Frequency specific microcurrent or FSM is a very gentle electrical stimulation modality developed by Carol McMakin, a Washington State chiropractor utilizing specific frequencies and microcurrent to change the state of injured or diseased tissues; which effectively treats a variety of physical and emotional conditions. It does so by using specific frequencies and a type of electrical current call microcurrent. Microcurrent is one millionth of an amp, an amount so minute our nerves are unable to feel it. Additionally, microcurrent has been found to increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) the molecule which serves as the major source of energy for all chemical reactions up to 500%. This is extremely beneficial because injured or dysfunctional cells require increased level of ATP to return to normal and to restore their function to normal. This is in comparison to the thousandth of an amp delivered by a TENS unit which has been found to decrease ATP production.
The frequency specific aspect refers to the use of pairs of specific frequencies relating to conditions and tissues. Conditions such as inflammation, congestion, increasing vitality etc., and tissues such as nerves, bone, tendons, etc. all have a specific frequencies which are then paired according to the type of dysfunction and/or damage in the tissues. For example, if a nerve is inflamed, the frequency for inflammation will be paired with the frequency for nerves which may neutralize the inflammation in the nerve.
How FSM works is not exactly understood however it is thought that one mechanism is through its ability to increase ATP production which is something desperately needed during recovery. Another model is the way in which the frequencies alter cellular signaling. When a cell is damaged through injury, disease, or environmental factors its ability to function normally is compromised due to DNA damage. The frequencies alter the cellular signaling thus altering DNA transcription and normalizing cellular functioning.
FSM can possibly help with a variety of physical and emotional complaints. Examples are fibromyalgia, weight loss, concussion, PTSD, depression, stress, and much more. Nerve pain which is extremely difficult to treat with mainstream medicine may benefit from with FSM.
Unlike traditional electrical stimulation or TENS which has a biting, stinging sensation FSM is painless. Due to the current being at a level which is below the nerves ability to feel it nothing is felt. Patients often feel very relaxed and some even fall asleep.
While FSM and acupuncture are excellent stand-alone treatments, when combined we have found it to further increase the effectiveness of each modality. It is believed this is due to acupuncture and FSM’s ability to modulate and regulate the body’s natural electrical system.
