Contents
Electroacupuncture is a modern modification of classical acupuncture. The principle of operation with both methods remains identical, since doctors use the same atlas of active points in the human body. Only instead of inserting thin needles into the indicated places manually, specialists will use special devices.
Overview
It is believed that the original technique of influencing biologically active points with sharp needles, which are briefly called simply BAP, came from China and other Asian countries. Today, the traditional approach has undergone significant changes, being adapted to the modern possibilities and needs of patients. This is how innovative electroacupuncture appeared, which was able to successfully combine the knowledge of ancient medicine and the principles of biophysics.
Instead of using manual labor to achieve what they want, today reflexologists prefer to use special installations. Each such device is based on the use of weak discharges of electric current for good.
For the first time, an Englishman named Perkins proposed an interpretation of classical acupuncture about two hundred years ago. The scientist believed that the medical practice could be significantly modernized by using static electricity.
His idea was liked by the scientific minds of the time, who decided to develop this topic. So they began to produce full-fledged books, which talked about the beneficial properties of acupuncture with the addition of electrical influence.
The first inventor of the installation for the implementation of the plan was a doctor from France named Sarlandier. He managed to assemble a device for accurate point impact, using weak electrical discharges as a basis.
Many liked the newfangled idea, and the approach itself received favorable reviews from satisfied patients. Technique took a particularly far step forward after contemporaries were able to learn how to generate current of various intensities. We are talking about constant and variable impulses.
Scientists and patients alike have praised the progressive approach for its relatively budgetary cost and ease of use of the instrumentation. It is enough to read the instructions for use carefully once, and you can use the equipment yourself at home. As a basis for a treatment chart, patients usually use the strategy set out in the pages of publications of the Volle or De La Fuy schools.
Initially, the presented format of therapy was used as a reliable means for the relief of pain syndrome of various origins. But today the technology has advanced far, allowing you to expand the main medical indications for its application. Some experts from the field of alternative medicine generally recommend using the wisdom accumulated over the years to get rid of various addictions:
- alcoholic;
- narcotic;
- tobacco.
The only serious warning here is the rejection of attempts to assemble devices with your own hands. In such a situation, the probability of harming yourself along with the expected positive effect is too high.
The essence of the method
The main principle of the presented therapy is the ability of the human body to generate an electric current of low voltage, which occurs every time a biological process is activated.
To stabilize the activity of a number of body systems, pathologically altered due to various reasons, it will be effective to act on them with electrical impulses similar in parameters.
Only instead of direct impact on the affected organs and tissues, alternative medicine experts prefer to act on biologically active points, which are the projection of these organs.
After the doctor begins to irritate the projection point of the pathological change in the body, a reflex mechanism is launched in the body. It helps to turn on the chemicals produced by hormones, and also connects the activity:
- nerve endings;
- vascular network;
- brain and spinal cord.
To get effective help, experts insist on using professional equipment that is available in medical centers. Home appliances, although easier to use, are not particularly productive. Over time, adherents of electroacupuncture created a detailed classification, dividing the technique into two camps: invasive and non-invasive.
The first option involves influencing BAP by touching the electrode directly to the skin. The second version is based on passing an electric charge directly through the needle. Method effectiveness researchers believe that the second variation is more effective.
This is explained by the fact that an electric discharge passes through a needle, which is previously inserted by the doctor under the skin at the desired point. Due to the direct impact of the sent impulses on the projection points, it is possible to achieve an immediate reflex reaction of the body.
Simultaneously with the active phase of the device, the person connected to it will not experience significant discomfort. He can only feel a small static discharge of electricity. This will be expressed in a slight tingling at the point of impact.
It is quite normal for a slight contraction of the muscles where the device touches the skin. In total, the manipulation should last about an hour. But the specific number of sessions should be prescribed by the attending physician.
Depending on the diagnosis, the current state of the patient’s health, the localization of the pathology and the degree of its development, the number of visits to the electroacupuncture room will fluctuate. In the most successful scenario, six visits are enough. But for some patients, due to the weak dynamics of recovery, they can extend the therapeutic program up to 12 sessions. Also, the doctor is obliged to individually select for his patient:
- the magnitude of the impulses;
- current polarity;
- specific type of electricity;
- “working” points of influence;
- duration of exposure.
Correct calculations according to the given parameters will improve complex treatment by neutralizing painful symptoms. But for this it is necessary to take into account not only the diagnosis of the patient, but also his biological parameters.
Expected effect
Japan, China, as well as many other Asian countries are still actively using classical acupuncture in their medical practice, believing in its effectiveness. When using the electric format of therapy, it turns out to be equally effective in restoring the usual pace of work of the internal organs.
Experts point out a significant improvement in the general condition, as well as an increase in tone. When the immune system is activated, it becomes better to resist various lesions, as well as withstand new emotional stress.
It is not for nothing that some doctors offer a similar tactic to those who decide to quit addictions that adversely affect immunity.
Even when using a general strategy, it will be possible to significantly improve the activity of the digestive tract, which has suffered due to alcoholism or constant smoking. We are talking about the normalization of the gallbladder, liver, pancreas. The system copes with arthralgia and pain, especially in cases where discomfort is caused by muscle or vascular spasms.
To achieve really good results, you will have to prepare to follow the intended path for a long time. The reason for this is the periodic repetition of courses in order to consolidate the previously obtained result.
Medical Contraindications
Despite the fact that each patient may develop an individual intolerance to such therapy, experts have identified common contraindications. The standard set of restrictions includes:
- oncological neoplasms of a benign and malignant nature;
- problems with blood coagulability;
- hematological conditions such as purpura or anemia;
- acute pathologies of an incomprehensible course and origin, which entail an increased body temperature;
- pregnancy;
- acute stage of infectious diseases.
Due to the fact that electropuncture relies in its work on the impact of electric current of different intensity, it is worth preparing for possible damage to the skin. It is not for nothing that the main list of contraindications for carrying out also covers diseases that are characterized by a tendency to bleeding.
After studying the patient’s medical record, the doctor will not give him a referral for this procedure if it turns out that he suffers from a congenital lesion of the central nervous system. The same goes for people who suffer from mental illness. Also, the procedure is not carried out for people in a state of intoxication.
When a patient is diagnosed with severe exhaustion, doctors recommend first stopping its manifestations, and only then taking on auxiliary therapy.
But the presence of a pacemaker, or other similar built-in device, will become an absolute contraindication. Electroacupuncture is also contraindicated within 2 months after myocardial infarction.
It is impossible to manipulate people with diagnosed:
- varicose veins;
- tendency to thrombosis.
The age limit for this type of procedure is 60 years.
How to choose the best session?
The duration of the session is completely based on how the patient’s body reacted to irritation with impulses.
If the patient tolerates electrical stimulation quite satisfactorily and at the same time feels good both during the manipulation and after, then this is a good sign. With a similar response of the body, the doctor usually leaves the same duration and intensity of the current supply.
But sometimes it happens that during stimulation everything seems to go well, but after it ends, problems begin. The patient feels accumulated fatigue, heaviness in the head, suffers from insomnia. If all of the above signs are found, it is recommended to reduce the time of electroacupuncture, as well as reduce the overall irritation index.
Separately, situations are considered when a deterioration in well-being occurs almost immediately after the start of the procedure. In case of pronounced sudden fatigue, dizziness or discomfort in the head area, the intervention must be completed immediately. For subsequent sessions, it will be necessary to reduce the standard time in order to avoid such negative manifestations in the future.
Especially closely the doctor should monitor violations in the form of aching pain. Here, it is worth taking the type of changes in pain sensation as a guideline in order to accurately determine the optimal duration of a therapeutic session. If the pain decreases noticeably, then you should not increase your time with an actively working device. But with the dulling of the syndrome, you can smoothly stretch the time frame a little without compromising the general state of health.
Sometimes it happens that the pain that you need to get rid of first still disappears. But as soon as the projection of the diseased organ ceases to be affected, it returns again, albeit not to such a strong extent.
With such a development of the scenario, it will still be more efficient to break the procedure into two stages within one day.
Such a sparing regimen is great for patients who are being treated in the inpatient department of the hospital, or during a spa holiday.
But with an increase in pain at the beginning of the impact on the skin with current, it indicates a direct contraindication to the use of the strategy. It is better to consult with a treating specialist and find a better alternative.