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Bioelectrical System
The current state of knowledge of bioelectrical systems is limited, as it is in many areas of biology. At the present time there is no uniform agreement on the mechanisms of action of CES. Accordingly, the evidence of CES effectiveness is empirical. It is generally believed that the effects are primarily mediated through a direct action on the brain at the limbic system, the hypothalamus and/or reticular activating system (Brotman, 1989; Gibson, 1987; Madden, 1987). The primary role of the reticular activating system is the regulation of electrocortical activity. These are "primitive" brain stem structures. The functions of these areas and their influence on our emotional states were mapped using electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation of the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) has been shown to activate descending inhibitory pathways from the medial brainstem to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, in a manner similar to -endorphins (Salar, 1981; Pert, 1981; Ng, 1975). Cortical inhibition is a factor in the Melzack-Wall Gate Control theory (Melzack, 1975). It is possible that CES may produce its effects through parasympathetic autonomic nervous system dominance via stimulation of the vagus nerve (CN X) (Toriyama, 1975). Other cranial nerves such as the trigeminal (CN V), facial (CN VII), and glossopharyngeal (CN IX), may also be involved (Taylor, 1991). Electrocortical activity produced by stimulation of the trigeminal nerve has been implicated in the function of the limbic region of the midbrain affecting emotions (Fields, 1975). Substance P and enkephalin have been found in the trigeminal nucleus, and are postulated to be involved in limbic emotional brain factors (Hokfelt, 1977). The auditory-vertigo nerve (CN VIII) must also be effected by CES, accounting for the dizziness one experiences when the current is too high. Ideally, CES electrodes are placed on the ear lobes because that is a convenient way to direct current through the brain stem structures.
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