By now, acupuncture is almost a household name; and, even if you haven’t
personally tried the brilliant Chinese Medicine technique, you probably know
someone who has.
As we know, acupuncture works by stimulating specific points near or on the
surface of your skin- acupuncture points- that have the ability to alter biochemical
and physiological conditions in your body.
But acupuncture’s lesser-known sister, electro-acupuncture, is also an extremely
valuable tool in a clinician’s bag of tricks.
Electro-acupuncture is an acupuncture technique that inserts needles on specific
points along the body (exactly like acupuncture). The two techniques begin to differ
when, during electro-acupuncture, the needles are attached to a device that
generates continuous electrical pulses using small clips. The devices are handy in
adjusting the frequency and intensity of the pulses being delivered.
Don’t worry: it’s not as scary as it sounds. The current used in electro-acupuncture
typically runs anywhere from 40-80 volts, however, no current is actually
transmitting through the body—there is only enough stimulation for the patient to
feel a slight pulsing sensation, and patients often describe the treatment to be very
soothing.
An advantage of electro-acupuncture is the ability to stimulate an area larger than
the needle itself, and is excellent for helping treat neurological disorders, spasms,
and chronic pain. More benefits of electro-acupuncture include the ability to
promote the flow of qi and blood, relieve pain, warm muscles, and improve
circulation.
As always, check in with your doctor and/or acupuncturist before beginning a new
treatment. Electro-acupuncture is not recommended for patients who have a history
of seizures, epilepsy, heart disease, or for patients who have pacemakers, and be
sure to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your practitioner before giving
this technique a try.
Ready to give electro-acupuncture a goal? Schedule your appointment with Dan
Hingle, the best acupuncturist in Los Gatos, CA at (408) 203-7516.