The inventors of the Self-Controlled Energo Neuro Adaptice Regulation (Scenar) originally created it to treat Russian astronauts in space.

Scientists were asked to devise a way of treating health problems during space flights because, with urine being recycled as drinking water, taking drugs was out of the question.

The end result was a scanning system that could detect and treat health problems by working with the body's energy systems.

The machine has been nicknamed a Star Trek device because of its similarities to the machine used by Doctor McCoy in the series, but its inventors are serious about its uses.

Similar versions of the original machine are growing in popularity and there are now more than 300 Scenar therapists in the UK.

The inventors claim the device has been 80 per cent successful in treating numerous problems ranging from irritable bowel syndrome to skin complaints and poor circulation.

Tom Askew from Brighton has been using the Scenar for three years after working with one of the pioneering Russian doctors who helped develop the device.

He said: "The Scenar really is a revolutionary device and I have had remarkable success with most people I have treated."

The machine is believed to be able to heal health complaints through electrical current stimulation which encourages the body to heal itself.

The device is about the the size of a TV remote control. It is pressed on to the skin where the pain is and emits a low electrical current.

This triggers the body's natural and potent healing powers by creating a link between the brain and the part of the body that needs healing. The brain is kickstarted into releasing self-healing chemicals such as serotonin that speed up and enhance the rate of recovery of the illness or injury.

The patient gets a faint bee-sting sensation followed by a soothing sensation that kills any pain.

The idea is that the Scenar, having detected the problems, alerts the brain to the affected areas, reminding the body's repair mechanisms to finish the healing job it may have started but not finished.

Mr Askew said: "It has been very successful and the feedback I have had has been good.

"It can help with a variety of problems such as arthritis, headaches, injuries and various aches and pains.

"It is always worth trying out something different. It has been very impressive and people have been surprised at how well it has worked.

"We are learning more about it all the time. Sessions can range from dealing with a headache in a couple of minutes to having up to six sessions for more long-term problems."

The Scenar weighs approximately 300 grams, is 200mm in length and has an electrical contact at one end.

It runs off a 9V battery.

The device is run over the spine and abdomen or the infected area, recording the resistive response to its signals and using its sophisticated software to return a fresh signal.

The chemical compounds subsequently released by the nerves affect not only problem areas but circulate in the blood treating other areas of the body.

This goes some way to explaining how old and often forgotten problems are brought to the surface for treatment when the device is used.

Those who use the Scenar are keen to stress it is not a miracle cure and, although it has positive effects on many conditions, does not work in every case.

For example, if a person enjoys relief from pain after several treatments but continues eating a poor diet or doing little or no exercise, their problems may return.

Mr Askew said: "My view is that the machine is here and has had some excellent results.

"If people have long-term problems, they may want to try something like this.

"I have helped numerous people in the past including sportsmen and athletes who have all been delighted with the results."

For more details about Scenar therapy, call Mr Askew on 07961 068008 or email tom.askew@mail.com