What is electro-acupuncture?
Electro-acupuncture is the stimulation of acupuncture points with electric current using needles. The therapeutic goal is to promote the circulation of Qi and stimulate healing.
From a Western medicine perspective, electro-acupuncture works by stimulating muscles, and nerves, circulation of essential substances, nutrient delivery to damaged tissues, and removing inflammatory chemicals (Van Laethem, 2018).
How is it different from manual acupuncture?
With manual acupuncture, stimulation is brief and intermittent, only low frequency is possible, and intense manipulation risks tissue damage. Using electro-acupuncture, the patient can receive continuous stimulus for the treatment’s duration, and the stimulation frequency can be significantly higher (Van Laethem, 2018).
The effects of electro-acupuncture, in some situations, can be faster and more significant than manual acupuncture, and electro-acupuncture can be used for conditions that are not responding to traditional treatment – both acute and chronic (Van Laethem, 2018).
When should electro-acupuncture be used?
While electro-acupuncture can be used for a wide variety of conditions, it is excellent in treating neurological diseases, chronic pain, spasms, and paralysis (Dharmandanda, 2018). However, there are many variables to consider since the physiological response varies based on the EA device and the settings used.
When should electro-acupuncture be avoided?
In some situations, electro-acupuncture is inappropriate, such as in patients with pacemakers, epilepsy, heart conditions, active haemorrhage, fever, infection, or pregnancy (Van Laethem, 2018).
What to consider before using electro-acupuncture
It is crucial to consider the depth and angle of insertion because muscle contraction can cause needle movement. The current should also not pass across the chest to avoid cardiac incidents (Cummings, 2011).
The intensity, frequency, mode of delivery and pulse width can create different physiological responses, so it is essential to understand how to use this valuable tool properly.
If you are interested to learn the proper way to choose the intensity and frequency, as well as learning about the interactions of electro-acupuncture with certain medications, check out our course on TCM Academy, Electro-Acupuncture Theoretical Training.
Taking this course, you will understand the neurobiology of pain, learn cautions and contraindications, and how electro-acupuncture works.
