Electroacupuncture combines the principles of traditional acupuncture with electrical stimulation, using a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) type current to enhance analgesia. This technique has become an effective tool for pain treatment in various conditions.
Procedure and Application
During an electroacupuncture session, needles are inserted into specific points on the body, leaving the treatment point in the middle and aligning the needles. These needles can be placed independently or combined with other classical acupuncture points. Depending on the nature of the pathology, the frequency and intensity of the electrical current are adjusted. For acute pathologies, high frequency and low intensity are used to induce sedation, while for chronic pathologies, low frequency and high intensity are preferred for deeper stimulation.
TENS Currents and Parameters Used
The currents used in electroacupuncture are typically TENS type, featuring asymmetric biphasic rectangular pulse waveforms. Although the waveform can vary, the currents are commonly non-polar, with the cathode always acting as the stimulator. There are two main types of TENS: Western and Oriental, which share similar parameters but with different nomenclatures. The frequency of the current usually ranges between 1 and 5 Hz, with a pulse width of 50-250 ms and an intensity dosed in mA. Moreover, the current can be transmitted continuously or intermittently, with variations in parameters across different stimulation trains. At the Agupunt store, you can find various models of acupuncture electrostimulators.
In the Agupunt shop you can find various models of electro-stimulators for acupuncture.
Monopolar Stimulation and Uses
Monopolar stimulation involves applying a TENS current through a single needle. This technique can serve a dual purpose: diagnostic and therapeutic. In the diagnostic context, monopolar stimulation is used as a point finder, helping to identify the most sensitive or reactive acupuncture points. Agupunt also offers another option for identifying acupuncture points, which are the point finders.
In treatment, monopolar stimulation is employed to provide direct therapy at a specific point, thus expanding the therapeutic possibilities of electroacupuncture.
In summary, electroacupuncture offers a unique combination of traditional and modern techniques for pain treatment. With its ability to modulate analgesia through electrical stimulation, this technique continues to be a valuable therapeutic option for a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.