Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Interview with Marlene Stenlund, RN, and patient - Issue #12

We are excited to present to you a testimonial interview conducted by the Vice President of Begin Healing IncMarlene Stenlund, RN, Certified Biofeedback Therapist, Pain Resource Nurse, and Certified Alpha-Stim Treatment Specialist. 

Marlene has had over 30 years of experience in helping patients to manage and alleviate problems with stress, pain, sleep, and anxiety.  A combination of Alpha-Stim treatments and biofeedback training has been proven by research to give the best results.  Her first few sessions with a patient are focused on symptom reduction and the following sessions emphasize building skills to maintain the desired relief at home.

Many patients are able to reduce the amount of medication they are using to control their symptoms.
http://www.beginhealing.com/html/alpha-stim/

 FEATURED INTERVIEW
Marlene: Hi, I'm Marlene Stenlund and this is Rachel. She's a patient of mine that would like to talk to us about how Alpha-Stim has helped her conditions.

Rachel, we first met when you were referred to me for anxiety problems. Could you tell me a little bit about the problems you were experiencing, and what that was like for you?

Rachel: Sure. Well, it's been a long time; middle school is when I first started having these anxiety attacks. Sometimes it would be triggered by something or someone, but most of the time it would come out of nowhere. My heart would start racing and it would feel like my chest was going to explode, and my thoughts would start to race to the worst possible scenario. And I just couldn't be around people. I would start to shake uncontrollably and sometimes my hands would tense up. There were physical and psychological responses to almost nothing... it was overpowering me.

Marlene: What did it feel like when you had your first Alpha-Stim treatment?

Rachel: I think the best way I would describe it is it almost felt like Ativan, because I've taken that before. But I wasn't feeling loopy from it, and it was like a gentle calming effect on me. It allowed my thoughts to slow down, and my heart slowed down, and I didn't feel like I was going to die in the next 5 minutes. It was a profound effect.

Marlene: Other than Ativan, were there any other treatments that you have tried before Alpha-Stim that gave you any sort of long term relief?

Rachel: No, nothing really worked, except for Ativan and other drugs of that nature.

Marlene: How did you decide that you wanted to use Alpha-Stim versus Ativan to control the anxiety?

Rachel: I'd say because I'm chemically dependent. You know Ativan and things like that are very addictive drugs. Also I don't really like to take prescription pills. That was not something I wanted to be on for the rest of my life, and if there was another option then I wanted to explore that - and this has really worked wonders for me. I was skeptical at first but it has worked for me consistently.

Marlene: So, before you started using the Alpha-Stim you had an Emergency Room visit?

Rachel: Yeah, I believe it was my second day being in treatment and I was just feeling really overwhelmed about everything - all the changes that were happening in my life and, you know, coming off drugs is difficult. I was having an anxiety attack, and it lasted for a few hours. I think it was almost 4 hours. And so finally they brought me to the E.R. and gave me the Ativan prescription to manage that, so I could stay in treatment. And it did work; I think I was taking 3 milligrams a day, so it was a pretty intense regiment. And then after that my insurance approved seeing you and I haven't looked back.


Marlene: So you haven't required any more Ativan since that time?

Rachel: No. And I have very severe anxiety so that was surprising for me.

Marlene: So you've been using the Alpha-Stim for two months?

Rachel: Yes, about that.

Marlene: And please describe, if you would, if you've had any anxiety or any panic attacks since you started using the Alpha-Stim.

Rachel: Well, when I initially got it I did use it for at least an hour a day for the 21 days, as is recommended. I don't think I've had a full-blown panic attack since I started using it, not full-blown. In the beginning, during that 21 days there were times I was feeling more anxious than others, and sometimes I might use it as needed (in addition to the hour that I was using it). But since I started using it, it’s not only something I can use as needed, but it has spaced out my panic attacks and my anxiety about everything. So it’s more manageable now, and I don't always have to use it, but if it gets severe then I will. So I don't use it every day now, but it’s a nice healthy way to deal with it when it comes, and it has made my brain more manageable so I can deal with it.

Marlene: Did you experience any side effects?

Rachel: Umm…. No.

Marlene: No headaches or anything?

Rachel: Nothing.

Marlene: Do you think that having Alpha-Stim made any difference to you in completing [chemical dependency] treatment? Or what was it like for you to struggle with having anxiety and then try to engage in a treatment program?

Rachel: Yes, it absolutely helped me be able to stay because the treatment center is a pretty low-key relaxed setting, and because of my anxiety they didn't think I would be able to handle that. They thought I would need a more high intensity program, and actually thought about sending me to a clinical setting (which is not something I want to be in).

And not only that, but when the panic attacks would come they can be very distracting. It’s hard to listen in a group or if somebody is doing a lecture. I can’t really pay attention to what they're saying because I’m so distracted with my thoughts. It’s like I don't even hear them. But after using the Alpha-Stim, and even while using it, I’m able to focus and remember things from the groups, and kind of take things in, which I wasn’t be able to do before because of my anxiety being so distracting.

Marlene: It sounds like it helped you to have more mental clarity.

Rachel: Yes, definitely it did, and that’s not something I got with Ativan because you’re out of it and can’t focus, so it doesn't really help.

Marlene: Great! Well thank you for talking to us about your experience.

Rachel: Sure!


https://www.facebook.com/beginhealing

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

NEW STUDY: Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Efficacy of cranial electric stimulation for the
treatment of insomnia: A randomized pilot study

Lande, R. Gregory and Gragnani, Cynthia, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, epublished ahead of print
Click here for full study. 



Summary
Objectives: This pilot study examined the potential efficacy of cranial electric stimulation for
the treatment of insomnia.

Design: The researchers tested the hypothesis through a randomized, double-blind, and placebo
controlled clinical trial. The researchers approached eligible subjects who scored 21 or above
on the Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale. The researchers then randomly assigned the subjects
to receive either an active or sham device. Each study subject received 60 min of active or
sham treatment for five days. Following each intervention the subjects completed a sleep log,
as well as three and ten days later.

Setting: The researchers conducted the study among active duty service members receiving
mental health care on the Psychiatry Continuity Service (PCS), Walter Reed National Military
Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

Main outcome measures: The study’s primary outcome variables were the time to sleep onset,
total time slept, and number of awakenings as reported by the subjects in the serial sleep logs.
The researchers identified a nearly significant increase in total time slept after three cranial
electric stimulation treatments among all study subjects. A closer examination of this group
revealed an interesting gender bias, with men reporting a robust increase in total time slept
after one treatment, decay in effect over the next two interventions, and then an increase
in total time slept after the fourth treatment. The researchers speculate that the up and
down effect on total time slept could be the result of an insufficient dose of cranial electric
stimulation.

Published by Elsevier Ltd

Click here for full study.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Exciting New Study: Alpha-Stim (CES) on Fibromyalgia

A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study of the Effects of Cranial Electrical Stimulation on Activity in Brain Pain Processing Regions in Individuals with Fibromyalgia


Ann Gill Taylor, EdD, RN, Joel G. Anderson, PhD, Shannon L. Riedel, PhD, RN, Janet E. Lewis, MD, Cheryl Bourguignon, PhD, RN

                             fMRI imaging


Results
Those individuals using the active device had a greater decrease in average pain (P = .023) than individuals using the sham device or receiving usual care alone over time. Preliminary analyses of the functional magnetic resonance imaging data on a subset of six participants from each of the two device groups show that individuals using an active CES device had a decrease in activation in the pain processing regions of the brain compared to those using a sham device.

Conclusions
The observed decrease in activation in the pain processing regions may indicate a decrease in neural activity in these regions that may be related to decreased pain. This is the first randomized, controlled trial of CES in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia to report functional magnetic resonance imaging data.


CLICK HERE to read and download full study

 

Monday, October 22, 2012

Alpha-Stim Certification Program



                Alpha-Stim Certifications
               certification 
                                                                                                                                                                    
dr with probes
We are proud to announce the  
Official Alpha-Stim Certification 
program!  

The EPI certification process consists of an online presentation covering the theory and practice of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) and microcurrent electrical therapy (MET).  We encourage any licensed practitioner interested in using the Alpha-Stim, currently using Alpha-Stim, or ordering it for patients to complete the training as it covers the science behind microcurrent, pertinent research, indications, contraindications and safety considerations.  We also discuss valuable information regarding treatment protocols for Alpha-Stim indicated uses.  Dr. Jeff Marksberry, MD, who is the Science and Education Director at EPI, hosts the program.

After the online presentation, participants are given a 20 question written test that covers this material.  If you pass, you will receive your authorized Alpha-Stim Certification in the mail!  Put it up on the wall next to your other degrees and certifications.

This a great way to become more educated on the protocol and technical aspects of Alpha-Stim, and have something to show for it.  Not only will it help you become more comfortable with the device, your clients will be able to see an official document stating your proficiency with the device.  If you are interested in getting certified, please contact Ian Stenlund at 877-569-2583 or ian@beginhealing.com.  Please have some dates and times in mind so that we can work around your schedule.  


*If you have conference call and video projection capability in your office or clinic, then any number of staff are welcome to participate simultaneously. We can also accommodate multiple computer locations at once.

NEW Alpha-Stim M  
Alpha-Stim M open box
Treats Pain, Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, and Stress

Price: $1195.00
+ S & H

AS-Trodes, Alpha-Stim Solution, Lead Wires, Earclips, and more. 



NEW Alpha-Stim AID 
Alpha-Stim AID
Treats Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, and Stress

Price: $795.00
+ S & H



$200
Credit!
Now that the new Alpha-Stim M and Alpha-Stim AID are on the market, we are offering $200 credit toward the purchase of a new unit for the trade-in of your SCS or 100. This offer is for call-in orders only. Please contact 877-569-2583 or info@beginhealing.com to get your new unit and credit today!


Thank you for your time!  Any questions regarding the certification program or information on our device can be directed to Ian Stenlund by replying to this email, or by calling the number below.  We are here to give any support we can, and love to hear about your experiences with Alpha-Stim.  

Kind Regards,

Ian Stenlund, Sales Representative 
Begin Healing, Inc. 
218-259-3564
ian@beginhealing.com

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Radio Interview with Marlene and Ian "Strategies for Healing from Addiction"


When Begin Healing Inc. was recently displaying Alpha-Stim at Association of Christian Counselors conference in Branson, MO, we met Shanon and Gary Worrell from Strategies for Healing Inc. They were very interested in our device, and believed that many of their clients could benefit from it, so they invited us to be interviewed on their radio show called Strategies for Healing from Addictions.

Click here to go to their site and listen to the interview.

It was great to talk to the Worrells about their practice and how Alpha-Stim can treat the depression, anxiety, insomnia, and stress that can lead to or be caused by addiction.

Friday, October 12, 2012

NEW Alpha-Stim M and Alpha-Stim AID - NOW AVAILABLE



NEW Alpha-Stim M open case

It is with great pride and excitement that Begin Healing Inc. announces the launch of our much anticipated 7th and 8th generation Alpha-Stim models. The Alpha-Stim "M" and the Alpha-Stim "AID" will be released October 15th, retiring the Alpha-Stim 100 and SCS. The sleek look, feel, and presentation of the new models represents a cutting edge therapeutic choice, while providing the same effectiveness and reliability that Alpha-Stim has offered for over 30 years. The fully digital display is user friendly and includes backlighting, usage tracking, and a locking feature. Additionally, the new models self-test, providing you with the confidence of knowing the patient is receiving a full treatment. Please visit our website and take the new devices for virtual test drive right now at www.beginhealing.com.

NEW Alpha-Stim M
We look forward to continuing our mission of helping our patients, service members, and family with their pain, anxiety, insomnia and depression. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or are in need of assistance.

Kind Regards,

Ian Stenlund
Begin Healing Inc.
Sales and Support Representative
(877) 569-2583