by Philp Babitsky

Created on: May 28, 2009

Electroacupuncture is an advancement over traditional acupunctural method of simply using needles to stimulate the qi along the meridians in the human body. In this process two acupunctural needles are attached to battery that delivers a continuous pulse of weak electric current between the two needles in order to stimulate the qi in order to bring specific balance in the meridians for maximum health benefits of the organ or limb. The needles effect is aided by the electric current to accelerate the healing effect of the needles in question.

The capacitors used to deliver the electric pulse are set up so that the electricity delivered is far below the level that can stop the heart. The continuous discharge of the capacitor produces a rhythmic pulse to stimulate the nerve plexis' in the area that is required to stimulate the qi in the specific ways. Since muscle contraction is due to electrical impulses delivered by the peripheral nervous system, the current is controlled by the practitioner, so that the patient does not convulse; and still be able to feel the electrical stimulation in the area of the body where the needles are placed.

Electroacupuncture is usually administered for no longer than 20 minutes due to potentialrisks involved from passing electric current into the body for prolonged periods of time. At first the patient feels powerful tingling, but eventually that feeling disappears as the nervous system gets used to the stimulii. Then all feeling of the electric current disappears and the practitioner increases the current ever so slightly. The reactions that practitioners look for are: twitching of muscle fibres, numbness, relaxation and decrease of pain. Usualy lower frequencies are used for the body and higher frequencies are used for the head.

Electroacupuncture reduces the need to perform continuous manipulation of the trigger points. Thus reducing the chances of inflaming or damaging any part of the body. This means that there are many benefits of electroacupuncture. They are:

The acupuncturist can perform more manipulations to more body parts, as the batter and the electric current that it produces tends to other parts.

The level of qi activation can be changed precisely with the turn of the knob, in order to change the frequency and currents used.

Allows the acupuncturist to relax and provide continuous treatment for prolonged effects.

This reduces the need to twist, pull and push needles, which reduces the risk of perferating any bodyparts, causing inflamation or scarring.

Electroacupuncture is great for increasing the effect and intensity of the treatment. However, with any techonological aid there are certain risks. These are:

The insertion point of needles can cause some bleeding.

When a poorly trained acupuncturist uses the battery, there may be a slight electric shock felt due to excessive current and frequency that is too powerful to bare.

The apparatus may break down or jam causing irregular electrical pulses to be trasmitted that could shock the person, cause bruising, twitching and overstimulation from which the person may become more ill and lose their sleep.

Therefore, it is important that the acupunturist from whom the treatment is received, is well trained in acupuncture, electroacupuncture and knows what to do in emergencies.

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