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Electroacupuncture – Restore Health and Well Being

Electroacupuncture benefits at the Hatfield Practice

What Is Electroacupuncture?

Electroacupuncture is an effective modern variation of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture that can reduce pain and restore health and wellbeing. Electroacupuncture treatment involves using an electro-machine to produce a tiny electric current passed between pairs of Acupuncture needles to enhance the benefits of treatment. In recent years, Electroacupuncture has become extremely popular.   Research indicates that treatment can stimulate the release of compounds such as endorphins from the nervous system. These internal opioid compounds can have many far-reaching positive effects, including deep relaxation, anxiety relief, and general wellbeing, and seems to help reduce blood- pressure.

What happens during the treatment?

The practitioner starts by placing needles into the same Acupuncture points. An electroacupuncture machine is used, and the practitioner will gently attach a small electrode to the needles. A small electric current is then gently run through the electrode placed on the needle. The electrical current flows into the body sometimes as a slight vibration or hum. Simply put, Electroacupuncture is used to stimulate muscles and nerves effectively. Electrotherapy Acupuncture treatments may be more effective because the electrodes can activate the Acupuncture points much more effectively. The therapy enhances and provides the right amount of stimulation throughout the entire treatment. Almost as if the Acupuncturist was manipulating the acupuncture point with their hands during the whole session. 

Electroacupuncture may relieve pain by stimulating the release of relaxing, pain-relieving neurotransmitters and chemicals involved in the communication between nerve cells. The response triggers pain relief and other recovery mechanisms.

During the consultation, the Acupuncturist uses two or more needles simultaneously, and currents travel from one of these to another. One benefit of Electroacupuncture is that the current stimulates the nerves and muscles over a much larger body area than traditional acupuncture needles. The treatment can cover larger areas of your body than Traditional Chinese Acupuncture. This ability may make this type of Acupuncture more accurate than others.

Background of Electroacupuncture

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture was developed and based on ancient Chinese beliefs regarding Qi and its flow through the body. According to the Chinese view, Qi is the life energy that flows through every cell within the body. Qi is responsible for vitality, energy and good health. Traditional thought suggests that pain and disease are caused by disruptions in the natural flow of Qi through and within the body. 

See also  Deep Tissue Massage at The Welwyn and Hatfield Practice

Electroacupuncture remains a relatively new treatment and dates back to either 19th century Europe or 20th century Japan. The therapy is beneficial when there is a Qi blockage or build-up, and an extra push is needed to clear the obstruction.

As Traditional Acupuncture becomes, more westernised practitioners are considering further the effects on our anatomy and physiology. The positive effects of Electroacupuncture on pain relief, nerve endings, muscles and internal organs are important.

Further research is being carried out within the medical and traditional Acupuncture framework. It is essential to define how and why these treatments work clearly. Some studies point to Electroacupuncture as a valuable method of treating many conditions effectively. These include pain relief, muscle spasms, nerve and joint pain and nausea caused by cancer treatments. 

Are there any risks involved?

Fortunately, Electroacupuncture is an extremely safe technique that uses a small current during treatments. The current is too small for anything more than a tingling sensation and works harmoniously with Acupuncture treatments. Electroacupuncture is not recommended for patients with a history of stroke, heart problems, epilepsy or seizures. Patients with pacemakers would avoid Electroacupuncture treatment as even small-scale electrical stimulation can disrupt the pacemaker. If you are considering Acupuncture, you should ensure that the practitioner you employ has sufficient training and experience.

 

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