top of page
  • facebook
Search

What is Electroacupuncture?

Writer's picture: violaine vair-piovaviolaine vair-piova

Electroacupuncture, a contemporary adaptation of traditional acupuncture, emerged in the previous century. Within this treatment, a gentle electric current is transmitted through the needles. The objective of this current is to deliver heightened stimulation to the insertion points, with the goal of eliciting a significant physiological response.


Benefits of electroacupuncture:

  • Pain Management: Electroacupuncture is often used for pain relief. The electrical stimulation can help increase the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body, providing relief from various types of pain, such as chronic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and postoperative pain.

  • Muscle Spasms and Relaxation: The electrical stimulation can help relax muscles and alleviate muscle spasms. This can be particularly useful in conditions involving muscle tension and tightness.

  • Nerve Stimulation: Electroacupuncture helps stimulate nerves and improve nerve function. It's sometimes used to address neurological conditions like neuropathy.

  • Inflammation Reduction: Electroacupuncture has anti-inflammatory effects, which are beneficial for conditions involving inflammation, such as arthritis.

  • Nausea and Vomiting: Electroacupuncture has been investigated for its potential to reduce nausea and vomiting, particularly in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or experiencing morning sickness during pregnancy.

  • Stress and Anxiety: Electroacupuncture helps reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and supporting the body's natural stress-response mechanisms.

  • Improvement in Blood Circulation: The electrical stimulation enhances blood circulation, aiding wound healing and tissue repair.

  • Neuromuscular Rehabilitation: Electroacupuncture can be used in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs to help restore normal neuromuscular function after injuries.

Above schematic representation of the Mechanism of electroacupuncture on persistent pain (1)

Electroacupuncture enhances pain-relieving opioids in inflamed regions through two approaches:

1- Facilitating the movement of opioid-carrying cells to the area via sympathetic nerves.

2- Activating the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system, resulting in increased opioids at the site.

Furthermore, electroacupuncture reduces pain and soothes sensory nerves.


Take care of yourself!


Violaine


References:

There are several scientific articles that support the benefits of electroacupuncture.

1- Zhang R, Lao L, Ren K, Berman BM. Mechanisms of acupuncture-electroacupuncture on persistent pain. Anesthesiology. 2014 Feb;120(2):482-503. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000000101. PMID: 24322588; PMCID: PMC3947586.

2- Lv, Zt., Shen, Ll., Zhu, B. et al. Effects of intensity of electroacupuncture on chronic pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Res Ther 21, 120 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-019-1899-6

28 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentarios


bottom of page