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Acupuncture Electro-therapy |
Electro-Acupuncture (EA) or Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS)In addition to manual stimulation, acupuncture needles may also be stimulated by electricity. Electro-acupuncture, also described as Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS), was first developed in China in the 1950s to provide adjunct anesthesia to reduce the amount of pharmacological anesthetics required during surgery. PENS is now recognized to have uses in physical rehabilitation (analgesia and nerve regeneration), and in substance-abuse treatment.
Electro-acupuncture stimulation enhances both the duration and intensity of acupuncture’s analgesic effects. Electrical stimulation of proprioceptive fibers provokes strong descending control through release of endogenous opioids. Beyond palliative effects, PENS analgesia interrupts pain/spasm cycles and may be used to facilitate the gains in range-of-motion so crucial to physical rehabilitation. Stimulation promotes tissue repair and healing essential to treat many chronic disorders as well. In addition, it promotes regeneration of nerve fibers in situations where cell bodies of damaged nerves are still vital. PENS is also effective in reactivating neural centers habituated by substance abuse.
Treatment locations for PENS are selected as per manual acupuncture. Leads are typically attached to needles inserted along the same distribution vessel, consistent with the longitudinal and segmental neuromuscular organization of the body. The selection of the needles to be stimulated is of primary importance in therapeutic outcome. Duration, amplitude, and frequency of stimulation, and mode (continuous, discontinuous, mixed) are also considered. Typical duration of electroacupuncture application is 15-45 minutes. In cases of dental or surgical analgesia, the duration may be longer. In treatment of withdrawal from a powerfully addictive substance, the duration and frequency of treatment is often increased. PENS is typically applied using milliamps of current; microamps may also be used (see Microcurrent Electrical Therapy below).
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)Acupuncture vessels and nodes may also be electrically stimulated without needle insertion by use of conductive pads placed on the skin which deliver electrical signals to nerve fibers transcutaneously. The effect of TENS does not extend as deep into tissue as PENS, with analgesic effects being demonstrated primarily at the level of skin and fascia. However, this modality may be preferable in clinical scenarios where needle puncture is not well tolerated by the patient, or is inadvisable due to contraindications.
Microcurrent Electrical Therapy (MET)Microamps of electrical current may be provided via inserted needles, hand-held probe electrodes, or self-adhesive electrodes. Unlike TENS, which is thought to close the spinal gate to pain impulses so they will not ascend to the brain, MET is thought to have a strong anabolic, healing response, with up to 500% increase of ATP into the treated area following a treatment of one hour or less, increased movement of amino acids into the area, and an increase in protein synthesis at the site treated.
Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES)Cranial electrotherapy stimulation is the application of low-level electrical stimulation across the head via ear clip electrodes. It is currently an FDA-approved therapy for depression, anxiety and insomnia. A recent review article of research reported that it has also been effectively used to treat various pain syndromes such as chronic spinal pain, headaches, dental pain, and fibromyalgia. It reportedly also potentiates anesthetics used in general surgery when applied during surgery, thus requiring significantly less medication to keep the patient anesthetized. In worldwide research over more than 30 years, it has been shown to be effective as a drug-free treatment of anxiety, depression and insomnia. Its mechanism of action is widely thought to be its ability to bring neurotransmitters in stressed subjects back into normal, pre-stress levels of homeostasis.
Copyright Essential Health Care Network 2003
Do not reproduce without written permission |
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Bill Wright, L.Ac., DNBAO
 Bill offers the ultimate integration of Eastern and Western Functional Medicine practicing the Five Element and Eight Principle models of Acupuncture, as well as Functional Blood Chemistry and Endocrinology. He is Licensed by the State of CA as an herbalist, has a Board Specialty in Acupuncture Orthopedics and has extensive education in nutrition as well.
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