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Everything we are and everything we do is the result of complex electrochemical signalling patterns in our brains and bodies. All the neurons and supporting cells are working in concert to make us feel happy and to make us cope with the daily life challenges. Sometimes this signalling may need a little help from the outside to perform well. By applying small (~0.5-2 mA) electrical currents to the skin we are creating an electric field inside the head. This electric field is able to reduce, increase, disrupt or aid the electrical signalling patterns, depending on the stimulation protocol and the state of the user.
BrainPatch has the technological platform to deliver any stimulation protocol to any location (whether on the skin directly or even with hair in the way). And we can record neuronal, muscular or ECG activity through the same kind of electrodes placed anywhere on the body with the aim to observe the effects of the stimulation and to adjust those effects if necessary.
By positioning electrodes on the bones behind the ears using our proprietary headset design we are creating a strong electric field in the neck area, but not inside the skull, nor the spinal cord. It does however create a voltage gradient in some of the cranial nerves running between the brain and the body, most prominently the vestibular nerve, the vagus nerve and the facial nerve. This gradient can affect the cell signaling and depending on the direction of the current and the stimulation protocol may stimulate these nerves by increasing or decreasing their excitability.
We can also use our platform stimulation technology with a prototype wearable device that positions the electrodes for specific stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve for applications where off-target effects on other cranial nerves are not desirable.
By positioning electrodes on the bones behind the ears using our proprietary headset design we are creating a strong electric field in the neck area, but not inside the skull, nor the spinal cord. It does however create a voltage gradient in some of the cranial nerves running between the brain and the body, most prominently the vestibular nerve, the vagus nerve and the facial nerve. This gradient can affect the cell signaling and depending on the direction of the current and the stimulation protocol may stimulate these nerves by increasing or decreasing their excitability.
We can also use our platform stimulation technology with a prototype wearable device that positions the electrodes for specific stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve for applications where off-target effects on other cranial nerves are not desirable.
Effective stimulation of the vagus nerve has been shown to activate the parasympathetic (relaxation) response [16-17] and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety [R7].
Our e-meditation protocol through a combination of vestibular and vagus stimulation can induce sensations that can be instantly felt as a floating feeling, as a mental relaxation and some compare it to being pulled into a state of deep meditation.
In a single-blind placebo controlled study we conducted with stimulation and EEG recording we noticed that the stimulation has a cumulative effect in that it attenuates burnout and induces changes in brain waves similar to those observed in meditators [BP5].
A large scale double-blinded placebo-controlled scientific study conducted on office workers in a large telecommunications company call center and also in university students revealed consistent results with respect to attenuation of burnout, emotional well-being and instant reduction of stress in response to stimulation that is significantly greater than the placebo effect alone [BP7].
By stimulating the areas behind the ears (mastoids) we are combining Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) with sound and GVS has been trialed across the globe and is generally considered safe when used with healthy individuals, not under influence of alcohol or other substances [R15].
We also have data from our own experience and experiments with healthy individuals that is consistent with existing literature with respect to safety. However, with certain groups of people we do not have enough data and we have identified potential safety concerns. We’re hoping that you a’re able to tick ALL the boxes:
With our device we have limited the current to safe levels in the hardware, in firmware and also in software App, as well as created an electrode that can transmit the current without damaging the skin. Despite this, occasionally, people with sensitive skin may feel uncomfortable tingling sensations (mild tingling sensations are OK), or some people may experience uncomfortable dizziness or nausea. If you feel any discomfort using the device, stop the stimulation, try reducing the stimulation strength on a different day and if the problem persists, please contact our customer support.