart from other devices is the training, education and support that is included with each purchase. Reading the above, you may think that it may take a PhD in electrical engineering to use the Acutron Mentor. This is far from the truth. It is the genius of the engineers that designed the Acutron that the unit is so simple to operate. You can learn basic operations within a few hours of study of the excellent training materials that come with the unit. Acutron owners have frequently remarked on how pleased they have been with the level of training and support they have received, and what a welcome contrast the experience was from dealing with other suppliers.
Even with basic knowledge of using the Acutron Mentor, you can start getting extraordinary results within the first days of use. Many are content with this. For those that want to learn more advanced uses of the device, such as meridian therapeutics, facial rejuvenation or neurological treatments, I would highly recommend attending continuing education seminars offered by East-West Seminars. Information on the current schedule can be found at website www.East-WestSeminars.com.
I would also recommend Dr. Starwynn’s new book, “Microcurrent Electro-Acupuncture” <3> which is an invaluable tool for obtaining applicable information for electro-medicine principles, electronic meridian testing, protocols and much more. I truly feel it is one of the best books of its kind in the world of electro-medicine.
For more information on the Acutron Mentor, you can take the guided tour at website www.microcurrentresearch.com, or simply call me at the Microcurrent office at 1-800-872-6789, and request an information pack be sent to you. The company offers trial programs which is the best way for you and your patients to experience the benefits the Acutron has to offer.1 Microcurrent Electro Acupuncture, by Darren Starwynn, Desert Heart Press, 2002.
2 Functions 1-6 – Acutron Mentor Instruction and Training Manual.
3 Microcurrent Electro-Acupuncture book can be obtained through CompMedSuppy 602-494-5694.
....................................................
