{{Short description|Use of electrical energy for cosmetics}} {{Tone|date=October 2024}}
thumb|right|Cosmetic electrotherapy micro-current machine together with a selection of electrodes, made by Silver Fox (China) [[File:galvani-frogs-legs-electricity.jpg|thumb|right|"Galvanism" Electrodes touch a frog, and the legs twitch into the upward position<ref>David Ames Wells, ''The science of common things: a familiar explanation of the first principles of physical science. For schools, families, and young students.'', Publisher Ivison, Phinney, Blakeman, 1859, 323 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=ajQAAAAAYAAJ&dq=Galvani+frog+leg&pg=PA290 page 290])</ref>]]
'''Cosmetic electrotherapy''' is a range of beauty treatments that uses low electric currents passed through the skin to produce several therapeutic effects<ref>"Introduction, ''Facial Electrical Manual'', The Carlton Institute. 23 pages. (Page 2)</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=October 2024}} such as muscle toning in the body<ref name="HiscockStoddart2004">{{cite book|author1=Jane Hiscock|author2=Elaine Stoddart|author3=Jeanine Connor|title=Beauty Therapy, Level 3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PLk2kxzcqiYC&pg=PA273|year=2004|publisher=Heinemann|isbn=978-0-435-45640-5}}{{unreliable source?|date=September 2016|reason=(NONE of these sources are legitimate)}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=October 2024}}{{rp|226}} and micro-lifting of the face.<ref name="mernaugh2004p109">Dawn Mernagh-Ward, Jennifer Cartwright, ''Health and beauty therapy: a practical approach for NVQ level 3'', Edition 3, Publisher Nelson Thornes, 2004, {{ISBN|0-7487-9035-7}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7487-9035-7}}. 420 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=ecQ3Nwv2_4AC&dq=electrotherapy+beauty&pg=PA109 page 109])</ref> In rehabilitation medicine, electrotherapy has been widely utilized and studied; however, its use on healthy muscles, particularly in cosmetic and non-clinical settings, remains controversial. Some studies have questioned its effectiveness in these contexts, citing a lack of sufficient scientific evidence to support its claimed benefits.".<ref>Kristin Schaefer Centofanti, "Electrical Stimulation for Health, Beauty, Fitness, Sports Training and Rehabilitation", ''Advances in Muscle Research'', 2008, Volume 4 (Application of Muscle/Nerve Stimulation in Health and Disease), 69–116. ([https://doi.org/10.1007%2F978-1-4020-8233-7_4 page 69])</ref><ref name=":0" />
The use of electricity in cosmetics goes back to the end of the 19th century,<ref>See for example: "Dr Hardaway has remarked the wide usefulness of electrolysis in cosmetic manipulations." in ''The Medical Times and Register'', Volume 16, (Author: Horatio Charles Wood), Publisher The Medical Publishing Company, 1886 ([https://books.google.com/books?id=BMNXAAAAMAAJ&q=cosmetic 90])</ref><ref name=":0">In the treatment of scars (cicatrix): ".. electro-galvanic currents ought to remove cicatrical tissue of the skin, and thus prove of incalculable value as a cosmetic" in ''Eclectic medical journal'', Volume 45, Ohio State Eclectic Medical Association, Published 1885, ([https://books.google.com/books?id=Xx6gAAAAMAAJ&q=galvanic+cosmetic+-lead page 99])</ref> almost a hundred years after Luigi Galvani discovered that electricity can make the muscle in a frog's leg twitch<ref>Thomas Thomson, ''An outline of the sciences of heat and electricity'', Publisher Baldwin & Cradock, 1830. "Chapter VII: Of Electricity by Contact" ([https://books.google.com/books?id=cLIUxPg6SAQC&dq=Galvani%20frog%20%22electricity%20by%20contact%22&pg=PA489 page 489])</ref> (see galvanism). In the 20th century, researchers such as Robert O. Becker, Björn Nordenström,<ref>Mark Woodhouse, ''Paradigm Wars: Worldviews for a New Age'', Publisher Frog Books, 1996, {{ISBN|1-883319-42-0}}, {{ISBN|978-1-883319-42-7}}, 648 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=dejmdCWwEHsC&dq=Bj%C3%B6rn%20Nordenstr%C3%B6m%20nobel%20chairman&pg=PA192 page 192])</ref> and Thomas Wing<ref>Deborah Powell, ''MicroCurrent for Horses (and other vital therapies you should know'', Publisher Matrix Therapy Products, {{ISBN|0-9790774-0-0}}, {{ISBN|978-0-9790774-0-1}} ([https://books.google.com/books?id=rLWY2sN0054C&dq=microcurrent++becker++body+electric&pg=PA15 page 15])</ref><ref name="mernagh2004" />made significant contributions to the development of microcurrent devices. Becker's work focused on bioelectric phenomena and their role in tissue regeneration; Nordenström proposed the potential therapeutic applications of endogenous electric currents in disease treatment; and Wing developed some of the earliest microcurrent stimulation devices for use in both clinical and cosmetic settings.
==Treatments== [[File:faradic-galvanic-toning-1909.jpg|thumb|right|1909 cosmetic electrotherapy advert reads: The White Cross Electric Vibrator [..] gives you your choice of Vibration, Faradic and Galvanic Electricity [..] tones up your nerves and muscles"<ref name="1909advert">''Popular Mechanics'', Feb 1909, ([https://books.google.com/books?id=-eADAAAAMBAJ&q=Faradic+galvanic+tones&pg=RA1-PA153 page 153])</ref>]] There are four main types of treatment, that differ in the type of current they use (see Comparison table, below), including: #Galvanic treatment #Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) (also known as Faradic treatment) #Micro-current electrical neuromuscular stimulation (MENS)<ref>Susan Cressy, ''The beauty therapy fact file'', Edition 4, Publisher Heinemann, 2004, {{ISBN|0-435-45142-1}}, {{ISBN|978-0-435-45142-4}}, 469 pages. ([https://books.google.com/books?id=rQLBU87NstkC&dq=electrotherapy%20%20low%20current%20therapeutic%20beauty&pg=PA160 page 160])</ref> #High-frequency treatment
===Galvanic treatment=== Galvanic treatment in the beauty industry has been described since at least the 1970s<ref name="gallant1978">Ann Gallant, ''Body treatments and dietetics for the beauty therapist'', Publisher Nelson Thornes, 1978, {{ISBN|0-85950-401-8}}, {{ISBN|978-0-85950-401-0}}, Length 392 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=G4RrfRLpSMkC&q=electro-therapy&pg=PA308 page 308])</ref> and earlier.<ref name="1909advert" /> Sometimes called ''galvanism'', the treatment aims to improve the skin in two ways: (1) cleansing: a process called ''desincrustation'', and (2) nourishing the skin condition, through an electro-chemical process<ref>Karl Augustus Menninger, Martin Mayman, Paul W. Pruyser, "A manual for psychiatric case study", Grune & Stratton, 1952, 355 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=8HFIAAAAMAAJ&q=iontophoresis+%22electro-chemical%22+galvanic page 332])</ref> called ''iontophoresis''<ref>Susan Cressy, ''The beauty therapy fact file'', Edition 4, Publisher Heinemann, 2004, {{ISBN|0-435-45142-1}}, {{ISBN|978-0-435-45142-4}}. 469 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=rQLBU87NstkC&q=iontophoresis&pg=PA161 page 161])</ref> (also called ionisation). It is used to improve various skin conditions, including signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and acne.<ref>Ann Gallant, Kathy Gillott, Jackie Howard, ''Principles and techniques for the beauty specialist'', Edition 3, Publisher Nelson Thornes, 1993, {{ISBN|0-7487-1550-9}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7487-1550-3}}, 328 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=UnzCkfbPXjAC&q=%22desincrustation%22+&pg=PA181 page 181])</ref> This is achieved by the application of a small, constant, direct current.<ref>Dawn Mernagh-Ward, Jennifer Cartwright, ''Health and beauty therapy: a practical approach for NVQ level 3'', Publisher Nelson Thornes, 2004, {{ISBN|0-7487-9035-7}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7487-9035-7}}, 420 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=ecQ3Nwv2_4AC&q=galvanic&pg=PA138 page 138])</ref> The treatment works on the principle that charged ions in the skin are either attracted or repelled from the electrodes, resulting in certain chemical effects.<ref>Lorraine Nordmann, ''Professional Beauty Therapy: The Official Guide to Level 3'', Publisher Cengage Learning EMEA, 2007, {{ISBN|1-84480-696-0}}, {{ISBN|978-1-84480-696-6}}, 650 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=2a0YlyZv1fIC&q=galvanic&pg=PA259 page 256])</ref> :"Galvanism works by penetrating active substances into the subcutaneous tissues, where they act on the ineffective circulation to bring about an improvement in the vascular and lymphatic interchange in the area. This is completed in a natural and harmless way, and is aided by the actual effect of the galvanic current on the tissues. This improves the function of the cellular membrane, and allows the trapped fluid and fat to be dispersed and eliminated."<ref>Ann Gallant, ''Body treatments and dietetics for the beauty therapist'', Publisher Nelson Thornes, 1978, {{ISBN|0-85950-401-8}}, {{ISBN|978-0-85950-401-0}}, Length 392 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=G4RrfRLpSMkC&q=electro-therapy&pg=PA310 page 310])</ref> Galvanic treatment are often used on the face (facial galvanic treatment) and on the body to treat cellulite (galvanic cellulite treatments).<ref>"[http://www.babtac.com/galvanic-cellulite-treatments/ Galvanic Cellulite Treatments]", BABTAC, British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology website, retrieved 5 Nov 2011</ref>
===Faradic treatment=== Faradic treatment has also been described in the beauty industry since the 1970s<ref name="gallant1978" /> and earlier.<ref name="1909advert" /> The treatment tones the muscles by repeatedly contracting them with the electric current, resulting in their firming and toning, and an increase in muscular metabolism aims to remove waste products more readily.<ref>Lorraine Nordmann, ''Professional Beauty Therapy: The Official Guide to Level 3'', Publisher Cengage Learning EMEA, 2007, {{ISBN|1-84480-696-0}}, {{ISBN|978-1-84480-696-6}}, 650 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=2a0YlyZv1fIC&dq=faradic+beauty&pg=PA250 page 247])</ref> Faradic treatments are generally used on the face and body, and work by contracting muscles with a short pulse of interrupted direct current.<ref>Dawn Mernagh-Ward, Jennifer Cartwright, ''Health and beauty therapy: a practical approach for NVQ level 3'', Edition 3, Publisher Nelson Thornes, 2004, {{ISBN|0-7487-9035-7}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7487-9035-7}}, 420 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=ecQ3Nwv2_4AC&dq=nmes+beauty&pg=PA132 page 132])</ref>
The treatment is also called neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES),<ref>Dawn Mernagh-Ward, Jennifer Cartwright, ''Health and beauty therapy: a practical approach for NVQ level 3'', Edition 3, Publisher Nelson Thornes, 2004, {{ISBN|0-7487-9035-7}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7487-9035-7}}, 420 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=ecQ3Nwv2_4AC&dq=faradic+beauty&pg=PA132 page 132])</ref> and some of the manufactures who produce the equipment use their own terms, for example, Slendertone calls it electronic muscle stimulation,<ref>"[http://www.slendertone.com/t-how-it-works.aspx How it Works: Electronic Muscle Stimulation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124133452/http://www.slendertone.com/t-how-it-works.aspx |date=2011-11-24 }}" at Slendertone website, retrieved 18 Nov 2011</ref> or the treatment is called after the name of the manufacturer, such as Ultratone or Slim Master.<ref name="HiscockStoddart2004"/>{{rp|264}}
===Microcurrent treatment=== Microcurrent treatments (MENS) have been around since the 1970s in medical applications and are distinguished by their use of micro-ampere currents (i.e. millionths of an amp) which are hardly perceptible, but mimic the body's own bio-electric currents.<ref name="HiscockStoddart2004"/>{{rp|272}} The treatment is designed to soften wrinkles and rejuvenate skin, including skin damaged by sunburn, acne, stretch marks, cellulite and scarring.<ref name="mernagh2004">Dawn Mernagh-Ward, Jennifer Cartwright, ''Health and beauty therapy: a practical approach for NVQ level 3'', Edition 3, Publisher Nelson Thornes, 2004, {{ISBN|0-7487-9035-7}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7487-9035-7}}, 420 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=ecQ3Nwv2_4AC&dq=%22micro-current%22%20%20therapy%20cosmetic&pg=PA108 page 108])</ref>
This increased ATP also energizes the facial muscles, similar to how exercise energizes the muscles of our bodies. Unlike anywhere else on the body, the facial muscles are directly connected to the skin, so the result of energizing the muscle is often an improved, lifted appearance.<ref>{{cite web|title=What Is Microcurrent Therapy?|url=https://www.mynuface.com/pages/microcurrent|website=NuFACE}}</ref> When used on the face, the treatment has become known as a "non-surgical facelift"<ref>Nicholas Perricone, ''Forever Young: The Science of Nutrigenomics for Glowing, Wrinkle-Free Skin and Radiant Health at Every Age'', Publisher Simon and Schuster, 2010, {{ISBN|1-4391-7734-1}}, {{ISBN|978-1-4391-7734-1}}, 351 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=YR0u6EP3bPMC&q=microcurrent&pg=PA111 page 111])</ref> and "facial lifting".<ref name="HiscockStoddart2004"/>{{rp|273}}
Microcurrent treatment works by passing a very small direct current through muscle tissue to stimulate the Golgi tendon organ.<ref>Susan Cressy, ''The beauty therapy fact file'', Edition 4, Publisher Heinemann, 2004, {{ISBN|0-435-45142-1}}, {{ISBN|978-0-435-45142-4}}, 469 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=rQLBU87NstkC&dq=%22microcurrent%22++beauty&pg=PA160 page 160])</ref> It encourages production of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) which leads to the creation and stimulation of structural proteins like elastin and collagen.
Different microcurrent characteristics, particular the frequency and shape of the changing voltage (waveform), have different effects on the tissue.<ref name="HiscockStoddart2004"/>{{rp|273}}{{unreliable source?|date=September 2016|reason=(NONE of these sources are legitimate)}}
192px|thumb|Different waveforms are used for different micro-current treatments
{{col-begin|width=auto; margin:auto}} {{col-break}} {| class="wikitable" |- ! Frequency ! Micro-current effect |- | align="right" | 600 Hz |Skin Surface |- | align="right" | 500 Hz |Skin sub-Surface |- | align="right" | 300 Hz |Lymphatic stimulation |- | align="right" | 20 Hz |Circulation |- | align="right" | 10 Hz |Facial muscles |- | align="right" | 0.8 Hz |Deep facial |} {{col-break|gap=1em}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- ! Waveform shape ! Micro-current effect |- | Sine | Superficial |- | Square | Pumping |- | Rectangular | Lifting |- | Sawtooth<br>(Ramp) | Longer lifting |} {{col-end}}Microcurrent devices have been in the beauty industry for over a decade, the most known being the CACI device. Modern professional and personal use microcurrent devices combine waves of multiple shape and vary in frequencies used.
Since microcurrent treatment uses a low-grade electrical current, there has been health concerns over safety of its use. People with pacemakers or any kind of heart condition should avoid it. Moreover, pregnant women are advised against it as well. It is always recommended to individually consult with doctor or aesthetician before using microcurrent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jelena R. |date= |title=Everything you should know about microcurrent facial treatments |url=https://www.foreo.com/mysa/microcurrent-facial-treatments-whats-the-buzz/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=MYSA |language=en-US}}</ref>
===High-frequency treatment=== High-frequency treatment uses low-current high-frequency alternating currents, delivered via a glass electrode,<ref name="page 197">Jeanine Connor, Sheila Godfrey, Gil Milsom, ''BTEC National Beauty Therapy Sciences'', Publisher Heinemann, 2004, {{ISBN|0-435-46243-1}}, {{ISBN|978-0-435-46243-7}}, 381 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=UmrA2gcRg_sC&q=high+frequency&pg=PT204 page 197])</ref> sometimes called a violet ray. Glass electrodes are often filled with either neon gas which produces pink, orange, or red light, or argon or rarefied gas which produces violet light. Because of the color of light that is produced when electricity is passed through the gas, they are inaccurately called ultraviolet or infrared, however no UV rays or infrared rays are produced, just visible light. High frequency current does convert some of the oxygen in the air surrounding the electrodes into ozone, the treatment has a germicidal action, and is also drying and warming.<ref>Susan Cressy, ''The beauty therapy fact file'', Edition 4, Publisher Heinemann, 2004, {{ISBN|0-435-45142-1}}, {{ISBN|978-0-435-45142-4}}, Length 469 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=rQLBU87NstkC&dq=%22high+frequency%22+beauty&pg=PA153 page 153])</ref> Consequently, the treatment is used to aid healing and also to help desquamation (the skin's natural exfoliation) and stimulate sweat and sebaceous glands.<ref name="page 197" /> Sparking may occur when the electrode is close to the skin and then pulled away repeatedly. Some electrodes may contain a metal coil that produces a mechanical vibration, as well as sparking energy that can be felt indirectly when held in one person's hand while another person uses their hands directly on the skin. Because the effect may be pleasurable, similar devices are used in erotic electrostimulation.
==Treatment and current== The characteristics of the treatment current include: (a) whether it is (direct or alternating), (b) current frequency, (c) size of the current (all very small), and (d) the duration and shape of any pulses.
===Comparison=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! scope="col" width="25%" | Treatment ! Current type ! Current range ! Frequency ! Therapies |- | '''Galvanic''' (galvanism) | align="center" | Direct and constant<ref name="HiscockStoddart2004"/>{{rp|264}} | align="center" | milliAmps (mA)<ref name="HiscockStoddart2004"/>{{rp|215}} | align="center" | None (constant)<ref name="HiscockStoddart2004"/>{{rp|215}} | align="center" | Desincrustation. Iontophoresis<ref name="HiscockStoddart2004"/>{{rp|215}} |- | '''Faradic'''<br/><div style="font-size:85%">Also known as '''Neuromuscular electrical stimulation''' (NMES), '''Faradism''',<ref>Jeanine Connor, Sheila Godfrey, Gil Milsom, ''BTEC National Beauty Therapy Sciences'', Publisher Heinemann, 2004, {{ISBN|0-435-46243-1}}, {{ISBN|978-0-435-46243-7}}, 381 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=UmrA2gcRg_sC&dq=electrotherapy%20faradic%20beauty&pg=PT245 page 238])</ref> '''Excitomotor current''' (USA),<ref name="HiscockStoddart2004"/>{{rp|235}} '''Electrical Muscle Stimulation''' (EMS)<ref>Dawn Mernagh-Ward, Jennifer Cartwright, Health and beauty therapy: a practical approach for NVQ level 3 Edition 3, Publisher Nelson Thornes, 2004, {{ISBN|0-7487-9035-7}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7487-9035-7}}, 420 pages. Chapter 5. "Facial and Body Electrotherapy Treatments" ([https://books.google.com/books?id=ecQ3Nwv2_4AC&q=faradic&pg=PA132 page 132])</ref></div> | align="center" | Alternating current used where current flows in both direction | align="center" | Up to 80 mA<ref name="khandpur2003p774">R.S. Khandpur, ''Handbook of Biomedical Instrumentation'', 2nd Ed., Publisher Tata McGraw-Hill Education, 2003, {{ISBN|0-07-047355-2}}, {{ISBN|978-0-07-047355-3}}, 944 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=C-rbT_c69oUC&dq=electrotherapy%20faradic%20milliamps&pg=PA774 page 774])</ref> | align="center" | 50–100 Hz<ref name="nanda2008p101">Basanta Kumar Nanda, ''Electrotherapy Simplified'', Publisher Jaypee Brothers Publishers (2008), {{ISBN|81-8448-261-2}}, {{ISBN|978-81-8448-261-4}}. 548 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=FfXl4NjxYfkC&dq=electrotherapy%20faradic&pg=PT122 page 101])</ref> | align="center" | Muscle toning<ref name="facman21">"Introduction, ''Facial Electrical Manual'', The Carlton Institute. 23 pages. (Page 21)</ref> |- | '''Micro-current Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation''' (MENS)<br/><div style="font-size:85%">Also known as '''Micro-electrotherapy'''<ref>Dawn Mernagh-Ward, Jennifer Cartwright, ''Health and beauty therapy: a practical approach for NVQ level 3'', Edition 3, Publisher Nelson Thornes, 2004, {{ISBN|0-7487-9035-7}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7487-9035-7}}, 420 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=ecQ3Nwv2_4AC&dq=%22micro-current%22%20%20therapy%20cosmetic&pg=PA108 page 107])</ref> </div> | align="center" | Direct<br/>(pulsed)<ref name="nordmann2010p237">Lorraine Nordmann, Professional Beauty Therapy: The Official Guide to Level 3, 4th Edition, Publisher Cengage Learning EMEA, 2010, {{ISBN|1-4080-1928-0}} {{ISBN|9781408019283}}, 496 pages. Chapter 8: "Electrical treatments" ([https://books.google.com/books?id=2a0YlyZv1fIC&dq=electrotherapy%20Micro-current%20beauty%20%22direct%20current%22%20microamps&pg=PA237 page 237])</ref> | align="center" | 300–500μA<br/>(microAmps)<ref name="nordmann2010p237" /> | align="center" | 0.1–680 Hz<ref name="nordmann2010p237" /><ref>F-903 Micro Current Machine User Guide, page 5 ([http://issuu.com/danster/docs/f-903_english online])</ref> | align="center" | Skin-toning<ref>Lorraine Nordmann, Professional Beauty Therapy: The Official Guide to Level 3, 4th Edition, Publisher Cengage Learning EMEA, 2010, {{ISBN|1-4080-1928-0}} {{ISBN|9781408019283}}, 496 pages. Chapter 8: "Electrical treatments" ([https://books.google.com/books?id=2a0YlyZv1fIC&q=Micro-current&pg=PA294 page 291])</ref> <br/>Softens fine lines<br/>Facial micro-lifting.<ref name="mernaugh2004p109" /> |- | '''High-frequency''' | align="center" | Alternating<ref name="HiscockStoddart2004"/>{{rp|237–242}} | align="center" | Low<ref name="HiscockStoddart2004"/>{{rp|237–242}} | align="center" | 100,000–250,000 Hz<br/>(100 kHz–250 kHz)<ref name="HiscockStoddart2004"/>{{rp|237–242}} | align="center" | Conditions the skin.<br/>Promotes healing.<br/>Antibacterial.<ref name="HiscockStoddart2004"/>{{rp|237–242}} |} '''Notes''' *''Desincrustation'' – A skin cleansing process that softens and emulsifies hardened follicle sebum.<ref>Catherine M. Frangie, Arlene Alpert, Margrit Attenburg, Diane Carol Bailey, ''Milady's Standard Cosmetology'', Publisher Cengage Learning, 2007, {{ISBN|1-4180-4935-2}}, {{ISBN|978-1-4180-4935-5}}, 897 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=w-_gY5nvJEEC&dq=Desincrustation&pg=PA585 page 585])</ref> *1 Amp = 1,000 milliAmps (mA) = 1,000,000 microAmps (μA) *1,000 Hz (cycles per second) = 1 kHz
==Terminology== {{see also|List of forms of electricity named after scientists}} {{multiple image | image1 = M Faraday Th Phillips oil 1842.jpg| width1 = 132 | caption1 = Michael Faraday (1791–1867) lends his name to the term "Faradic" | image2 = Luigi Galvani, oil-painting.jpg|width2 = 125 | caption2 = Luigi Galvani (1737–1798) lends his name to the term "galvanic" }} The origins of the terms "galvanic" and "Faradism" are described in the medical journal, ''The Lancet'', in 1851. A note reads: :"We should not omit to state that Dr Duchenne closes a paper (''Archives'', May 1851)<ref>Duchenne GBA, ''Archives Génerales de Médicine'', May 1851</ref> on the subject by these words: 'As it will be useful to create a word which should exactly point out electricity by induction, as well as its application, may it not be allowable to use the name of the philosopher who has discovered this kind of electricity? Thus, in the same way as 'Galvani' has given his name to the electricity by contact, so can we like-wise give to the electricity by induction the name of 'Faraday.' This electricity would then be called 'Faradism,' and its application 'Faradization.' Such names would establish a clear distinction between the electricity by contact and that by induction, while they, at the same time, render due honour to a philosopher to whom medical science owes a discovery far more valuable in a therapeutic point of view than that of Galvani.'"<ref>"Medical News, Thursday, August 28th 1851", ''The Lancet'', Volume 2, Publisher Elsevier, 1851 ([https://books.google.com/books?id=pBhAAAAAcAAJ&q=faradism&pg=PA240 page 240])</ref>
It is noted that: :"Some terms such as galvanic current and faradic stimulation are unique to physiotherapy. Their definitions given in the literature are far from universal.<ref>Sheila Kitchen, Sarah Bazin, "Section F. Low Frequency Currents", ''Electrotherapy: evidence-based practice, Volume 1'', edition 11, Publisher Elsevier Health Sciences, 2002, {{ISBN|0-443-07216-7}}, {{ISBN|978-0-443-07216-1}}, 347 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=mpcAXLniDykC&q=galvanic&pg=PA234 page 234])</ref> ... The Clinical Electrophysiology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association established a unified terminology for clinical electrical currents—that is, (a) direct current (b) alternating current (c) pulsed current (Kloth and Cummings, 1991)<ref>Reference in quote to: Kloth LC, Cummings JP, ''Electrotherapeutic Terminology in Physical Therapy'', 1991, Alexandria, VA: American Physical Therapy Association.</ref> ... However, this terminology does not appear to have been widely adopted and inconsistencies remain in the literature".<ref>Sheila Kitchen, Sarah Bazin, "Section F. Low Frequency Currents", ''Electrotherapy: evidence-based practice, Volume 1'', edition 11, Publisher Elsevier Health Sciences, 2002, {{ISBN|0-443-07216-7}}, {{ISBN|978-0-443-07216-1}}, 347 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=mpcAXLniDykC&dq=electrotherapy%20galvanic&pg=PA242 page 242])</ref><ref>See also: ''[http://iweb.apta.org/purchase/productdetail.aspx?product_code=p-72&LI=0 Electrotherapeutic Terminology in Physical Therapy]'', 2000, American Physical Therapy Association, {{ISBN|978-1-887759-88-5}}, 60 pages</ref>
==See also== *Bio-electric stimulation therapy (BEST) *Electrotherapy – the use of electricity as a medical treatment *Electrical muscle stimulation (neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)) *Erotic electrostimulation *Microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulator (MENS) *Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – the use of electric current to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes
==References== {{Reflist|2}}
==Bibliography== *Lorraine Nordmann, ''Professional Beauty Therapy: The Official Guide to Level 3'', 4th Edition, Publisher Cengage Learning EMEA, 2010, {{ISBN|1-4080-1928-0}} {{ISBN|9781408019283}}, 496 pages. Chapter 8: "Electrical treatments" *Dawn Mernagh-Ward, Jennifer Cartwright, ''Health and beauty therapy: a practical approach for NVQ level 3'' Edition 3, Publisher Nelson Thornes, 2004, {{ISBN|0-7487-9035-7}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7487-9035-7}}, 420 pages. Chapter 5. "Facial and Body Electrotherapy Treatments" *John Low, Ann Reed, Ann Reed (SRP.), ''[http://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/product.jsp?sid=EHS_US_BS-SPE-445&isbn=9780750688437&lid=EHS_US_BS-DIS-3&iid= Electrotherapy explained: principles and practice]'', 4th Edition, Publisher Elsevier Health Sciences, 2000, {{ISBN|978-0-7506-8843-7}}. 564 pages. *Basanta Kumar Nanda, ''Electrotherapy Simplified'', Publisher Jaypee Brothers Publishers (2008), {{ISBN|81-8448-261-2}}, {{ISBN|978-81-8448-261-4}}. 548 pages
==External links== *BABTAC, British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology website: [http://www.babtac.com/galvanic-treatments/ Galvanic Treatments] | "[http://www.babtac.com/galvanic-cellulite-treatments/ Galvanic Cellulite Treatments]" *[http://www.electrotherapymuseum.com/ Electrotherapy Museum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303181006/http://www.electrotherapymuseum.com/ |date=2010-03-03 }} website
{{Cosmetics}}
Category:Cosmetics Category:Skin care Category:Electrotherapy