Electro-Acupuncture

Electro-acupuncture was developed in China as an extension of acupuncture around 1934. It is almost the same as traditional acupuncture only that after the needles are inserted into the specific acupuncture points, the practitioner, through small clips and wires, attaches the needles to a device which creates continues electrical currents (Selvaggio 2017). This device can set the frequency and the intensity of the electric currents that is given to the needles and therefore to the acupuncture point. In that way, the needles can provide continued stimulation to the acupuncture point enhancing the flow of the Qi. Therefore, our entire body can be better stimulated and balanced with the currents of electricity (Weil 2011).

​

The electrical current does not cause pain because it is gentle. However, the patients may feel tingling sensations. Patients that suffer from epilepsy, heart diseases or seizures should not try this method, and it should not be performed on the head or throat (Weil 2011). An experienced practitioner will definitely give each his or her patients a secure treatment with the correct amount of electricity without over doing it.

​

The benefits of this method are (Drinkut 2012):

​

• Stronger stimulation of the acupuncture point.

• The patients would receive the amount of stimulation that is needed

• Relieves arthritis

• Treats fertility and hormonal imbalances

• Relieves various types of pains such as the postsurgical pain

• Restore damaged nerves

• Improves the blood flow