Neuro-Ophthalmic Recovery and Regeneration of Optic Cells: Stimulate your Retina Independently and at Home with AC STIM
1, What is alternating current stimulation (AC STIM)?
AC Stimulation uses the AC STIM device, delivering electrical impulses to damaged and diseased photoreceptor cells. This electrical stimulation enhances the activity and function of these retinal cells, thereby reinforcing visual signaling along the optic nerve and partially restoring impaired vision. This electric stimulation may help:
• stimulate energy production (ATP) in the retina, revert damage, and preserve visual acuity and the visual field;
• re-stimulate and energize dormant optic cells (cells are like batteries —when they run low in energy, they become sluggish and dormant);
• boost the cells’ ability to rid themselves of waste products which interfere with the flow of energy, nutrients, and communication;
• increase blood supply to the stimulated area to nourish and regenerate living cells and tissues;
• remove scar tissue and reduce pigments on the retina;
• reduce inflammation;
• neuro-protective effect.
2, History of AC STIM
AC Stimulation is a new therapy, released about a decade ago, that came out of Germany. It is an evolution of the older, microcurrent stimulation developed in the 1980s. Researchers have found that alternating current stimulation showed better clinical efficacy for retinal issues (such as RP, Usher syndrome, Stargardt, macular degeneration, and optic atrophy) than the older microcurrent stimulation.
As the first RP integrative treatment center in China, we have obtained exclusive sales rights for a special AC Stimulation device: Specific Frequency AC STIM and can now provide home therapy on eye disorders such as RP, Usher syndrome, Stargardt, macular degeneration, optic atrophy, glaucoma, and several other retinal diseases.
This device is also approved by the FDA. Many surgeons, ophthalmologists, professors, and other healthcare professionals are using alternating current stimulation as their preferred treatment option on retinal disorders in hospitals and eye clinics around the world.
Now, it is even possible for you to buy your own AC STIM device for home therapy. For a more continuous treatment, you will now be able to receive treatment with AC Stimulation on a daily basis without leaving your home. This will make treatment even better and lead to faster improvements for retinal disorders.
AC STIM is administered by a specific frequency alternating current through electrodes attached around the eyes, on the auricular points and acupoint of Fengchi on the back of the neck. During the treatment, patients generally experience a sense of visual excitement. The major goal is not only to restore visual function but to improve our patients’ quality of life. Pre and post therapy surveys reveal that the vast majority of our patients report an improvement in daily activities, reclaimed social functioning, enhanced independence, and an overall higher quality of life.
3, Effects of AC STIM
The rate of progress varies. Some of our patients notice improvement within the first month. For others, it takes a few months before they notice a change. For some patients, there is no noticeable improvement, but AC STIM still manages to prevent their vision from worsening.
It is not magic or a fast fix for retina degeneration. Any improvement is a slow, progressive change; however, in general, the results are very encouraging, even if it takes months to see noticeable improvement for most of patients. Some patients who have not shown improvement often report that their vision has not gotten worse. Please kindly note that even a little improvement means that the disease is not progressing. This is a huge accomplishment. Being able to stop or slow down the deterioration process is a valuable achievement.
According to the survey results, 70-80% of patients who received the treatment have reported at least one noticeable positive result from the therapy. Furthermore, the vast majority mentioned a combination of improvements that significantly improved their life quality.
Below is a list of described improvements, both in patients’ vision and in their daily lives. While each improvement has been reported regularly, the following list of benefits is organized in descending order from most common to least common:
• Expanded visual field
• Improved central vision acuity
• Improved adaptation to changes in light
• Improved night vision
• Reduced glare and light sensitivity
• Reduced eye strain and headaches
• Improved long-distance vision
• Enhanced ability to walk independently
• Improved ability to read
• Improved facial recognition
• Improved color vision
• Improved capacity to see and read screens
• Improved work-life and job performance
• Enhanced capacity for self-care and performing daily tasks
• Increased ability to ascend and descend stairs
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved sleep quality
• Regained driver license
4, Mechanism of AC STIM:
The skin is covered entirely with tiny electric eyes, known in Chinese medicine as acupuncture points. These points follow the flow of energy streams called meridians. In Chinese medicine, when the meridians are flowing smoothly, there is neither pain nor illness. When blockages exist in the meridians, pain, and illness result. Each acupuncture point is a window of heightened sensitivity close to the surface of the skin, providing the acupuncturist with easy access to the meridians to clear blockages.
The effects of 10 to 500 microamps on the cellular level have been documented to increase ATP production by 500%, increase protein synthesis by 70%, and increase cell transport by 40%. The history of the microcurrent can be divided into 3 distinct periods.
5, How does AC STIM work?
This machine utilizes an eye mask, two electro-pads, and two electro-ear clips.
There are two electrodes on both temporal sides which spread the alternating current to eight acupuncture points around the eye.Each point utilizes different frequency settings. The temporal sides are the strongest. Strength on the other acupoints descends from the temporal side to the inner corner of the eye. There are ten modes of the frequency settings. Each setting should be used for one week, everyday for 15 to 20 minutes. Ten weeks equals one treatment session. After one treatment session, you can take a break for one week and start the second treatment session. There are total of 20 settings for current strength.
Two electro-pads on the acupoint of Fengchi:
There are two electro-pads attached to a Velcro neck strap. Adjust the pads with a gap of 3-4cm between each pad. The pads are assembled with Velcro and are easy to adjust in order to make it fit each acupoint of Fengchi on the back of the neck. Once you have found a suitable setting, you do not need to adjust further.
Electro-ear clips for auriculotherapy:
Auriculotherapy treats degenerative eye conditions by stimulating certain acupoints or tender points on the ear with specific frequency AC stimulation. Whether used in conjunction with other treatments, or by itself, auriculotherapy is often effective. Best of all, it is safe, non-invasive, and virtually free of side effects, although you may feel a mild electrical sensation during the treatment.
The basic mechanism for AC stimulation auriculotherapy is believed to work through the autonomic nervous system. By stimulating the auricle acupoint, the information travels through sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers from the ear to the brain and from the brain to the optic nerve fibers.
6, Difference between AC STIM and the other devices
Each tissue has a unique frequency or vibration which matches resonance of the microcurrent with the tissue. Frequency is calculated by Hertz and related to the density of the tissue. Each tissue in the body has an individualized frequency. For example, the retina has a frequency of 95Hz and macular 137Hz.
AC STIM is the only home therapy device (based on all research studies done to date). It has a unique Regulator and Processor that adjusts the frequency and power based on each individual’s retinal tissue acceptance. The lower frequency increases energy production (ATP) in the retina, reverts the damaging retina, preserves visual acuity, and the visual field. The higher frequency helps relax the retinal tissue, increase blood supply to the retina, stimulate and energize dormant optic cells, and boost the cells’ ability to rid themselves of waste products which interfere with the flow of energy, nutrients, and communication. The treatment also attracts adult stem cells to help stimulate possible cell regeneration.
It is quite different from the other devices that provide inappropriately high currents and are mostly designed for muscle and orthopedic recovery. Those devices are much cheaper, but the high current might damage the optic nerve cells easily. It is better to find a device specifically calibrated, both in frequency and timing, to ensure proper wave currents for your vision health.
In addition, AC STIM uses carrier waves which create a more complex waveform capable of penetrating the skin to the meridian point where eye support is needed. It corresponds more closely to the human nervous system than stronger currents used in other devices. The frequency and current generated are physiologic, meaning that they are on the same level as what the body would produce naturally. They are very safe for the eyes.
There are specific points on the body that have relatively low resistance compared to other areas of the skin. These acupoints of low electrical resistance correspond to classical acupuncture points (Taiyang, Yuyao, Jingming, Qiuhou, Sibai) on the AC STIM eye mask, Fengchi points on the back of the neck, and the points on the earlobe. Because of the lowered skin resistance, the frequency and current more easily reaches the retina. It has been shown that stimulation of these acupoints benefits retina health. In addition, these specific frequencies and time sequences that AC STIM use have been shown to be the most effective in treating RP, Usher-syndrome, Stargardt, AMD, optic atrophy. No adverse effects have been reported.
7, Improving Results
One important factor that patients must be aware of is that the treatments must be done on a daily basis and that treatment must be continuous. When patients start to improve and then stop treatment, they inevitably regress and lose some progress until they resume treatment. AC STIM is not a miracle cure or magic. It is based on known scientific, bio-physiological, and bioelectrical principles. When the proper AC stimulation is used after proper training and daily use, many patients are able to achieve real improvement in vision.
Besides proper training and daily use, leading a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and natural remedies like StemActiv may also contribute to improvements.
8, Warranty
There is a 90-day replacement warranty on any defective units (based on normal wear and tear), but you need to pay the shipping fee to China.
9, FAQ
1, Why do many ophthalmologists not know about AC STIM device?
Western physicians have been using the technology of microcurrent stimulation since the 1970s to promote the healing of bone fractures or soft tissue wounds and pressure sores that are slow to heal. Many ophthalmologists do not often have the time to read about research or new developments outside of their own expertise. Doctors who specialize in physical medicine, sports medicine, orthopedics, and plastic surgery are familiar with AC stimulation because it is used in their specialties. There are published studies on the effect of electrical current stimulation on vision restoration and how it increases cellular energy potential, but again, this would be outside the usual expertise of many eye doctors.
2, Is AC STIM safe?
No side effects or adverse outcomes related to the procedure have been seen so far. Although this treatment is thought to work by improving circulation, it has not been seen to increase any tendency to bleed or produce exudates. The National Institutes of Health Consensus Statement reports that one of the advantages of AC stimulation is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions.
3, What kinds of retinal disorders can be treated?
AC STIM is eligible for treating RP, usher syndrome, Stargardt, AMD (both wet and dry types), optic atrophy, and glaucoma.
4, How to optimize the treatment results?
AC STIM, plus StemActiv, represents the best combination of treatment to get the best results. The device stimulates the optic nerve from outside and StemActiv activates the dormant optic cells from inside. The combination offers the strongest effects.
5, When NOT to use AC STIM for
• Pacemaker
• Seizure disorders
• Pregnancy
• There are some vision-threatening conditions when surgery and other medical procedures will have better outcomes such as:
(1) retinal detachment;
(2) uncontrolled glaucoma;
(3) optic neuritis associated with temporal arteritis;
(4) some cases of exudative and hemorrhagic maculopathy. For these aforementioned conditions, AC Stim should not be considered as a first line treatment.
• Apply AC STIM to unhygienic eyes. Be sure to clean eye make-up before use, otherwise the AC stimulation will carry the chemical toxins into the eyes.
10, Instructions of AC STIM
11, Shop for AC STIM