A Conversation With Chip Fisher, Electrotherapy Stimulation Pioneer
For twenty years now, Fisher Wallace Laboratories has been working to improve the awareness of cranial electrotherapy stimulation in the medical community and to reduce dependencies on medications. To that end, the company, led by founder Chip Fisher, has marketed its Cranial Stimulator, a drug-free device available through prescription from any health practitioner licensed for electrotherapy in the United States, since 1991. The FDA-sanctioned device treats anxiety, stress, insomnia, and depression using micro-current frequencies that are said to increase the natural ability of neural cells in the brain to produce various neurotransmitters that help to normalize mood and sleep. These neurotransmitters also lower the cortisol levels that occur during periods of long-term stress.Here, Fisher discusses how a small, controlled amount of electricity can be used safely to effectively treat major psychiatric disorders; the increase of stress in the lives of people all over the globe; and how, at some point, he would like to try his hand at teaching European history.
What do you say when people ask you, "What do you do?"
I tell people that I'm in the mental health field, specializing in a non-pharma solution for the treatment of depression, insomnia, and anxiety.
What new idea or innovation is having the most significant impact on medicine?
Certainly solutions like our CES device, which is a non-invasive and cost effective way to treat major psychiatric illnesses, which affect millions of people and cost society hundreds of millions of dollars. It also shows the promise of helping people with Post-Traumatic Stress, Parkinson's, ADHD, and chronic pain, so its potential benefit reaches a huge number of people.
We are dedicated to helping people worldwide and we're in the process of making our technology available at cost throughout the world in partnership with non-profits.
What's something that most people just don't understand about your area of expertise?
That a small, controlled amount of electricity can be used to treat major psychiatric illnesses, and that what we're doing is safe, effective, and easy to use.
What's an emerging trend that you think will shake up the health world?
The increase of stress in life on many levels -- including the growing size of cities and added noise and air pollution. This is a worldwide issue, for just about every culture everywhere.
What's a health trend that you wish would go away?
Coming up with a new food/health solution every week in the paper, i.e. drinking coffee prevents cancer.
What's an idea you became fascinated with but that ended up taking you off track?
I became fascinated with military issues through a friend who served in Vietnam many years ago, and who, until recently, was addicted to sleeping and pain medications. When I gave him a device, he was able to get off both within a month, and he'd been hooked for 30 years, hence my feeling that we could help the millions of veterans who have served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
It has been a long, hard road to try and gain the attention of decision makers, and after three years we're starting to make serious inroads. The Army recently realized, through the publication of key studies, that drugs were not the answer, and they're finally becoming receptive to non-pharmaceutical solutions for the treatment of PTS and its component parts -- depression, anxiety and insomnia.
Who are three people in the fields of medicine or science that you'd put in a Hall of Fame?
Rense, Alexander Fleming for penicillin, and Jonas Salk for the polio vaccine.
What other field or occupation did you consider going into?
I've actually started and sold many companies in different industries, including food services. But what I haven't yet pursued, which I would like to, is teaching -- either science or European history.
What website or app most helps you do your job on a daily basis?
YouTube, because it allows us to broadcast our lecture series with experts around the world.
What song's been stuck in your head lately?
"Angel From Montgomery," by Bonnie Raitt.