What is Electro-acupuncture?
Electro-acupuncture is a form of acupuncture in which a small electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles. It is used to help treat or support patients with: Allergies, Anxiety, Arthritis, Chronic pain (such as headaches, back pain, neck pain), Depression, Insomnia, Joint pain (including TMJ), Menstrual pain, Migraines, Nausea, Sciatica, Sinus congestion, Stress and anxiety, Tinnitus, Weight loss, neuropathy and more...
What does a treatment involve?
Initially an acupuncturist will examine you to evaluate your concerns and determine what type of treatment is specific to you. The acupuncturist will then inset hair thin needles into the skin. The needles are so thin most don't even realize that they've been inserted. Small electrodes are then attached to the needles, these are connected to a device that generates mild electric impulses. The frequency and intensity may then be adjusted depending on the condition being treated. The patient then rests usually for 15-20 minutes then they are removed.
How does it work?
The electro-acupuncture stimulates increased local blood flow to flush out pain chemicals and bring in healing chemicals to the local area, releasing natural pain killers and endorphins ('feel good' chemicals) that calm the nervous system to prevent pain signals and encourages relaxation. Electro-acupuncture creates ion channels that allow positively or negatively charged ions in and out of cells and increases ATP availability thus increasing healing rates producing stronger scar tissue and antibacterial effects. It has been found to improve pain levels including those in patients with acute injury, post surgical wound healing, tendon repair, plantar fasciitis and rheumatoid arthritis, Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, hyperactive bladder symptoms [in the form of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation], improve function in spinal cord injuries and neuropathy.
What about side effects/risks?
Acupuncture does involve needles puncturing the skin as such side effects they may include mild bruising, slight bleeding after needle removal, or some surface soreness where the needles were located (which should dissipate within a few hours).
To minimize risk your acupuncturist has undergone 4 years of supervised clinical training including in depth anatomy study to ensure proper placement and prevent risks from poor location of needles additionally they will use sterilized needles and clean needle technique to decrease risks of infection.
If a patient has a bleeding disease, like hemophilia, has a metal allergy, or has an infection in a treatment site, they will be asked to consult their medical doctor before acupuncture treatment.
Due to the effects of some acupuncture stimulation, pregnant patients should ensure the acupuncturist is aware before treatment.