Electroacupuncture was developed in China around 1934. Acupuncture needles are inserted and then are attached to a device that generates continuous small electric current using small clips. All waveforms and frequencies are claimed to be of value in promoting circulation of qi and blood alleviating musculoskeletal issues, such as sciatica, and shoulder pain.
The devices used to adjust the frequency and intensity of the impulse being delivered, depending on the condition being treated. Electro-acupuncture uses a pair of needles at a time so that the impulses can pass from one needle to the other. Several pairs of needles can be stimulated simultaneously for 10 – 30 minutes at a time.
Electroacupuncture has been shown to be especially beneficial in cases with chronic qi stagnation or where the qi is difficult to stimulate. According to Chinese literature, especially good results are expected from the electro-acupuncture treatment of neurological diseases, including chronic pain, spasm, and paralysis.
The benefits of using electrical stimulation are:
- It substitutes for prolonged hand needle manipulation providing a continuous even wave stimulation.
- Electro-acupuncture helps reduce total treatment time by providing continuous stimulus.
- It is easy to control the frequency of the modality, and it can be customized to produce a stronger current as needed. Strong simulation many be needed for difficult cases of neuralgia or paralysis.
Electroacupuncture is a non-invasive technique with therapeutic actions by using a gentle electrical current in conjunction with acupuncture needles to stimulate acupuncture points and enhance the qi.
