Procedure

“Accupunture today”, a trade journal for acupuncturists states that electroacupouncture is quite similar to traditional acupuncture. Stimulation points are the same and just like in traditional acupuncture, the needles have to be inserted all along the specific points of the body.

These needles are attached to the device that generates pulses that are electric in nature by making use of small clips. These devices can also be used to modify the frequency as well as the intensity of the impulse. This is determined based on the condition the patient is being treated for.

Electroacupuncture requires compulsory use of two needles as the current has to passes from one needle to the other. Multiple needle-pairs can be used simultaneously stimulated but the duration should not be more than thirty minutes at a time.

This article also states that according to the TCM principle, a person falls ill when the qi in his body is not flowing in an evenly distributed manner; Acupuncturists identify the stimulation points by finding out whether the qi is weak, out of balance or stagnant.

Electroacupuncture is very effective in conditions where there is accumulated qi as in chronic pain conditions or in cases where it is difficult to stimulate the qi.

Electroacupuncture is commonly known as EA, and also generally referred to as electrotherapy. This procedure is used as a replacement for manual stimulation of the accupoints.

Apart from this, electroacupuncture is also applied using the neurophysiological model. This means that practitioners who use the traditional acupuncture points also try to induce a therapeutic response by mapping neuronal pathways and cutaneous and spinal distributions.

Quick acting analgesia is achieved by applying high frequency electroacupuncture. This is done by using the segmental theory thereby blocking the pain signals from reaching the mind.

The analgesic effect causes the release of beta endorphins and enkephalins and is long lasting. Body mechanism is thus harnessed and utilized to control the pain and also provide relief from pain and suffering.

Apart from pain relief, electroacupuncture is also used for treating muscle dysfunction and musculoskeletal trauma. These are injuries caused by over use like spasms, sprains and dysfunction. Electroacupuncture is also increasingly used for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.