ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE

Benefits of E-Stim Combined with Acupuncture

 

We often recommend E-Stim in the following scenarios:

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• Chronic or acute musculoskeletal pain (back, shoulders, hips, knees)

• Tight or spasmed muscles that are resistant to manual acupuncture alone

• Nerve-related conditions (sciatica, neuropathy, post-injury nerve damage)

• Support for recovery from injury or surgery (to assist circulation, reduce swelling, promote healing)

• When traditional acupuncture has given good effects but additional stimulation may boost results

 

 

How does E-Stim Differ from a TENS Unit?

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It’s common to hear about TENS units (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) for home or physical-therapy use. While both TENS and E-Stim involve electrical currents, here are key differences when you receive E-Stim with acupuncture:

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• Application method: A typical TENS unit uses surface-pads placed on the skin; the current passes through the skin into underlying tissues. With electro-acupuncture, the electrodes are attached to the acupuncture needles themselves, which are already inserted below the skin surface. This allows current to bypass much of the skin resistance and deliver more direct stimulation into the tissue. 

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• Depth and target: Because the needles go through the skin, using E-Stim allows us reach deeper or more specific tissue layers and acupuncture points, rather than only superficial nerve endings.

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• More customized goals: A home-TENS unit is typically used for general pain relief by blocking pain signals or releasing endorphins. E-Stim with acupuncture may be adjusted more specifically (via frequency, intensity, duration) to stimulate nerves, muscles or specific acupuncture channels.

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• Precision in placement: When E-Stim is done by a licensed acupuncturist, the placement of the electrical current is more precise and tailored to your individual needs than a home TENS device may be.​​​

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​​Here’s what you can expect:

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1. Here in our clinic, we allow you one complimentary add-on with your acupuncture session, which includes electro-acupuncture. If E-Stim is a good fit for your condition, needles will first be placed at the appropriate points.

2. Once the needles are in place and you’re comfortable, we attach the small electrodes to selected needles and then turn on the electrical current.

3. The current is increased gradually until you feel a gentle buzzing, tapping, or mild muscle twitch (depending on the settings and goal). We monitor your sensations and ask for your feedback so the intensity remains comfortable and effective.

4. The electrical pulses help stimulate:

   • Local nerves and nerve endings (which may modulate pain signals)

   • Muscle fibers (helping relax tight muscles or promote activation in weak ones)

   • Circulation and micro-electrochemical activity (improving tissue health, reducing swelling)

   • “Qi” (energy) flow in the Traditional Chinese Medicine sense — the mild current encourages movement of stuck energy, alleviating stagnation.

5. After the set time (while you rest quietly on the table), the electrodes are removed, and the needles may remain for a few more minutes before being taken out.

6. You will likely leave feeling deeply relaxed or slightly energized, depending on the goal of the session.

 

 

​Is E-Stim right for you?

 

E-Stim with acupuncture is generally safe for most people. However, it may not be appropriate if you have:

• A pacemaker or other implanted electrical device

• Active epilepsy (please let us know if you have this condition)

• Pregnancy (unless cleared by your acupuncturist, in certain points)

• Very sensitive skin or a condition that prevents safe needle insertion or electrical stimulation
  If you’re unsure whether E-Stim is a good fit, schedule a consultation with our team and we’ll assess your medical history, goals, and preferences.

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