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What is Electro-Acupuncture?

Electro-acupuncture is the application of a pulsating electrical current to acupuncture needles as a means of stimulating the acupuncture points. Electro-acupuncture is similar to traditional acupuncture in that the same points are stimulated during treatment. As with traditional acupuncture, needles are inserted on specific points along the body. The needles are then attached to a device that generates continuous electric pulses using small clips that attach to the needles.

Electro-acupuncture has been effectively used as a form of anesthesia; as a pain reliever for muscle spasms; and a treatment for neurological disorders. There is also some evidence that electrical stimulation of acupuncture points activates the endorphin system, which could lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease.

Duration of standard treatment with electro-acupuncture is usually 10-20 minutes and rarely exceeds 30 minutes. Patients may experience a slight tingling sensation while being treated with electro-acupuncture, which is most likely due to the electric current stimultation.