Holistic healing with electro-acupuncture medicine (EAM)

What is electro-acupuncture?

Electro-acupuncture is a twentieth-century development of traditional Chinese acupuncture. Pairs of needles are connected to a small battery-powered device that sends a mild, pulsing current between them. The needles are the same thin, sterile, single-use needles used in regular acupuncture. Only the stimulation changes: instead of the practitioner turning the needles by hand, the device gives steady, even stimulation for the whole session.

How does electro-acupuncture work?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pain and illness are often described as poor circulation of blood and "qi". Acupuncture is used to encourage that flow at chosen points, and the current adds stronger, more continuous stimulation.

From a Western point of view, research, much of it in animals, suggests electro-acupuncture can influence the nervous system and the body's own pain-modulating chemicals, such as endorphins. Different frequencies appear to trigger somewhat different responses. Research in humans is still developing and results vary by condition.

Many people use it as a drug-free option alongside their medical care, especially for long-standing pain. Don't change any medication without talking to your doctor.

What do people use electro-acupuncture for?

People often come in asking about electro-acupuncture for:

• Chronic and acute pain
• Back and neck pain
• Headaches
• Muscle spasm and tension
• Sports injuries
• Golfer's elbow and tennis elbow
• Nerve pain and numbness
• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Fatigue

Whether it suits you depends on your assessment. For some people regular acupuncture is the better fit, and for others Dalibor may suggest adding current to part of the treatment. For related reading, see our articles on elbow tendonitis and peripheral neuropathy, and our page on headaches.

What happens during a session?

Five things shape each treatment.

1. Needle placement

Needles are placed at acupuncture points chosen from your TCM assessment and the area of pain, just as in regular acupuncture. Small clips from the device are then attached to selected pairs of needles.

2. Frequency

The device lets the practitioner set how many pulses per second (hertz) are delivered. Lower frequencies feel like a slow, rhythmic tapping; higher frequencies feel more like a steady buzz. The setting is chosen according to what is being treated.

3. Amplitude

Amplitude is the strength of the current. It is turned up slowly until you feel a clear but comfortable sensation, and adjusted during the session if needed.

4. Time

Because the stimulation is stronger and continuous, electro-acupuncture sessions are often shorter than the needle time in regular acupuncture. The current usually runs for about 10 to 20 minutes and rarely more than half an hour.

5. Dosing

The current reaches a wider area than the needles alone. As with regular acupuncture, one session is rarely the whole plan. We usually suggest a short course of sessions close together and then review with you what has changed before planning further visits.

What does it feel like?

Most people describe a gentle humming or pulsing feeling, and sometimes a small rhythmic twitch in the muscle near the needles. Many find it relaxing. The body tends to get used to the sensation within a few minutes, so the intensity may be adjusted during the session. You are in control: tell us if it feels too strong and it will be turned down straight away.

Who should not have electro-acupuncture?

Electro-acupuncture is not suitable for everyone. It is not used for people who:

• Are pregnant
• Have epilepsy or a history of seizures
• Have a pacemaker or another implanted electrical device
• Have a history of stroke or heart disease

Please also tell us about any medications, blood thinners in particular, and any other health conditions. Regular acupuncture without current may still be an option when electro-acupuncture is not. Acupuncture works alongside your medical care, so keep your doctor informed.

How do I find out if it suits me?

It starts with an assessment with Dalibor Covic, R.TCMP, including a pulse diagnosis. Your first visit is an initial examination ($110, about 60 minutes) followed by your first acupuncture treatment ($120). To read more about our approach, see acupuncture in Mississauga. You can book a first visit online or email info@aculosophy.com with questions.

Common questions

Does electro-acupuncture hurt?

Most people describe a humming, tapping or pulsing feeling. The intensity is kept at a level you find comfortable, and you can ask for it to be turned down or stopped at any time.

Is electro-acupuncture the same as a TENS machine?

They are related. A TENS unit sends current through pads on the skin, while electro-acupuncture passes it between acupuncture needles placed at specific points.

Can I have electro-acupuncture if I have a pacemaker?

No. Electro-acupuncture is not used for people with a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device. Regular acupuncture without current may still be an option.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Acupuncture works alongside the care you get from your family doctor. If your symptoms are new, severe or getting worse, see your doctor first.