Electro -
Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture is the application of a pulsating electrical
current to acupuncture needles as a means of stimulating the acupuncture points.
Electo- or Electronic Acupuncture was developed in China as an extension of hand manipulation of acupuncture
needles around 1934.
The benefits of using electro-stimulation in conjunction with
acupuncture include:
Electo-acupuncture substitutes for prolonged hand manipulation, assuring that
the proper the amount of stimulation is delivered. Extended hand manipulation
can lead to the practitioner pausing due to fatigue.
Electro-acupuncture can produce a stronger level of stimulation, if desired,
without causing tissue damage associated with twirling and lifting and
thrusting the needle. Strong stimulation may be needed for difficult cases of
neuralgia or paralysis.
It is easier to control the frequency of the stimulus and the amount of stimulus
than with hand manipulation of the needles.
More classical style acupuncturists shy away from electo-stimulation
since they do not feel the machine can replace the energetic connection and adaptation of technique provided by an
experienced practitioner.
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