A PST unit transmits electrical pulses to targeted auricular (ear) zones in a process known as auricular therapy. The benefits as noted in several previous research studies is believed to be derived from:
1)Release of endorphins: Previous studies have shown that stimulation of auricular points can bring about release of endorphins in animals and humans.
2)Activation of the Brain Stem: Stimulation of auricular points is believed to cause activation of cranial nerves, which appear to superficially innervate the ear.The stimulation may modulate brain response.
3)Enhancement of brain activity: Auricular stimulation has demonstrated physiological changes in functional activity of the brain as noted on function magnetic resonance imaging.
2. Young and P. McCarthy, Effect of acupuncture stimulation of the auricular sympathetic point on evoked sudomotor response, J. Altern. Complement. Med. 4 (1998), 29-38.
3. D. Alimi, A. Geissmann and D. Gardew, Auricular acupuncture stimulation measured on functional magnetic resonance imaging, Med. acupuncture 13 (2002), 18-21.)