Electroacupuncture: A Modern Twist on an Ancient Practice

While acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat various ailments, in recent decades, a new form called electroacupuncture has emerged, combining traditional techniques with modern technology. This innovative treatment offers unique benefits and applications in the field of alternative medicine.

How It Differs From Traditional Methods

While traditional acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, electroacupuncture takes this a step further. After needle insertion, a mild electric current is passed between pairs of needles. This stimulation can be adjusted to different frequencies and intensities based on the patient’s needs and comfort level.

At West Valley Chiropractic, registered acupuncturist Dr. Dave McNiff explained the unique effect of electroacupuncture:

With electroacupuncture, without injuring the person’s body, the electroacupuncture gives the brain the impression that the needle is going in and out of the body hundreds of times by simply vibrating the needle.
Dr. Dave McNiff

The Body’s Response and Healing Mechanism

This stimulation triggers a powerful response in the body. Dr. Dave shared this example:

“So what happens is the brain thinks, ‘Oh, this guy has chopped his arm off. We have to send as many painkillers, as many endorphins, as many things as we can to this site to repair it because otherwise he’s going to bleed and he won’t have an arm, etc.'”

This flood of endorphins and other healing compounds remains in the treated area even after the needles are removed, promoting healing over the following days. The technique effectively directs the body’s attention and resources to specific areas of concern.

Customizing Treatment for Individual Needs

One of the advantages of electroacupuncture is its versatility. Practitioners like Dave can adjust the treatment to suit each patient’s preferences and needs. Some key aspects include:

• Intensity of stimulation
• Duration of treatment
• Frequency of sessions
• Combination with other techniques