What is Electro-Acupuncture?
Electro-acupuncture is the stimulation of the acupuncture needles with a low level electrical current. In this treatment, your acupuncturist will insert the needles as usual, and then attach a TENS machine to various needles across an area or channel. They will introduce a low level current until you begin to feel the sensations in the treatment area. It should not be painful, most people describe a light tingling, buzzing or warmth.
You might be thinking to yourself that this must be a relatively new addition to an otherwise ancient medicine. Incredibly, there are accounts of practitioners applying electricity to the body for muscle spasms and healing as far back as 400 BC! They did so by using electric rays, electric catfish and eels. What is a happy addition with modern technology is the ability to control the exact frequency of the current used in treatment, and no need to go fishing!
How does it work?
The electro machine connects the acupuncture points using a current. This is an effective treatment because it can stimulate an entire channel at one time, or an expansive area of the body which would be much harder with just the needles. It is more effective than a TENS machine alone, as instead of sitting on the skin, the connection to the needle allows the current to penetrate deep into the muscle and fascia.
As your muscles and fascia are electrical conductors, the current can stimulate repair in connective tissue, muscle tears and ligament damage. The current is very penetrative, so it can travel the whole way through the joint to the other side, reducing inflammation throughout. This is a much deeper treatment compared to other superficial techniques such as massage and acupuncture alone, as they cannot reach so internally. The electrical current promotes circulation and blood flow to the area, which reduces inflammation and promotes the body’s healing response.
Additionally, you may have heard of ‘free radicals’ as a source of disease in the body. Free radicals are positively charged molecules floating around in the body combining with things they are not supposed to due to their uneven charge. As the TENS machine passes a negatively charged current through the area, one theory is that these negative ions attach to free radicals, re-neutralising them. It is a compelling theory, and more research is being conducted in the area.
What is it used for?
Electro-acupuncture is most commonly used for:
- Neurological disorders and damage
- Muscle pain, tears and spasm
- Ligament damage and tendonitis
- Any pain and inflammation throughout the body
- Arthritis
- Chronic pain, fibromyalgia
- Chemo-therapy related nausea
- Paralysis
Electro-acupuncture is most effectively used in the acute stage of damage and pain. The sooner you area able to come for treatment after your injury, the most likely the success of the treatment.
What are the potential side effects?
The treatment should not be painful. If you experience any pain throughout the treatment, please let your practitioner know and they will be able to adjust or stop the current immediately. Most people only experience a sensation of tingling, buzzing, or warmth.
As a result of the strength and depth of this treatment, some may experience some dizziness or nausea during or after receiving electro-acupuncture. To avoid this it is important to eat a substantial meal before your treatment. It is also important to stay hydrated after your treatment to encourage blood flow and fluid to remove the toxins from your body.
Who should not receive Electro-acupuncture?
There are a few risks to introducing an electric current into the body. Your practitioner will ask you a few questions to exclude some patients with conditions contraindicated for this treatment.
If you have, or have had any of the following conditions, please let your practitioner know:
· Seizures
· Epilepsy
· Stroke
· Heart disease
· Pacemakers
· Any metal plate or screw placed in the body
Please also let your practitioner know if you are pregnant or trying to conceive as this may affect where the electro-acupuncture can be performed.
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If you are interested in trying Electro-acupuncture, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us or bring it up in your acupuncture appointment. If you feel acupuncture is right for you, you can book your appointment now.
The information in this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.