In the Western world, it’s surprising that even with so much information available, many practices and knowledge from other parts of the globe are still not well known. We do recognize some Eastern treatment methods, and many of these are used to some degree in the West. However, whether we talk about traditional alternative treatments or even mainstream medical practices, there is still a lot that patients are not informed about.
A notable example of this is The Restoration of the Activity of Nerve Centers (RANC), a neurological treatment method practiced in Krasnodar, Russia, along with several other places across the world.
I’m going to place a question if this method can be applied to CFS/ME/SEID treatment, considering some established research we’ve found regarding the central nervous system dysfunctions and its relationship with other body systems in CFS.
The Restoration of the Activity of Nerve Centers (RANC)
So, in my search for CFS/ME/SEID treatments and cures, some time ago I came across a therapy that led me to believe it might be useful in treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
The Restoration of the Activity of Nerve Centers (RANC) therapy, developed by Dr. Andrey Aleksandrovich Ponomarenko, is a neurological treatment method used at the Nevrologica clinic in Krasnodar. RANC is designed to treat various neurological and chronic conditions by stimulating the brain’s nerve centers through injections into specific muscle groups, primarily the trapezius muscles. These muscles have a unique connection to the brain’s reticular formation, which regulates broad brain functions. The therapy uses painful stimuli (via injections of sterile water) to reset and restore normal activity in dysfunctional nerve centers.
The treatment protocol typically involves a few sessions spaced over several weeks, and some follow-ups, depending on the severity of the condition. The goal is to induce a stable remission by rebalancing the affected nerve centers, leading to long-term symptom relief. While results can vary, many patients experience improvements after just a few sessions. The outcome is the revival of the central regulation of different functions and systems. In simpler terms, it means addressing the underlying causes to eliminate the symptoms.
RANC has been applied to help prevent and treat various acute and chronic diseases linked to functional disorders, particularly for those with Parkinson’s disease. It’s also been beneficial for migraines, epilepsy, MS, chronic pain, trigeminal neuralgia, and others. There’s quite a lengthy list of conditions it has tackled over the years.
In CFS, it is believed that the dysfunction of the central nervous system plays a significant role. The RANC method aims to normalize the activity of nerve centers that may be overactive or underactive, thus contributing to the resolution of chronic fatigue symptoms. By stimulating the reticular formation, RANC may help restore balance in the nervous system, potentially reducing the debilitating symptoms . Here are the key aspects of what RANC seeks to address:
Specific Changes in Neural Networks Targeted by RANC
Impaired Neuroplasticity: RANC targets failures in neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections throughout life. In CFS, it is posited that physical and emotional can lead to the development of “imperfect” neural networks that do not function optimally, contributing to chronic symptoms.
Altered Functional Activity: The method aims to restore normal functional activity in specific nerve centers associated with bodily systems. This restoration is crucial because changes in functional activity are believed to stem from significant structural alterations within neural networks, which can be triggered by external stressors or emotional disturbances.
Dysregulated Neural Pathways: RANC seeks to correct dysregulation in neural pathways that may arise from chronic stress or trauma. By stimulating certain nerve centers through intramuscular injections, RANC is thought to facilitate a “reset” of these pathways, allowing for improved communication and function within the CNS.
Formation of New Neural Networks: The method addresses the formation of new neural networks that arise from negative influences. These networks may be less efficient or adaptive, leading to persistent symptoms. RANC aims to eliminate these maladaptive networks and promote healthier, more functional connections.
Restoration of Metabolic Control: Given that the CNS plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic processes, RANC could potentially enhance the brain’s control over these processes by restoring optimal neural activity. This is based on the premise that any metabolic disturbances cannot occur without prior or simultaneous changes in the brain’s functional activity.
Key Principles of the RANC Method
Neuroplasticity: The RANC method operates on the premise that the brain can reorganize and form new neural connections throughout life. It aims to restore normal neural activity and enhance neuroplasticity, particularly in areas of the brain that may be dysfunctional due to chronic stress or other negative influences.
Stimulation of Nerve Centers: The primary objective of RANC is to stimulate specific nerve centers in the brain through targeted intramuscular injections. This stimulation is believed to activate the reticular formation and other critical brain regions, promoting improved communication and function within neural networks.
Pain as a Therapeutic Stimulus: The method utilizes controlled pain stimuli applied to the trapezius muscle. This approach is thought to generate a stream of nerve impulses that travel through the accessory nerve to the brain, facilitating a “reset” of overstimulated or underactive neural pathways.
Restoration of Function: By addressing dysfunctions in neural activity, RANC aims to restore normal physiological functions and alleviate symptoms associated with chronic conditions like CFS. This restoration process is often described as stabilizing the activity of nerve centers at a normal physiological level.
Addressing Root Causes: Unlike traditional medical approaches that focus on treating symptoms or metabolic disturbances directly, RANC seeks to eliminate the underlying neural dysfunctions that manifest as chronic symptoms. This perspective posits that many chronic diseases stem from neuroplasticity failures rather than direct cellular damage.
RANC for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The RANC method, which stands for Restoration of Activity of Nerve Centers, is used to treat functional diseases, one of which is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It focuses on how neuroplasticity and the central nervous system (CNS) contribute to chronic conditions. This method is different from traditional medical views that link diseases to specific problems in metabolism or cells.
By addressing impaired neuroplasticity, altered functional activity, dysregulated pathways, and maladaptive network formations, RANC potentially provides a more comprehensive approach to treating CFS/ME/SEID compared to traditional therapies that often target symptoms rather than underlying neural dysfunctions.
Reticular Formation Dysfunction and Its Contribution to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, or Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (ME/CFS/SEID), is a multifaceted disorder characterized by debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments, and autonomic dysfunction. Recent studies have highlighted the role of the reticular formation, particularly the reticular activating system (RAS), in the pathophysiology of CFS. Let’s see how dysfunction in the reticular formation contributes to the symptoms of CFS.
Mechanisms of Reticular Formation Dysfunction
Autonomic Dysregulation: The reticular formation plays a critical role in autonomic regulation, including heart rate and blood pressure control. Dysfunction in this area can result in autonomic symptoms such as orthostatic intolerance and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This autonomic dysregulation can exacerbate fatigue and lead to significant physical limitations.
Sleep-Wake Cycle Disruption: The RAS is integral to regulating sleep-wake cycles. Dysfunction in this system can lead to sleep disorders commonly reported by CFS patients, including insomnia and hypersomnia. Disrupted sleep patterns contribute to daytime fatigue and cognitive impairments due to insufficient restorative sleep. Furthermore, alterations in neurotransmitter systems related to the RAS, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, may further complicate sleep regulation
Neuroinflammation: Evidence suggests that neuroinflammation plays a role in CFS pathophysiology. The RAS is implicated in inflammatory responses; thus, its dysfunction may exacerbate neuroinflammatory processes following physical or mental exertion. This post-exertional malaise is a hallmark symptom of CFS, characterized by a worsening of fatigue and other symptoms after minimal activity.
Cognitive Impairments: Cognitive deficits, including difficulties with attention, working memory, and processing speed, are prevalent in CFS patients. The impaired thalamocortical signaling due to RAS dysfunction contributes to these cognitive challenges. Studies have shown that reduced connectivity correlates with increased symptom severity in CFS.
To sum up, the dysfunction of the reticular formation significantly contributes to the complex symptomatology of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome through mechanisms involving impaired connectivity, autonomic dysregulation, sleep disruption, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairments. It’s pretty fascinating to see how the full spectrum of symptoms related to CFS/ME/SEID is influenced or linked to these dysfunction.
Current Therapies addressing RAS connectivity
Understanding therapies that may enhance RAS connectivity can provide new avenues for treatment. Here are some therapies currently being explored:
Pharmacological Interventions : There are immunomodulators, opioid antagonists, antidepressants, and other meds that can enhance neural connectivity through different mechanisms. Although they can be beneficial for managing symptoms, people with CFS often react strongly to medications and may need to avoid them. Also, the cost and availability of some medications can be a real issue for patients.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): While CBT primarily aims to alleviate distress associated with chronic illness, it may also help improve cognitive strategies and coping mechanisms and potentially improve the efficiency of neural pathways, including those involving the RAS.
Physical Rehabilitation: Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) has received criticism and is not commonly suggested as a main treatment anymore because of safety issues. However, personalized physical rehabilitation methods and alternative practices like Yoga, Tai Chi, and QiGong might improve physical fitness and autonomic function. These activities can also support RAS connectivity by boosting blood flow and activating the nervous system during exercise.
Nutritional Support: Nutritional support for neural connectivity is crucial for maintaining optimal brain function and overall health. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, has been shown to support neural health and connectivity. Other essential nutrients include vitamin D, B vitamins, and antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids. Adequate intake of these nutrients can support synaptic plasticity, neuronal function, and myelination, all of which are vital for neural connectivity and communication.
Mindfulness and Cognitive Training: Engaging in mindfulness practices and cognitive training exercises can enhance neuroplasticity, potentially allowing patients to strengthen existing neural connections or develop new ones that compensate for impaired RAS connectivity. These practices can improve attention, memory, and overall cognitive function.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Emerging evidence suggests that non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like TMS may enhance cortical excitability and connectivity in various neurological conditions. While research specifically targeting RAS connectivity in ME/CFS/SEID is limited, TMS could hold promise for improving cognitive functions by modulating brain network activity.
The Role of RANC in Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
New research indicates that non-invasive brain stimulation methods, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), might improve brain activity and connections in different neurological disorders. Given this,it seems plausible that RANC, as a form of the neuromodulation, could be beneficial in enhancing bodily functions by adjusting brain network activity.
In response to a question about using RANC as a treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the comments on the Nevrlogica Clinic YouTube channel, Dr. Ponomarenko replied:
…And to put it even more simply, almost all chronic diseases (with the exception of intoxications and the consequences of serious injuries) arise only due to the fact that neuroplasticity failures occur in the brain, against the background of various unfavorable factors. And by eliminating these failures, using the approach I have proposed, we have the opportunity to radically eliminate most chronic diseases. Of course, not all diseases are eliminated with equal success at the same time intervals, but if we talk specifically about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it is usually eliminated with two or three standard RANC courses. ..
Check out his detailed answer in the comments in the video below:
The RANC Method Advanages
The RANC method was developed by Dr. Andrey Ponomarenko and involves a series of intramuscular injections aimed at stimulating nerve centers in the brain. By applying painful stimuli through injections, RANC aims to excite specific nerve centers in the brain, thereby facilitating a “reset” of their functional activity. This reset is thought to restore and stabilize neural networks that regulate bodily functions .
Compared with conventional treatments for CFS, RANC is non-farmacologic, non-invasive, and does not require long-term application. RANC offers a more holistic approach by targeting the CNS’s role in disease manifestation rather than merely alleviating symptoms.
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness: The method is designed to be accessible and cost-effective, making it suitable for a wide range of patients, including those in rural areas. Its simplicity allows for broader implementation in various clinical settings. Dr Ponomarenko freely shares his method with all interested collegues: https://nevrologica.ru/en/about/access-doctor.html
I have no secrets, – says Andrey Aleksandrovich Ponomarenko. – Let my method know as many people as possible. Then we can help more patients. I obtained a patent not to claim exclusive rights for myself, nor to prevent others from patenting it and restricting its use… I want to make my method available and commonly used… Moreover, I would really like RANC method to spread as far as possible. A doctor job – is a creative process that requires a lot of energy, so the wider this method is spread, the more people will have an access to a new level of medical care.
No Absolute Contraindications: RANC has no absolute contraindications, meaning it can be applied across different patient demographics without significant restrictions based on age or sex.
Empirical Evidence: Although more rigorous scientific studies are needed, anecdotal evidence and clinical observations suggest that RANC can lead to significant improvements in patients with chronic conditions, including CFS.
The RANC method Side Effects and Drawbacks
The RANC (Restoration of Activity of Nerve Centers) method, while generally considered safe, can lead to some side effects, particularly during the initial stages of treatment. Despite these potential side effects, there have been no reported cases of lasting health decline associated with RANC, and it is often regarded as more effective and safer compared to other treatment approaches for chronic conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Here are the specific side effects associated with the RANC method:
Temporary Malaise: Patients may experience a general feeling of weakness or malaise as their nervous system begins to respond to the treatment. This is often a temporary reaction as the body adjusts to the changes being induced.
Blood Pressure Surges: Fluctuations in blood pressure can occur, which may manifest as either increases or decreases. These changes are typically transient but can be concerning for some patients.
Exacerbation of Symptoms: In patients with pre-existing health issues, there may be a temporary exacerbation of symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment. This is thought to be a sign that the processes of reconstruction within the regulatory systems are beginning.
Individual Variability: The occurrence and intensity of these side effects can vary significantly among individuals. Generally, those with poorer health prior to treatment may experience a higher likelihood and severity of these side effects.
Side Effects Duration: Most side effects are expected to resolve within 2-3 weeks as the body adapts to the treatment.
The number of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients receiving treatment through the RANC method is relatively smaller compared to those with other functional diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain.
At this point, there are still only a few clinics around the globe that implement the RANC method, despite the fact that creating these clinics is relatively straightforward and does not require significant financial resources or a large staff.
Implementing the RANC method for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome introduces an innovative approach to understanding chronic diseases, concentrating on neuroplasticity and the dynamics of the central nervous system.This approach is non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive, short-term, and budget-friendly. It is important to conduct more research to prove its effectiveness and to fit it into larger treatment plans for chronic illnesses like CFS/ME/SEID. Enhanced research and wider application will significantly benefit patients with CFS and other functional diseases.
References:
https://meassociation.org.uk/2022/11/me-cfs-research-published-1-7-november-2022/
https://mediglobus.com/parkinson-disease-new-treatment/#ran_meth
https://nevrologica.ru/en/about/russian-method-ranc.html
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10816159/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5301046/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6787592/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6835065/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9134372/
https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/management/index.html
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.769511/full
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2023.1318094/full
https://healthunlocked.com/cure-parkinsons/posts/141035746/ranc-treatment
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/2/132
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835065/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs/treatment/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167876021009004
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213158216300584
Disclosure:
When you buy something we recommend, or from the company we recommend, we may get an affiliate commission — but it never affects your price or our choices.
Information on this blog is intended solely for informational purposes and may not be used as a substitute for professional treatment, advice and/or information.
