Smartphone addiction among students is emerging as a serious concern with implications for both mental and physical health. In a recent study, researchers highlighted the harmful effects of smartphone addiction on mental health, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration, suggesting the need for targeted therapies to address these issues (Akhtar et al., 2022). Bioelectric Meridian Therapy (BMT) offers a therapeutic solution to the issues raised in this research.
Smartphone addiction and its health effects
The study by Akhtar and colleagues (2022) reveals that smartphone addiction affects mental health, creating disruptions in students’ focus, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. The impact extends beyond psychological distress, leading to oxidative stress and a breakdown of neurological health. Essentially, the compulsive use of smartphones triggers stress pathways that can lead to harmful neurodegenerative processes over time.
According to the study, students who frequently use smartphones show significant behavioral changes, including heightened anxiety, depression, and even diminished cognitive performance. From a physiological perspective, chronic smartphone use exposes students to electromagnetic radiation, which can stimulate oxidative stress—an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress, in turn, has been linked to inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases, which present a growing concern for young adults’ long-term health.
BMT and the science of oxidative stress reduction
Bioelectric Meridian Therapy works on principles similar to acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, focusing on meridian points to restore balance and alleviate energy blockages. BMT has been found to stimulate the body’s natural antioxidant defenses, which can help counteract the oxidative stress caused by excessive smartphone usage.
Scientific research supports BMT’s role in reducing oxidative stress by enhancing mitochondrial function and cellular repair mechanisms. In practical terms, BMT sessions involve applying low-level electrical currents to specific meridian points, encouraging the release of antioxidants and reducing inflammation. Given that Akhtar et al. (2022) identified oxidative stress as a core effect of smartphone addiction, BMT offers a non-invasive means of mitigating this impact, helping students restore balance and reduce the likelihood of chronic inflammation or neurodegeneration over time.
Mental health restoration through bioelectric stimulation
One of the most concerning findings in the study is the negative impact on student mental health. Bioelectric Meridian Therapy is a modern, gentle and non-invasive form of bioelectric stimulation that has been shown to promote mental clarity and emotional stability. BMT works by stimulating neurotransmitter release, particularly serotonin and dopamine—two key chemicals associated with mood regulation.
BMT’s effects on mental health are believed to stem from its influence on the autonomic nervous system. By targeting the meridian points associated with stress and anxiety, BMT can lower cortisol levels, which are often elevated due to chronic smartphone use and the associated mental overload. As noted by Akhtar et al. (2022), students grappling with smartphone addiction often experience disrupted sleep patterns, further exacerbating anxiety and depressive symptoms. BMT’s calming effect on the nervous system helps to regulate these symptoms, fostering improved sleep and greater resilience against addiction-related stressors.
Neuroprotection and cognitive health
The risk of neurodegeneration linked to smartphone addiction, as Akhtar et al. (2022) discusses, highlights potential long-term consequences for brain health. Smartphone addiction exposes users to high levels of electromagnetic radiation, which has been associated with neuroinflammation and the acceleration of neurodegenerative conditions. The therapeutic effects of BMT on brain health are particularly noteworthy here, as studies suggest BMT may help preserve cognitive function and protect against neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing brain circulation and promoting neurogenesis.
BMT targets specific meridian points to improve the flow of energy in the brain, potentially slowing down neurodegenerative processes. Research suggests that this could counteract some of the cognitive impacts of smartphone addiction by promoting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections. While more studies are needed, BMT’s neuroprotective potential offers a promising avenue for those at risk of addiction-induced cognitive decline.
Toward a holistic approach in addiction therapy
While the study by Akhtar et al. (2022) emphasizes the need for new molecules and pathways to address smartphone addiction, complementary approaches like BMT can provide additional support for those already affected. BMT’s ability to mitigate oxidative stress, promote mental wellness, and protect brain health makes it an excellent addition to the range of anti-addiction therapies. Integrating BMT into a comprehensive wellness plan offers students struggling with smartphone addiction a practical, holistic means of recovery without the need for pharmaceutical intervention.
The findings by Akhtar et al. (2022) suggest that smartphone addiction’s effects are complex, impacting mental, physical, and neurological health. BMT’s multi-faceted benefits make it particularly suited to tackling these challenges. For students and practitioners interested in novel, science-backed approaches to health, BMT represents a valuable option worth exploring. By addressing the root causes of addiction-related stress and oxidative damage, BMT provides a pathway not just to addiction relief but to overall mental and physical wellness.
Can Bioelectric Meridian Therapy be the missing link in combating smartphone addiction?
Smartphone addiction poses significant risks, as highlighted in the study by Akhtar and colleagues (2022). From mental health disturbances to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration, the effects are pervasive and warrant comprehensive therapeutic approaches. Bioelectric Meridian Therapy is an effective intervention that addresses these issues holistically, supporting mental clarity, mitigating oxidative stress, and potentially safeguarding cognitive health. For practitioners and students alike, integrating BMT into anti-addiction strategies offers a scientifically supported approach to health and wellness that aligns well with the findings of recent research on smartphone addiction.
Empower your patients to overcome the mental and physical challenges of smartphone addiction by sharing the transformative benefits of BMT. Start your BMT journey today to offer holistic support and make a lasting impact on their wellness journey.
Source: Smartphone Addiction among Students and its Harmful Effects on Mental Health, Oxidative Stress, and Neurodegeneration towards Future Modulation of Anti-Addiction Therapies: A Comprehensive Survey based on SLR, Research Questions, and Network Visualization Techniques (Akhtar et al., 2022)
