Electro-Acupuncture

what happens during electro-acupuncture treatments?

Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain. Dr. Jacobs will tell you the general site of the planned treatment and whether you need to remove any clothing. A gown, towel or sheet will be provided. You lie on a padded table for the treatment, which involves:

Needle insertion

Acupuncture needles are inserted to various depths at strategic points on your body. The needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes little discomfort. People often don’t feel them inserted at all. Between five and 20 needles are used in a typical treatment. You may feel a mild aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth.

Needle manipulation

Dr. Jacobs will insert a needle at the treatment point and another needle nearby. Once the needles are inserted to the correct depth, she will use electrodes to connect the needles to a special electroacupuncture machine. After the electrodes are attached, the machine will be turned on. Electroacupuncture machines have adjustable current and voltage settings. Low voltages and frequencies will be used at first, though your acupuncturist may adjust the frequency and voltage of the current during treatment. The electric current pulsates, alternating between the two needles.

Needle removal

A typical session might last between 10 and 20 minutes, which is less than the average acupuncture session. You get to lie still and relax while the needles are in place. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.