Electro Acupuncture - What is it?

 

 

 

 

Hi,

If you want to know a little more about electro acupuncture then read on.

 

Electro acupuncture has its origins in traditional acupuncture and uses the same points, but it is a relatively new treatment . It is another form of complementary therapy that is becoming increasingly popular as it can be used to treat many different conditions.

During a session of electro acupuncture, needles are inserted in to the body at specific points, these are then attached with clips to a machine which generates electrical pulses. The device also controls the frequency and intensity of the impulses, which is adjusted according to the condition being treated. Two needles are used together allowing the impulses to pass from one to another, and several pairs can be used at the same time. A variation to this is a TENS machine which works on a similar principal but without using needles.

The aim of electro acupuncture is to stimulate the body's healing processes by sending these electrical impulses through the channels, muscles and nerves. According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, illness is caused when the qi doesn't flow properly around the body. The acupuncturist will determine why the qi is out of balance to establish the points to be stimulated. Electro acupuncture is most commonly associated with pain management and as a treatment for neurological disorders, acne and acute nausea . There is also some evidence that the electrical stimulation of acupuncture points activates the endorphin system, which could reduce heart disease and lower blood pressure

A treatment will last for no longer than 30 minutes and during a treatment a tingling sensation may be felt due to the electrical current. Some minor bruising or bleeding may occur as a result of a needle hitting a small blood vessel.Patients with a history of seizures, epilepsy, heart disease or strokes, or patients with pacemakers are not suitable for electro acupuncture treatments. It is aslo recommended that with a treatment where needles are connected to an electrical current, that the current should not travel across the midline of the body , and should not be performed on the patients head, throat or heart.
Thanks for reading,

Steve.