Can tDCS Help You Meditate?
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation is one of our passions here at Caputron, along with a host of other state-of-the-art, proven neurostimulation technologies. When it comes to meditation in particular, however, is it the right choice for you? To get to the bottom of this, let’s explore the fundamentals of the technology in more detail and explore the potential benefits of using it for meditation purposes. and other solutions are readily available and a worthwhile investment for your mind and health.
The ABCs of tDCS
tDCS is one of the most popular forms of neurostimulation around, readily available in consumer-friendly devices and accessories. While it isn’t FDA-approved for treating or preventing specific medical conditions, it is a very safe and controlled means of regulating brainwave activity. It’s also CE-cleared in the EU for addressing depression and chronic pain, such as that tied to fibromyalgia or migraines.
So, how does it work? Well, it’s all about the electrodes connected to the main tDCS device and affixed to either side of the user’s head. This is what allows the carefully regulated, low-voltage electrical current to flow from one side of the brain to the other. Through this method, different cranial zones can be prioritized, especially when using dedicated mapping guides. Compared to much larger and more complex systems such as TMS, tDCS is ideal for at-home use.
How tDCS can Potentially Lower Stress Levels
Neurological circuitry, responsible for maintaining emotional stability and other critical elements of the mind, can be significantly weakened by chronic stress and heightened reactivity to the world around us. Thus, to achieve mindfulness, we need to safeguard this circuitry to maintain emotional control, comfort, and quite literally peace of mind. This, of course, is where meditation comes in, which itself is only truly practical when one enters a state of Zen or calmness.
Through the regulation of brainwaves – and therefore the potential improvements to everything from mood to circadian rhythm – it’s quite possible that tDCS and other similar solutions can help the user achieve a state of mindfulness and feel calmer. This, therefore, means the user has the potential of benefiting from a more effective meditation less distracted by negative emotions and erratic brain activity.
Neuroplasticity
On that note, one should consider the benefits of neuro priming. This is the process of using tDCS technology to improve the connectivity between neurons in the brain (also known as neuroplasticity). Generally speaking, during a treatment session, it’s encouraged to practice some form of mental training while the device is in use or immediately afterwards, as detailed in this highly informative article. As noted in the blog, it’s possible that the positive effects can last for a considerably long time – perhaps even permanently. This is good news for those seeking to meditate in peace and keep their stress levels under sufficient control.
Regulation for Regeneration
By regulating our brain activity through neuromodulation technologies such as tDCS, there is an increased potential in the user of achieving optimal mental wellness. This is especially the case if you complement a tDCS treatment session with meditation on a regular basis. The more we look within and mentally wash away the world’s stress triggers, giving ourselves the time to free the mind of clutter and noise, the greater the chance there is of feeling better emotionally. Think of tDCS and meditation as a process for “hitting the refresh button of the human brain,” giving us the time and mental space needed to reflect in peace and bring our emotions under control.
If you’re interested in learning more about tDCS technology, we highly encourage viewing our many available resources. These include our tDCS device comparison guide, our dedicated collection page with informative details on the technology, and our electrode guide – just to name a few!
For further assistance, feel free to reach out to us on the Caputron team anytime.
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Do you still have questions about neuromodulation devices, or do you need help to decide which one is best for you? Contact one of our neuromodulation experts.