Electro Acupuncture

Electro acupuncture brings together the ancient practice of acupuncture with modern technology. Here’s how it works.

How does electro acupuncture work?
Electro acupuncture involves connecting acupuncture needles with small clips to a TENS device to deliver a gentle electrical current to the needles. As the current penetrates deep into the muscle, the therapeutic effect is increased compared to using needles or a TENS machine alone. Depending on the location and nature of the pain, the needles will be inserted either along an acupuncture channel, or across a muscle or joint.

What does it feel like?

As the current passes through the needles, a tingling, buzzing or pulsating feeling will be felt, either at the site where the needles are inserted or along the path that connects the needles. When connected across a joint, this sensation may be felt across the whole joint to the other side. You may also feel the muscles gently contract as the current is delivered through the needle. All these sensations are normal and should not be painful. The strength and frequency of the current will be controlled by your practitioner – therefore if you experience any pain during treatment, please do inform your practitioner so the strength can be adjusted to a more comfortable level.

What can it treat?

Electro acupuncture is most commonly used for muscle pain, tendonitis, arthritis, general joint pain or pain associated with scar tissue. 

Where Qi and blood stagnates and no longer freely moves, it causes localised pain at the site of stagnation.  As the electrical current that passes between the needles is stimulating, it encourages Qi and blood to move along the path of the current releasing the stagnation. It also attracts fresh blood to the area which reduces inflammation and allows for damaged tissue, muscles and ligaments to repair.