Electroacupuncture, benefits of acupuncture with electrostimulation

Electroacupuncture is a variation of acupuncture where a small electrical current is applied to the needles. It enhances results and is used to treat chronic pain, reduce anxiety, stimulate vital organs, and some acupuncturists practice it for weight loss.

What is electroacupuncture

It is a therapy that combines two methods of treating the human body. It merges traditional acupuncture with electrostimulation, and although it is similar in some ways to percutaneous electrical neurostimulation (PENS), it is different.

By transmitting currents through the acupuncture needles, the patient improves their well-being and health. It activates the points and meridians, easing pain and relaxing discomfort. It is highly effective for treating pain in rheumatoid and arthritic diseases.

Currently, there are different electroacupuncture techniques and ways to apply it. One involves needles, more in the conventional style, and the other eliminates the need for needles. Additionally, these techniques can be used for various aspects of a person’s health and well-being, so let’s explore the possibilities it offers.

Types of electroacupuncture

• With needles.
• Voll without needles.
• For weight loss.
• Bioenergetic.
• Ryodoraku.
• For depression.
• Anxiety.
• Facial paralysis.
• To calm pain.

By stimulating the same points, electroacupuncture or electronic acupuncture can amplify its results. Like traditional acupuncture, the needles are placed on strategic areas of the body. It can be applied generally or to a specific area depending on the session’s objective. Although the method without using stainless steel needles can also be applied.

Once the acupuncture needles are in place, small pins are attached to the device that will transmit electrical impulses at varying intensities.

Each person requires a different discharge intensity, so both the power of the discharge and the time interval it will be applied can be adjusted.

Voll electroacupuncture

It is based on the acupuncture meridians that encompass the entire human body. The Chinese tell us that the vital energy, called chi or qi, flows through channels called “meridians.” These are directly linked to vital organs and internal parts of the body. In total, there are 12 main meridians and 2 extra meridians.

When there is a mention of an energy imbalance, it means that the human energy is not circulating properly through these points, which can lead to various pathologies depending on the affected area.

Together with Voll acupuncture, Dr. Roger de la Fuye developed “electroacupuncture,” the alternative therapy we are discussing in this article, which initially aimed to be a pain-relieving method.

By combining this knowledge, Dr. Voll created a type of needle-free electroacupuncture, meaning detecting the meridians with a device called the “Voll electroacupuncture device” and then developing a method to apply it without the need to insert steel needles. This resulted in the following:

Currently, electroacupuncture is understood as the method of applying electrical currents without needles.

For weight loss

The good thing about this method, as we mentioned, is that it can be used for different purposes. In the case of a person who wants to lose weight, certain points in the ears can be used. These are localized energetic areas that, according to Chinese theory, will promote the release of energy, increase the release of certain hormones, and provide a positive reinforcement to lose weight with acupuncture and reduce pounds.

The use of filiform needles is similar. They are made of stainless steel, which is a good conductor, and the only difference is that in this case, the currents will only be applied during the session. The rest of the time, if needles are used, they can remain until they fall out on their own or be removed at that moment.

For chronic pain

What is proven is that it works for treating chronic discomfort and symptoms. Often, they arise from anxiety or depression, and others, like in the case of joints, from continuous wear. Electroacupuncture for chronic pain improves the quality of life for many people. But for this, continuous visits to the electroacupuncturist are needed.

Acupuncture sessions for pain relax the nerves that transmit sensations and can have an effect lasting one or two weeks. It varies depending on the type of pain, the person’s tolerance, and the characteristics of the pathology.

Differences between electroacupuncture and acupuncture

• Use of electrical current.
• Two needles are used at the same time.
• It can be done without piercing using electrodes.

While in acupuncture a needle is inserted into the energetic point, in electroacupuncture, two are needed. One for each pole of the current. This allows it to penetrate the body and exit through the opposite pole.

In each session, many pairs of needles can be used. As many as the acupuncturist deems necessary. In modern therapies, electrodes are used on the energetic points or meridians. After 25 to 30 minutes, you will have been fully treated.

Similarities with electrostimulation

The theory of acupuncture states that illness appears when chi does not flow properly. So to provoke its flow, needles can be inserted into points throughout the human body. Electroacupuncture, in addition, uses electrical current to enhance the energy stimulus, something it shares with muscle electrostimulation.

Although they are different ways of treating the sick body, both treatments take advantage of the properties that low-intensity electricity has on the body. This is the basis of its operation, and by applying it properly, it can stimulate better to cure diseases.

Muscle electrostimulation focuses on improving muscle mass, while electroacupuncture targets nerve and energy points.

Benefits of electroacupuncture

• Decrease the frequency of migraines.
• Relieve chronic pain caused by arthritis and cartilage wear.
• Reduce pain during labor.
• Reduce anxiety when quitting smoking.
• Eliminate appetite when dieting.
• Avoid the risk of infection.

Although many of the effects are not tested by the WHO, many electroacupuncture clinics are available where you can try the sessions. One thing you should always keep in mind is that although it is a method of traditional Chinese medicine mixed with scientific innovations, it is an alternative method. Use it wisely and never replace pharmacological or medicinal treatment with electroacupuncture.