What to Expect in a NESA XSignal Session (and How It Differs from TENS)
If you've been advised that you might gain from 'non-invasive neuromodulation' you're likely got more questions than answers. Will the procedure cause pain? Is it just another kind of TENS machine? Will you in fact feel anything? Here then is a practical account from the point of view of the patient regarding the chair.
The basic idea
NESA XSignal is a medical device which transmits extremely low-frequency microcurrents via surface electrodes with the aim of affecting the autonomic nervous system; this system looks after those functions which are not under conscious control, such as heart rate, digestion, and the balance between "fight or flight" and "rest and digest".
Clinics employing the device point out a typical issue: a body remaining in a state of constant tension. The NESA Clinics refer to this as autonomic imbalance and state that the treatment is intended to rebalance the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
A typical session, step by step
The protocols will differ from one clinic to another and also depend on the practitioner, so consider this to be an general overview:
Start by having a chat. An experienced practitioner will begin by taking your medical history—including your symptoms, your sleep pattern, any medications you're on, and any implants you have—since the device does have contraindications.
The electrodes are then attached; the pads are placed on the hands and feet. According to sources who are aligned with the manufacturer, there are four limb electrodes together with a fifth 'director' electrode.
A pre-set programme is carried out. As stated in NESA's own materials, the modulation is set in the device and not adjusted manually, the only thing that can be varied being the voltage.
4. You generally just lie there; the current is said to be imperceptible and painless, so do not expect to feel a tingling or buzzing. Indeed, some people feel nothing at all, which can be disturbing if you had anticipated a strong effect.
Follow-up. Treatment is generally referred to as being personalised and progressive, so you should anticipate having a series of sessions rather than just one.
What is the difference to TENS?
The question that most people ask is this. While TENS is intended to block pain signals in a local region and at the same time gives a sensation that can be felt, NESA's method is said to be global and autonomic and therefore acts on many nerve pathways simultaneously. A clinic compares it to single-nerve vagus devices by stating that it affects the autonomic system centrally, locally and metamerically.
A practical difference is that a Spanish clinic says that NESA should not be used at the same time as TENS or radiofrequency, although it can be used before or after a session. If you are already using a TENS unit at home, you should tell your practitioner.
What people hope to get from it
The benefits cited by clinics include relief from neuropathic and chronic pain, improved sleep, decreased stress and anxiety, and less muscle and chronic fatigue. However, these are claims made by the providers and distributors and are not independent proof. It is reasonable to request from the clinic published clinical studies rather than just testimonials before booking.
Questions worth asking before you book
What is the classification of the device that is used in your clinic, and has it been certified as a medical device? (NESA states that it is a Class IIa medical device.)
What number of sessions do you suggest and how will we know that it's having an effect?
What are the contraindications and do they apply to me?
Is this intended to serve as a supplement to the treatment I am currently having? One clinic makes it clear that it is not a replacement for medication.
What would the total cost be if I have to have a series of sessions?
The bottom line
NESA XSignal is gentle and quiet, unlike the other treatments you've used, so have realistic expectations. Request evidence, keep a record of your own sleep and symptoms both before and after the treatment, and use it as a supplementary tool together with medical advice, not as a substitute for it.
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