What is Electro-acupuncture?
Electro-acupuncture is the use of electrical stimulation to acupuncture needles to enhance clinical results. Electrons are pumped into the body via a small battery-powered electro-stimulation device that attaches to the acupuncture needles with clips to provide constant, gentle stimulation. With electro-acupuncture, a signal is sent from the area treated to the brain, which causes a release of powerful neurochemicals – our body’s own medicines.
Specific frequencies and amplitudes of electric current (measured in hertz) are selected to achieve specific neurological changes. For instance, in chronic pain, one or a combination of frequencies may be used to produce anti-inflammatory effects (by stimulating cortisol), pain relieving effects (by stimulating beta-endorphins) and vasodilation (by stimulating norepinephrine). For patients with anxiety or insomnia, a specific electro-acupuncture frequency is used to stimulate GABA (a calming neurotransmitter which reduces anxiety and fear). With depression, we use a frequency to stimulate serotonin (our feel-good, happy neurotransmitter). As you can see, electroacupuncture helps our body to release its own medicines without side-effects or the need for pharmaceuticals.
What are the benefits of using electrical current?
When an area of the body is painful or diseased, it has a positive electrical charge. Positive electrons cause inflammation, pain and dysfunction, while negative electrons help the body to heal and are associated with healthy tissue. Using an electrical current, we can pump the negative electrons into the body to heal injuries 5x faster, reduce inflammation, stop pain and improve organ function.
How is electro-acupuncture different from regular acupuncture?
While in electro-acupuncture we use the same acupuncture points as regular acupuncture, the electric current stimulates a larger area of the body (the distance between the two clips), so it requires much fewer needles. Because the stimulus is greater, the needles don’t need to be left in as long, and most treatments only require a maximum of 20-25 minutes.
What does electro-acupuncture treat?
Electro-acupuncture can be used to treat a broad range of conditions to enhance your results and is most commonly used to treat:
· Chronic pain
· Arthritis
· Anxiety
· Depression
· Insomnia
· Paralysis
· Neuropathy
· Bell’s palsy
What should I expect to feel during an electro-acupuncture treatment?
Most people feel a slight tingling, buzzing, vibration or gentle pulsation at the site of the acupuncture points. The sensation from electro-acupuncture is quite comfortable and is actually very calming and relaxing. While results may be noticed during your session, the most dramatic improvements happen 24-48 hours following the treatment. For chronic conditions, a series of 10-30 treatments is required to achieve the most optimal benefits and long-lasting results.
Dr. Stephanie Bartolotti, DACM holds advanced certifications in EAM (Electro-Acupuncture Medicine) and provides electro-acupuncture treatments to the majority of her patients to help them achieve the best results possible. To learn if this treatment can help you, call us at 321-972-2940 to schedule your consultation and evaluation today!
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