Auricular Electrical Stimulation (P-STIM) for Insomnia Treatment Using Remote Control

Abstract

Auriculotherapy is the stimulation of the auricle of the external ear for the treatment of various health conditions; it is also referred to as electrical stimulation to the ear reflex points. Vagal withdrawal and/or sympathetic overactivity are always accompanied by stress and dysfunction of body’s systems which can be treated by the auriculotherapy. It was demonstrated that mild stimulation of the auricular points may effectively enhance vagal activities and suppress sympathetic regulations of the heart in humans (Wang JD et al., 2002). Based on these consolidated findings a specific minimal invasive electrical stimulation method “P-STIM” (Punctual Stimulation) at the free nerve endings of the cranial nerves of the human auricle, amongst others the vagus nerve (Pauker, Filler, 2002), emerged. P-STIM is a quasi-continuous stimulation of the vagus nerve in auricle with some short periods of rest in total for about one week. The electrical stimulation of n. vagus afferent receptors may influence gate mechanisms in the central nervous system avoiding the person’s perception of pain. Stimulation of pain receptors and activation of inhibitory pain control systems may be also involved, as well as a stimulated release of neurotransmitters, e.g., endorphins and other endogenous opioids. The advantages of the electrical stimulation over conventional acupuncture with respect to pain relief, well-being and sleep quality were shown by Sator- Katzenschlager (2004). An increase of n. vagus activity during P-STIM was recently demonstrated (E .Kaniusas et al., 2008). It might be expected that reflex stimulation of n. vagus will be effective in the attenuation of anxiety and depression symptoms and will improve quality of sleep in insomnia patients. We have developed a new type of device with remote control in which stimulation characteristics of three independent stimulation channels can be adapted to [...].