Electrical acupuncture
The application of a pulsating
electrical current to acupuncture needles as a means of stimulating the
acupoints, was developed in China as an extension of hand manipulation of
acupuncture needles around 1934.
It is described, though only briefly, in most
comprehensive texts of acupuncture. The procedure for electro-acupuncture
is to insert the acupuncture needle as would normally be done, and then attach an electrode to the needle to provide
continued stimulation.
Usually each needle is connected with an electrode or two needles can be joined at the handle and then attached to the electrode. Each two wires make an electrical circuit and then the proper frequency is selected. The practitioner then starts to increase the intensity of the stimulus to the maximum tolerance of the patient.
For paralysis and atrophy or induction of labour, usually continuous waves are used.
For pain usually intermittent or rise and fall waves are used.
Major applications of Electrical Acupuncture:
1- Severe pain syndromes i.e. knee pain, back pain or sciatica
2- Labour induction
3- Atrophy of muscles and paralysis