While acupuncture has been used as an effective medical practice for thousands of years, E-Stim (or electro) acupuncture is a fairly new – but equally effective – treatment. Originating in China during the 1930’s, E-Stim acupuncture involves the use of tiny electric currents, used in conjunction with traditional acupuncture needles and acupoints. As Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture have become increasingly popular in recent years, E-Stim acupuncture has proven to be a highly effective treatment for a number of illnesses and conditions.
Theories and Principles
The practice of E-Stim acupuncture is based on the same ancient principles and theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture:
Each person’s body contains a “qi” (life force), which travels through the body along certain meridians (or pathways).
There are points on the body which correspond to these meridians and help regulate them.
When these points are stimulated using acupuncture needles, the meridians are cleared, and the body’s qi is able to flow more freely. This results in the alleviation of pain and other conditions.
E-Stim acupuncture simply uses mild electrical stimulation at the needle points, which helps in the clearing of pathways. Think of it as acupuncture taken up a notch.
The Process of E-Stim Acupuncture
The first step of the process is the consultation with an experienced TCM practitioner. Once the patient’s health history and current condition have been discussed, a treatment plan will be recommended. Depending on the patient’s specific needs, thin needles will be inserted at certain points on the body. Tiny clips will then be attached to the needles. Each clip contains a small electrical current which further stimulates the acupoint connected to the medical condition.
Small electrodes gently stimulate acupoints.
The electrodes provide a mild vibration which stimulates the qi running through these specific acupoints. According to the basic principles of TCM, blockages and imbalances in qi pathways lead to illness. E-Stim acupuncture clears blockages and restores the balance of energy in the body, The process is completely painless, with many patients commenting on how soothing it feels. Because the treatment relies on electrodes to stimulate the acupoints, instead of the practitioner’s hand, electro-acupuncture sessions are often shorter than traditional acupuncture, usually lasting about 30 minutes.
What Conditions Can E-Stim Acupuncture Treat?
As with traditional acupuncture, E-Stim acupuncture can be used to treat a number of illnesses and conditions. Research shows that it is an effective treatment for the following:
Neurological disorders
Muscle spasms
Chronic pain
Nausea
Skin disorders
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Obesity
E-Stim acupuncture is painless and soothing, and like traditional acupuncture, E-Stim acupuncture is an individualized treatment. It will depend on your health history, your body, and the condition you would like treated, Once those things have been discussed, your TCM practitioner will design an E-Stim treatment that is best for you and for what ails you.
If you are interested in trying E-Stim electro acupuncture or are interested in any other aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine, book an appointment today by phoning 604-260-2713 or visit our location.