What is Electro Acupuncture?

Electro Acupuncture (EA) is another acupuncture technique that is often used to treat a variety of conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, facial paralysis, circulation imbalances, menstrual pain and digestive disorders, just to name a few.  The EA process involves acupuncture needles being inserted as normal which are then connected to an electro acupuncture machine that emits an electrical current.  This current is controlled by your practitioner who will find the most comfortable level to meet your needs.  You will feel a tingling sensation which means that the needles are receiving the current.  Ironically, you will most likely feel the sensation in one needle, rather than both; however, this doesn't mean that both needles aren't connected.  The current helps to bring Qi and Blood into the area being treated, which further benefits the body's healing process. 

Is electro acupuncture suitable for me?

This depends upon your diagnosis, presenting symptoms and health history.  Contraindications for the use of EA according to the British Acupuncture Council's Guide to Safe Practice for Acupuncture (Jan 2025) are as follows;

Contraindications

•  During the first trimester of pregnancy

•  Over or close to the uterus at any stage of pregnancy prior to labour

•  Any patient experiencing shock or in a coma

•  Any patient with acute febrile disease, septicaemia, tuberculosis, or stimulation close to any other local active infection

•  Stimulation should not be applied to the head in children younger than 12 years old

•  EA should not be used over the carotid sinus in case of hypo-sensitive response or near the larynx in case of airway restriction

•  Patients with unstable cardiac problems, particularly arrhythmia

•  Any patient using a cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, without consulting an appropriate medical specialist

•  Strong stimulation should be avoided in patients with high blood pressure

•  Acute venous conditions such as deep vein thrombosis

Please, feel free to speak with your NRQi Studio practitioner if you have any questions or concerns about having electro acupuncture.