Electro-acupuncture Lecturer:Qu Hongyan

Teaching objects 1 ． Concept and characteristics of electro- acupuncture; 1 ． Concept and characteristics of electro- acupuncture; 2 ． Manipulation of electro-acupuncture; 3 ． Indications and precautions

Concept Electro-acupuncture is a therapy which combines needling and electric stimulation by applying a small amount of electric current to the inserted needle after the arrival of qi.

  Combine the needling with electric stimulation;   The stimulus can be controlled accurately;   Impulse current replace the puncturing hand to manipulate the needles Characteristics

G electro-acupuncture apparatus

Manipulation 1. After the needles are inserted and obtained needling sensation, the output of the potentionmeter should be “0”; 2. Connect the two outlets to the handles of the two needles respectively; 3. Turn on the power supply and select an appropriate wave form and frequency; 4. Adjust the output current from low to high until the comfort level of the patient is reached; 5. When the set time is up, adjust the output potentionmeter back to “0” by first turning off the power and withdrawing the needles. In general, the treatment duration is 10 to 30 minutes. If the stimulatory sensation decreases after some time during the treatment, increase the output slightly, or turn off the power supply for 1 to 2 minutes and then turn it back on again.

parameter-waveform  Sparse wave This wave can induce muscle contractions and increase the tension in muscles and ligaments. In clinics, it is used to treat pain, insomnia, and muscles and ligaments. It is used to treat the Wei-syndrome and injuries of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints, and painful diseases.

parameter-waveform  Dense wave This wave may reduce nerve irritability. In clinics, it is used to treat pain, insomnia, and muscle and vessel spasms. It is also used in acupuncture anesthenia.

parameter-waveform Sparse-dense wave This wave may improve metabolism and circulation of qi and blood, provide nutrition to tissues and relieve edema. It is used to stop bleeding, treat sprains, rheumatism, sciatica, facial paralysis, myasthenia, frostbite, and others.

parameter-waveform Intermittent wave This wave can stimulate the excitability of muscular tissue and the contraction of striated muscles. It is used to treat the Wei-syndrome and paralysis.

Indications Just like the needling techniques, electro- acupuncture can be widely applied in all kinds of disease and acupuncture anesthenia. Just like the needling techniques, electro- acupuncture can be widely applied in all kinds of disease and acupuncture anesthenia.

Precautions   The electric stimulator should be checked carefully and all the switches should be turned off before use.   The adjustment of the electric current should be increased gradually in order to prevent intense muscular contraction and bending or breakage of the needle.   The maximum output voltage is over 40V for the electric stimulator, while the maximum output current should be under 1 mA to prevent electric shock.   For patients with heart disease, avoid passing the electric current circuit through the heart. For patient with a weak constitution, strong electric stimulation should be used with a great caution.