Erbil Polytechnic University Subject :physical therapy intervention

Erbil Health and medical Stage : Second / forth Semester

Study Year : 2021-2022
Technical College
Physiotherapy Department

electro acupuncture therapy

Superviser:
Mr. Sardar

Prepared by
Nawsherwan Nazm
Abdulrahman Star
Zaid masoud
Outline
 What is Electro acupuncture?
 What do people use it for?
 How does it work?
 What happens during a session?
 How effective is it?
 Can it cause any side effects?
 Are there any risks?
 Absolute Contraindications
 Relative Contraindications
What is it?
Electro acupuncture is similar to acupuncture, a widely practiced form
of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Electro-acupuncture is an addition to acupuncture therapy whereby an
electrical current is run from an electro machine through connecting
cables and attached to the heads of acupuncture needles to assist in
stimulating the muscle/fascia
How does it work?

Electro acupuncture uses the same principles and

pressure points as the traditional needling method,
but it adds a micro current to the needle. Practitioners
adjust the frequency of the current and the number of
electrons that flow through the wire to the body.
Besides working through pressure points, the therapy also
taps into your nervous system. “Low frequency electro
acupuncture is associated with a greater output of
endorphins from the nervous system,”
[These endorphins] circulate in your bloodstream longer,
providing an extended period of pain relief compared to
acupuncture alone.” The neutrons traveling throughout
your body can also provide better tissue healing and wound
repair.
What do people use it for?
Aupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases
and conditions, including:

 pain
 Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting
 Dental pain
 Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines
 Labor pain
 Low back pain
 Neck pain
 Osteoarthritis&arthritis
 Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis
 stress
 tinnitus
What happens during a session?

Electro acupuncture is typically done by an acupuncturist. Here’s what a session might look
like:

Your acupuncturist will evaluate your symptoms and select points for treatment.
They’ll insert a needle at the treatment point and another needle nearby.
Once the needles are inserted to the correct depth, your acupuncturist will use electrodes to
connect the needles to a special electroacupuncture machine.
After the electrodes are attached, they’ll turn on the machine. Electroacupuncture machines
have adjustable current and voltage settings. Low voltages and frequencies will be used at
first, though your acupuncturist may adjust the frequency and voltage of the current during
treatment.
The electric current pulsates, alternating between the two needles.
A typical session might last between 10 and 20 minutes, which is less than the average
acupuncture session.
How effective is it?
Electro acupuncture is fairly new treatment, so there isn’t much
evidence to support its effectiveness for different uses.

Still, a handful of studies suggest that it may provide some relief from
chemotherapy side effects, arthritis, and acute (short-term) pain.
Can it cause any side effects?
As with standard acupuncture, electro acupuncture can cause a few side effects for certain
people.

These might include:

 mild nausea
 dizziness, feeling faint, or fainting
 pain or light bleeding when the needle is inserted
 redness or bruising at the needle site
 infection at the needle site, though this is rare when single-use sterile needles are used

If the tingling or vibration of the electric current causes discomfort, tell your acupuncturist
right away. If the voltage is too strong, the sensation could become unpleasant. Electric
shock is possible, but it’s rare if your acupuncturist is trained and the machine is working
properly.
Are there any risks?
Electro acupuncture is generally very safe if done by a skilled provider. However, if it isn’t
performed correctly, electro acupuncture can cause internal injuries or even electric
shock.

In addition, you shouldn’t try electro acupuncture if you:

 are pregnant
 have heart disease
 have had a stroke
 have a pacemaker
 have epilepsy
 experience seizures
It’s generally recommended to talk to your doctor before trying a new treatment,
especially if you have any underlying health issues.
Absolute Contraindications:

They state that absolute contraindications to be:

1. The use of points LI 4; SP 6; UB 60, 67 and sacral foraminal points B 31, 32, 33,
34 during pregnancy.
2. The use of acupuncture with patient who have uncontrolled movements.
3. The needling of and oedematous limb at risk of lymphoedma
4. Areas of spinal instability where as the result relaxation of the surrounding
muscles could potentially give rise to spinal cord compression.
5. The needling of scars, keloid, recent incisional wounds or skin with sensory
deficit.
6. The needling of intracapusular points if the patient is on anticoagulant therapy
or is a haemophiliac.
Relative Contraindications
And relative contraindications to include:

 Acute stroke
 Patients with cancer
 Areas of poor skin condition
 Diabetic patients
 Patients with epilepsy
 Hemophilia or other clotting disorders
References:
White P. A background to acupuncture and its use in chronic painful musculoskeletal conditions.
Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health. 2006; 126(5), 219–227.

Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, www.aacp.org.uk, (accessed 18th July

2020)

Ulett, G.A., Han, S. and Han, J.S., 1998. Electro acupuncture: mechanisms and clinical
application. Biological psychiatry, 44(2), pp.129-138.

Chou R, Qaseem A, Snow V, Casey D, Cross JT, Jr, Shekelle P, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of
low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and
the American Pain Society. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147(7):478–91. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-147-
7-200710020-00006. - DOI - PubMed