My acupuncturist wants to use Electroacupuncture, What is it and how will it help?E-Stim stands for Electrical Stimulation a technique that is also known as electroacupuncture. It sounds scary and archaic, but in fact, it is a modern form of healing used by practitioners of many different professions. Perhaps you may be familiar with a TENS unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), a machine used by many chiropractors and physical therapists. Electrical stimulation works in a similar way as a TENS Unit to stimulate the nerves and adjust the messages of pain that are being sent to the brain. However, because the electrodes are attached to needles which are inserted subcutaneously, electrical current is able to travel through the tissues without incountering resistance from the skin. Electrical stimulation has been used as far back as 2750 BCE, where archeologists have found stone carvings showing electric fish being used for pain. In 1757, Ben Franklin used an electrical device to treat frozen shoulder and post stroke paralysis. In the 1800's, a man by the name of Carlo Matteucci discovered that injured tissue generates an electrical current. However, it was not until the 1930's that there was published information on electroacupuncture in China. Today, acupuncturists use electrical stimulation to treat a variety of symptoms. Most commonly it is used to treat pain or muscle spasms, muscle atrophy, impaired joint or muscle function, poor circulation, inflammation or paralysis. While the description of connecting electrodes to needles which are inserted into the body conjures up images similar to that of a torture technique, rest assured; electroacupuncture creates a slight tingling or buzzing sensation in the local area. Practitioners are trained to properly adminster the therapy so that pain does not accompany the treatment. Depending on the placement of the needles and the desireable outcomes of treatment, painless muscle twitching may occur with the electrical impulse. Frequently, an improvement of muscle strength can be noted directly after a few minutes of electrical stimulation. Click on the following conditions to see research pertaining to electroacupuncture and it's effects: Fibromyalgia Infertility Depression and Anxiety Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome Knee Pain Tennis Elbow AuthorAllison lives and practices in the beautiful city of Missoula Montana. She is a licensed Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist and Chinese Herbalist. 6/21/2017 06:47:06 am
Accupuncture is a very successful treatment in treating pain in various body areas. I have undergone electro accupuncture for my back pain. I had 3 months sessions on weekly basis and I got rid of my back pain. 8/3/2018 09:33:29 pm
I've been dying to learn how to practice acupuncture! It's a good thing that you're offering it here, and I am so excited to see and learn from you. There may be technical words that will make the learning complicated, but I am willing to take a risk. It would require so much effort from me, and I am so much prepared for that! Please wish me well. I am sure, this is going to be a whole new world for me but I still want to want to enter it! 7/9/2018 09:24:24 pm
You did a great job of explaining all about electro-acupuncture. Wow, I never knew that this has been used as far back as 2750 BCE. Meaning, it is really that effective. I should have asked my husband so we can try this one time. 7/9/2018 10:09:52 pm
It's interesting to hear that electrical simulation can be traced back in the old days to treat conditions and paralysis that even acupuncturists are adapting to it to treat muscular conditions, psychological issues, and circulation. It seems to me that it is the modernized alternative medicine without relying to the medicines to restore the body's function. I have been diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome since 2007 which led me to rely on pills an other medications to regularly ovulate on a monthly basis. I know that I cannot rely to these medicine for so long as it might induce side effects in the long run and I am glad I read this post to consider another kind of treatment. I have to read more about this and consult a clinic or an expert that does this procedure to try it myself.
MissWerecat
8/20/2021 12:50:21 pm
Needles and TENS unit.... Mmmm sounds fun, but i doubt it would be usefull as medicine Comments are closed.
|
Details
Author
Andrea is a licensed Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist and Chinese Herbalist living and practicing in the beautiful city of Missoula, Montana. Archives
February 2020
|