Electro Acupuncture

Acupuncturist using electroacupuncture to treat a patients shoulder pain

What Is Electroacupuncture?

Acupuncture, a centuries-old alternative medicine, is increasingly being paired with electric stimulation (also known as electroacupuncture or electrotherapy). This modern enhancement uses small electrical impulses applied to acupuncture needles, offering a wide range of benefits such as improved circulation, enhanced pain relief, and accelerated healing.

One major benefit is the increased therapeutic effect. The electric impulses allow deeper penetration into muscle tissue, helping to break up adhesions, improve blood flow, and speed up recovery times. It also aids in relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting better circulation. Electroacupuncture is particularly effective for conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis, as well as providing anti-inflammatory effects and tissue repair.

Psychologically, electroacupuncture can boost the production of serotonin and endorphins, improving mood and reducing stress. Research also shows it can improve sleep quality and help alleviate anxiety associated with pain or mental health issues like PTSD.

The combination of these treatments offers a holistic, drug-free alternative to pharmaceuticals, allowing healthcare practitioners to treat multiple conditions simultaneously without side effects. This approach helps patients progress toward optimal health and wellness.

Benefits of Adding Electroacupuncture?

People have used this technique for centuries to treat various maladies and it has proven to be effective for many conditions. Studies have shown electroacupuncture to be beneficial in treating a variety of conditions, such as:

  • Chronic and acute pain, located internally or musculoskeletal in nature

  • Stress and muscle tension/spasm

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Hormone balancing

  • Fertility

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Insomnia

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Fibromyalgia

The use of an electrostim device is one of the most common methods for performing electroacupuncture. The electrostim unit is placed over the targeted tissues with two or more electrodes attached to acupuncture needles. The electrodes send small electrical pulses through the needles and deep into the tissue. It will help to relax tense muscles, ease pain levels, increase circulation in the area being treated, and promote general well-being. This process, known as electroacupuncture, has been shown to effectively block pain by activating bioactive chemicals in the body through the use of a small electric current, targeting specific points on the body’s spinal cord.

Side Effects Of Electroacupuncture

Common side effects include temporary tingling or achy sensation at the site of stimulation, as well as slight redness of the skin. In very rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as nerve damage. Other rare risks include low blood pressure, called hypotension, fainting, and vomiting during or after treatment. Patients can reduce the risk of these more serious side effects by ensuring they receive treatment from a qualified acupuncturist who has experience in performing electroacupuncture.

Adding Electroacupuncture For Fertility

Electroacupuncture can provide numerous benefits in fertility treatments and IVF procedures. Research suggests that electroacupuncture could be beneficial for many types of fertility issues, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Its effects on hormone levels and ovulation dysfunction make PCOS a common cause of infertility. Researchers have found that electroacupuncture treatments can help restore normal ovulation patterns and improve fertility in women with this condition. Additionally, focusing on reducing stress levels related to fertility challenges may also help improve outcomes during IVF.

Generally, having electroacupuncture is quite relaxing. During the session, many patients report feeling warmth or tingling sensations, indicating the restoration of free flow of oxygenated blood. Their treatments can offer a variety of positive outcomes to people interested in trying out electroacupuncture. Increased blood flow leads to improved overall health and wellbeing, and undergoing IVF procedures increases chances of conception success. Thus, those looking for alternative forms of natural therapy or complementary support during their fertility journey find it an attractive option. Furthermore, your acupuncturist does not want patients to worry about potential risks associated with electroacupuncture. Trained professionals who are knowledgeable in this field generally consider it safe. It is important to note that individuals with pacemakers are not recommended for electroacupuncture, and pregnant women should consult with their doctor before undergoing treatment.

Electroacupuncture During IVF Stimulation Phase

More and more people undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) are increasingly favoring electroacupuncture. In this type of acupuncture, practitioners use needles to actively apply electrical stimulation to specific points on the body. Doctors believe that this form of treatment improves outcomes during the IVF stimulation phase and thus increases the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. Electroacupuncture works by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow throughout the body. It also activates specific points that are associated with reproductive health and fertility. During IVF, this helps to increase the number of mature oocytes available.

 Researchers have shown that electroacupuncture can improve outcomes during IVF, including increased implantation rates and higher live birth rates. Not only does an increase in oocyte maturity contribute to this, but there is also an improvement in embryo quality. In some cases, researchers have found that combining electroacupuncture treatments with traditional Chinese medicine significantly improves these outcomes more than using either treatment alone.

Using electroacupuncture during the IVF stimulation phase may also decrease the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Other adverse effects associated with fertility drugs, such as headaches and nausea, are reduced by it. Fertility treatments can also help alleviate anxiety and depression, which are common for those undergoing them.

Using Electroacupuncture To Prepare for Implantation or IVF Transfer

Research has found that electroacupuncture prepares the uterus for implantation by reducing inflammation, relieving pain, regulating hormones, and increasing blood flow.

In 2019, researchers conducted one study which showed that women who received 10 weekly sessions of EA had significantly improved indicators of fertility. The treatment demonstrated increased egg quality, improved embryo development, increased implantation rates, and higher pregnancy rates after IVF compared to those who did not receive treatment. In 2020, researchers conducted another study and found that women who received EA treatment before IVF had a significantly lower risk of miscarriage compared to those who did not receive treatment. This statement suggests that there may be a protective effect against miscarriage during early pregnancy.

Furthermore, researchers have found that EA is also effective in reducing stress levels, which can often negatively impact fertility outcomes. In 2021, a study revealed that women who received EA treatments rated their stress levels significantly lower compared to those in the control group. Higher stress levels can hinder the creation of an environment conducive to implantation and pregnancy success. Higher stress levels can hinder the creation of an environment conducive to implantation and pregnancy success.

Frequency Specific Microcurrent For Pain

Our patients’ health is often improved by acupuncturists who use a different type of electro stimulation. Acupuncturists use frequency specific microcurrent (FSM) as a type of electrical stimulation treatment to manage acute and chronic pain. Frequency specific microcurrent (FSM) treats acute and chronic pain by using electrical stimulation. This is achieved by placing electrodes directly on or near the skin. It has been shown that stimulating nerve cells and altering their activity is an effective technique for reducing pain.

The benefits of using FSM for chronic pain management have been well documented in recent studies. Many studies showing significant reductions in intensity or even complete relief from symptoms after regular treatments. After receiving eight weekly sessions of FSC therapy over three months, one study found that the participants showed significant improvement. Patients experienced a 75% reduction in lower back pain intensity compared to those who did not receive any treatment at all. Other reports indicate that it can help with conditions such as migraines and nerve damage caused by diabetes. Additionally it can treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica.

What To Expect During FSM Treatment

With FSM treatment, each session typically lasts between 15-30 minutes, depending on the treatment area and the patient’s specific condition. During a session, an electrode is placed over the point being targeted and a small electric charge is applied for several minutes at a time. The intensity can be adjusted according to individual tolerance levels as needed.

Overall, frequency specific current therapy offers an effective alternative to more traditional forms of electrical stimulation treatments for managing both acute and chronic pain conditions. Unlike other treatments which rely solely on masking the sensation of pain without addressing its root cause, FSM focuses on targeting and alleviating the source of discomfort itself.  It provides long-term benefits for those suffering from persistent conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. In addition to its well-established safety profile and efficacy rates in clinical trials involving hundreds of participants so far. Overall this noninvasive treatment offers promising results for anyone looking for an effective solution to their ongoing issues with pain management.

What Is The Difference Between Using Electroacupuncture and FSM?

The primary difference between electrotherapy and FSM is their respective levels of effectiveness in addressing certain medical conditions. Electrotherapy provides less precise stimulation than FSM because it does not target specific tissues or bioelectric frequencies. Instead it stimulates all tissues indiscriminately with higher intensity currents. Electrotherapy benefits larger areas, vessels, and nerve pathways in the body. In comparison, FSM is much more precise due to its ability to match tissue frequency with exacting accuracy. This makes it ideal for those with a very specific chronic condition who needs ongoing care without increasing their discomfort level any further.

Both types of electrical stimulation have their pros and cons depending on the particular condition being treated or desired outcome sought after. It’s important for practitioners to evaluate each case carefully before deciding which therapy best suits their patient’s needs. Ultimately, it comes down to choosing a therapy that will provide comfort while still achieving optimal results in healing.