Broadcast on MSN-TV, National Channel 9, A Current Affair, in Australia on September 23, 2008:
Zap Away Pain
Many people live with chronic pain or experience the occasional anxiety attack but not everyone wants to take prescription medicines to solve the problems.
Alpha-Stim is a new system that claims to treat anxiety, depression and insomnia, while also easing acute, chronic and post-operative pain through electromagnetic waves.
The iPod-sized device uses waveforms to travel to the brain which the company claims can help reduce pain and ease symptoms.
Alpha-Stim says the side effects are minimal. The company says only one in 506 people will experience a mild headache, and one in 910 will have a skin reaction where the electrodes are placed.
Users purchase the device which can cost anywhere from $600-$800.
Depending on the intensity of the pain, users may want to use the device for up to an hour a few times a day, or as little as 20-30 minutes. It all depends on how you it works with you and your pain.
Dr Julian Henley, who runs a pain relief clinic, is a big supporter of the device.
"It is truly remarkable ... no drugs, no side effects and it’s safe," Dr Henley said.
"You actually clip these things (electrodes) to your ear lobes that stimulate the release of serotonin.
"You can take drugs or anti depressants but they go into your body and they give you the side effects. "Why don't we just stimulate the nerves directly where your serotonin is inside your brain ... send the messages straight through down the nerve route."
