Electro-Acupuncture

Electro-acupuncture - also known as Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) - is a form of acupuncture where a small electrical current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles. 

Electro-acupuncture is a modern technique which augments the use of traditional acupuncture.  

Needles are inserted on specific points along the body, and then the needles are attached using small alligator clips to a unit that generates continuous low-voltage, low amperage electrical pulses.  Variable frequencies and intensities are used, depending on the condition(s) treated, however generally we favor low frequency stimulation (1Hz to 4Hz) as the available scientific evidence supports these low frequencies as being most effective.  Several pairs of needles can be stimulated simultaneously, typically for 20 to 30 minutes.  This stimulation replaces traditional hand manipulation techniques used especially for painful conditions and excess accumulations of the traditionally known "Six Pathogens."

Following the principles of Chinese medicine, pain or illness is caused when Qi and Blood does not flow properly throughout the body.  Electroacupuncture is considered to be especially useful for conditions in which there is an excess accumulation of Qi in a confined area - such as with acute or chronic pain - or in cases where the Qi is systemically stagnant, and therefore difficult to stimulate.  Quite comfortable, electro-acupuncture is a wonderfully effective addition to treatment which can improve the free-flowing of Qi and Blood, resulting in less pain and inflammation, improved mobility, and enhanced vitality and well-being.