Electro-acupuncture is the term used to apply a pulsating electrical current to acupuncture needles to acupuncture points on the body. The current is usually 40-80 volts. However, no current is transmitted through the body— there is only enough stimulation for the patient to feel a slight pulsating sensation. A typical treatment session usually lasts between 10 and 20 minutes.
❤️ The Benefits of Electro-Acupuncture
While electro-acupuncture may be used as a component of almost all acupuncture treatments, it has outstanding results regarding treating neurological diseases, chronic pain, spasms, and paralysis. Also, holistic sports medicine commonly uses electro-acupuncture for injuries.
Electro-acupuncture has a more significant effect than a TENS machine for several reasons. Firstly, a TENS machine is placed on the skin’s surface and electrified, but electro-acupuncture benefits are piercing through the skin and going deeper into the tissue. The skin has a natural electrical resistance, as does bone and fat. However, muscles and nerves have less resistance allowing the electrical current to have a more significant effect when it travels through the needle and into the muscle tissue. Secondly, Different types of electrical current can be run through the acupuncture needles. For example,
- Micro-current is a millionth of an amp that is too low to cause a muscle twitch or nerve response but has specific profound effects on a cellular level. Different electrical currents can be used for particular purposes, such as repairing connective tissue tears, muscle strains or ligament/tendon damage.
- Milli-current is also used in electro-acupuncture and TENS machines. Instead of affecting the cells, it has broader effects on the muscles and fascia. Still, again only electro-acupuncture can get deeper into the tissue into the affected area. Milli-current is best used to strengthen muscle, improve local circulation and relieve pain.
📍 Who should not get Electro-Acupuncture?
Electro-acupuncture is contraindicated for pregnant or patients who experience seizures. Also, patients with pacemakers should not receive electro-acupuncture.
In conclusion, like its traditional complement, electro-acupuncture produces no significant discomfort while providing considerable symptom relief — sometimes in a single session, but more frequently for multiple sessions. The acupuncturist can evaluate your current symptoms, medical history and state of health to determine whether you're a good candidate for this particular healing technique.