Electro and Laser Acupuncture

Electro-What?

Electroacupuncture is the use of electrical current to stimulate acupuncture points. It may be performed with or without needles. When used with needles, the needles are inserted in the same way as they would be used for acupuncture, then tiny alligator clips are attached to the needles which are connected to the electrostimulation unit. The unit is turned on, and the current adjusted until the correct stimulation is obtained. When used without needles, either a metal probe or an electrode pad is held against the skin at the point to be stimulated. The probe or electrode is attached to the electrostimulation unit which is turned on and adjusted as when needles are used.

Energy Waves

There are several different wave forms, frequencies and current strengths which are used in electroacupuncture. Whether on the needle or not, the current from the electrostimulation unit is passed through the skin into the acupuncture point. The current stimulates the point, much the same way as continuous hand manipulation of the needle stimulates the point. Stimulation moves qi more strongly, and is especially useful for pain relief. Microcurrent (current strength in the range of micro-amps) is useful in improving circulation and facilitating tissue regeneration. It is believed that microcurrent helps cells to produce ATP (the substance needed as energy to fuel all of a cell's activities), which in turn helps to improve tissue function. It is now being used by medical doctors to facilitate healing of complex fractures and other bone damage. Milliamps is the current strength used by TENS, iontophoresis, and most other electrical modalities used by chiropractors and physical therapists. This level of current is useful for reducing muscle spasms and for pain relief. It stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain reliever, and is the current used for dental anesthesia with acupuncture.

Will I be Zapped?

If electroacupuncture is used in conjunction with needles, the needle would be inserted in the same way as for regular acupuncture. Tiny alligator clips are then attached to the needles, and the unit is turned on and the current slowly increased until the patient feels a tapping or tingling sensation at the point. The current is then increased again until the sensation is as strong as the patient is willing to tolerate. With milliamp currents, the muscle tissue under the needles may twitch with the current. This is considered to be a desirable effect, and while strange in sensation, should not be painful. Most patients report a strong tingling or tapping sensation at the points, which may remain local or travel along the effected channel.

With microcurrent treatment, the stimulation should be sub-sensory. This means that all but the most sensitive of patients will have no sensation at the point as a result of the stimulation.

Electroacupuncture can be used without needles as well. In this case, the points are stimulated via a probe which touches the surface of the skin. Fewer points may be treated at the same time, but treatments are virtually painless, especially if microcurrent is used. This is an ideal way to treat very sensitive patients and children.

How well does it work for pain?

Electroacupuncture is one of the most effective ways to relieve pain with acupuncture. Similar effects may be derived from hand stimulation of the needles, but this requires constant attention from the practitioner, and most practitioners are able to hand stimulate only one point at a time. It is difficult for most practitioners to stimulate a point consistently for a long period of time. Electroacupuncture allows for continuous stimulation of several points, allowing a stronger and longer lasting treatment. In patients who are receptive to this type of treatment, pain relief may last for several days to several weeks. Electroacupuncture is the style used most frequently for dental anesthesia through acupuncture.

Laser Acupuncture

LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY is the application of infra-red light to injured or damaged tissues to promote healing and give pain relief.

LASER ACUPUNCTURE is the stimulation of specific skin points which transmit electrical impulses along nerves to the spinal cord and brain, resulting in healing and general improvement in health and well being.

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in China, although the Western world did not learn about it until the 1970s. The ancient Chinese believed that Qi ("chee") or life energy flows through the acupuncture channels or meridians to maintain homeostasis - a healthy balance - within the body. Stimulation of points along these meridians promotes healing to restore that healthy balance.

Today we can combine the benefits of Western knowledge with these Eastern techniques, and we can now use laser rather than needles.

The laser not only gives the acupuncture effect, but also has its own anti-inflammatory effect on the tissues. Low level laser has a photochemical (not thermal) effect on the cells. The light energy is absorbed by the cell and converted to chemical energy. Cell function improves, allowing healing to take place. Enzymes such as endorphins and serotonin are released to give further pain relief.

The advantages of low level laser are: it is a painless, drug-free treatment; it can be used concurrently with other forms of therapy; it has an insignificant effect on normal healthy tissue; it can be used immediately after an injury; it does not interfere with pacemakers, metal implants, etc.; and it can be used over artificial joints.

Laser has no known side-effects, although special care is used near the eyes and with pregnancy or cancer.

Acupuncture can be used for many conditions because it promotes pain relief, healing, reduction of inflammation, boosts the immune system and improves general health.

Because most conditions have been present for a considerable time before acupuncture is considered, an instant cure will not occur with one treatment.

Some patients will notice a temporary improvement after the first treatment.
Most patients will notice gradual improvement after 2-3 treatments, with more marked improvement with each subsequent treatment.

Occasionally a mild reaction may occur after the first treatment, in the form of a temporary flare-up of pain, muscle spasm or headache. This usually settles within 24 hours and can be relieved with simple analgesia, e.g. Panadol. It does not usually recur with subsequent treatments.

The usual regime for laser therapy is 1 to 2 treatments per week for 2 to 3 weeks. Significant improvement usually occurs within 6 treatments. Mild conditions may need fewer treatments, severe conditions may need up to 10 or 12 treatments. Some chronic conditions may require weekly or booster treatments over a longer period.

Laser Acupuncture Article

Emg analysis after laser acupuncture in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Implications for practice.

Thu, 07/15/2010 - 9:14pm

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2010 Aug;16(3):158-160

Authors: Hotta PT, Hotta TH, Bataglion C, Bataglion SA, de Souza Coronatto EA, SiÃ©ssere S, Regalo SC

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of low level laser applied to acupuncture points of patients diagnosed with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Ten patients aged between 20 and 50 years were clinically examined with regard to pain and dysfunction of the masticatory system. They received laser applications (GaAlAs diode laser, 780 nm wavelength; 70 mW power output, 35 j/cm(2)) in acupuncture specific points (Ig4, C3, E6, E7) once a week, for ten sessions. The range of jaw movement was registered after each session and visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied. Results were analyzed (SPSS-15.0-Chicago) during the comparison, before and after treatment. Statistical tests showed significant improvements (p < 0.01) in painful symptoms and electromyographic activities of masseter muscles in maximal habitual occlusion after laser applications but no significant improvements (p = 0.05) in measurements of mandibular movements. The laser therapy in specific acupuncture points promoted improvement of symptoms and it may be used as complementary therapy for TMD.

PMID: 20621277 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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