I had been getting questions about a little device that you can hold in your hand, and the vibration will help with anxiety, stress, sleep issues, and even tremors brought on by Parkinson’s disease. Ding, ding, ding. You have my attention. I began to research the links that people have been sending me with questions like “have you heard about this… Is this for real?” which led me to the Touchpoint website.
After receiving my package, I couldn’t wait to get started.
The website states that “TouchPoints’ patent-pending BLAST (bi-lateral alternating stimulation-tactile technology) is scientifically proven to alter the body’s “fight or flight” response caused by stress. The wearables emit vibrations that disengage your standard stress response, which can impact your performance and health. The results have shown to be life-changing. This unique process of shifting from one brain area to another has been proven to create new behavior patterns that lessen your reaction to stress over time.”
I was down to give them a spin and blog about it on my “Perky’s Pick” page, where I review products for people with Parkinson’s. I had patients, caregivers, and my co-workers try them out. Some of the responses I got were,
“that’s interesting… I don’t know what this feels like… I could totally see how this could help with my anxiety… I feel like I’m at the Cheesecake Factory and my table is now ready.”
Now it’s time for my review. I will start with the Pro’s and Con’s.
Pro’s
-They are light weight and easy to wear on your wrist once you get them on.
-Easy to use, just press the button to turn them on and your off to the races.
-Charging the devices is made easy with a USB cable (which is included)
-Touchpoint is good for anxiety. It helps focus on a physical stimulus and quiet worrisome thoughts.
-The touchpoints do not impact Parkies that have Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).
Con’s
-The wrist bands could be difficult for someone with fine motor issues to put them on.
-The vibration is pretty loud. It would be noticeable if you wore them in public.
-In a short amount of time after receiving my touchpoint I noticed my serial number on the back of the device had rubbed off. This could be problematic if I had any technical difficulties, or had to exchange them, I would haven’t been able to read the ID number. But this has a quick fix, you can just write the serial number on your shipping receipt and keep it in a safe place.
-There is no scientific research that proves that Touchpoints reduces tremors in Parkinson’s disease.
Final thoughts
I believe that Touchpoint has great potential in reducing anxiety and stress with its bi-lateral alternating stimulation-tactile technology, which is also used with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories.
You could see that it would be helpful with those experiencing anxiety and stress… which, as we know, when we are put in stressful situations, our Parkinson’s can be amplified.
So, you can see how Touchpoint can help aid in lowering anxiety, which theoretically could help with Parkinson’s symptoms, but this is not a treatment for Parkinson’s disease. I would recommend Touchpoint for those looking for an alternative to medication to manage stress and anxiety… during a pandemic, who isn’t a bit edgy?
For more information or to purchase your own pair of Touchpoint, click here.
Allison, good review. I’m the kind of guy who likes to look under the cape of the magician to see how that trick is performed.
My understanding is that negative stress (because there is positive stress too) is a response to a signal produced by the amygdala, which resides in the inner area of the brain, and is part of the lymbic system, or the reptilian or anciet, brain. We humans share this part of the brain with all sorts of living creatures.
The amygdala is the size and shape of an almond, yet it processes every new sensation (visual, audible, etc.) entering the brain through the senses, looking for danger based on immediacy and impact. If something “not known or understood or is noticably “dangerous” a signal is sent to the frontal lobe (right side or hemisphere where the gland to emit cortisol does its thing, which is to release this cortisol into the frontal lobe (left hemisphere) and flood it so that logical thinking is suspended to the level dictated by the initial response, “danger Will Robinxon” is resoved. You don’t want to stand on one side of a rustling bush think through all the logical response that might exist when a growl occurs. No tiime for logic, just run!! This is know as the fight or flight response.
I imagine this device you are testing is tickeling the gland that releases cortisol to imitate the signal an amygdala sends. SO, spurts of cortisol into the logic centers of the brain are “fake news.”
One should wonder how this might re-train the proper response of the brain and if those changes could be helpful or detrimental in the future. I have no idea aboujt that.
Pete,
Like always, your argument is detailed and way over my head! I can only wish that I can think like you one day!
Thanks Allison, you think pleinty good, and funny too!
Hi there. Thank you for all that you do. How about FOG episodes? Does it help?
Hi George,
Not sure about FOG episodes but I didn’t look into it deeper.
Interesting. I have had. set of these for over a year now but don’t use them that often. They definitely have a calming effect and I think reduce my tremor some…probably because of that calming effect. They definitely aren’t subtle. Wearing them in public would be noticeable. My hubby has asked me if my phone is vibrating when I am wearing them.
How did they become part of your daily regime? Are you going to keep us posted about what they’re doing for you? Thanks for your efforts!
Hi Bob,
I haven’t made Touchpoints a part of my everyday routine. I found them helpful to use on an “as needed” basis.
Definitely sounds interesting. Is the $190 price tag similar to other items of this type? BTW, a discount code thing appears on the main page if you hover on it…
Dan,
I am sure that you can find similar items that would do the same thing, this was just the brand that I reviewed. Great to know about the discount code. Thanks for sharing!
Hi – You do a great job at this and its really appreciated. Keep it up. And stay safe and healthy indoors!
Boker,
Thank you for your kind words!