BEST devices generate electrical impulses that are physiologically similar to neurological impulses generated by C nerve fibers embedded in most tissues and consist of 85% of all nerves found in the body and to a much lesser extent on “fast” pain blocking A fibers.10 C-type fibers are small and nonmyelinated, with a diameter of 1-2 mkm.11 C fibers are responsible for slow diffuse pain, but more importantly nerve endings secrete neuropeptides capable of blocking pain perception via afferent signaling to the cortical centers in the brain.12 Stimulation of acupuncture points and/or embedded afferent C fibers transmits impulses via the cord to the dorsal medulla and thalamic areas of the brain, which produce nitric oxide and a host of other neuroactive mediators.13 Nitric oxide then acts as a neurotransmitter for induction of opioid peptide production, i.e. endorphins.14 15 16
A class of neuropeptides secreted locally is termed Regulatory Neuropeptides (RNP). RNP within C fibers directly increases further peptide synthesis, neurotransmitters, serotonin, histamine, and other peptide hormones production by modifying genomic activity, up-regulating gene expression, and enzyme synthesis.17
A-fiber axons are surrounded by a myelin sheath created by Schwann cells. Schwann cells are glial, circumferential support cells of the peripheral nervous system (PNS): These cells generate extensive sheets that wrap the axons repeatedly to form lipid rich myelin. The myelin sheath acts as insulation on a wire and is essential for rapid conduction of impulses along the large nerve axons. Meylinated A fibers are responsible for sharp fast pain.10
Although BEST signals have some neuro-secretory effect on these fibers, the vast majority of effect and response involves C fibers.
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