Electro-Acupuncture

Presentation

Electro-acupuncture (EA) is a modern evolution of traditional acupuncture, developed in China in the 1930s and systematized from the 1950s in Chinese hospitals. It involves applying a low-intensity pulsed electrical current (1–100 mA) between two acupuncture needles inserted into selected points. This technique has gained international scientific recognition, particularly through the work of Dr. Han Jisheng (Peking University) on endorphin mechanisms.

EA enables standardized, reproducible and quantifiable stimulation, making it one of the most studied forms of acupuncture in clinical research. The World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognize its efficacy for several conditions.

Development: China, 1930s–1950s. Scientific systematization by Han Jisheng (1970s–1990s).

Core Principles

Electro-acupuncture acts through several validated neurophysiological mechanisms:

• Low frequencies (2–4 Hz): release of β-endorphins and enkephalins via descending pain inhibitory pathways — deep and lasting analgesic effect.
• High frequencies (80–100 Hz): release of dynorphins in the spinal cord — gate control-type effect, rapid but shorter relief.
• Alternating frequencies (dense-disperse, 2/100 Hz): combination of both mechanisms for optimal analgesia — most commonly used clinical protocol.
• Neuroplastic modulation: EA modifies activity in cortical areas involved in pain perception (anterior cingulate cortex, insula).
• Anti-inflammatory effect: reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) via the vagal neuro-immune axis.

Main Indications

• Chronic pain: low back pain, neck pain, knee pain, fibromyalgia
• Neuropathic pain: diabetic neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia
• Post-operative and post-chemotherapy nausea and vomiting (point PC6 Neiguan)
• Post-stroke rehabilitation: motor and functional recovery
• Complementary surgical analgesia
• Depression: clinical studies on cranial EA (points GV20, GV24)
• Infertility: IVF support protocols
• Stress urinary incontinence

Session Overview

After the traditional energetic diagnosis, the practitioner inserts needles into selected points. Crocodile clips connect needles in pairs to an electro-stimulation device. Parameters are set: frequency (2–100 Hz), intensity (adjusted to the patient's tolerance threshold without pain), waveform (continuous, discontinuous or dense-disperse).

Stimulation lasts 20 to 30 minutes. The patient feels rhythmic tingling or slight muscular contractions. Intensity is adjusted during the session to maintain efficacy despite accommodation.

Frequency: 2 to 3 sessions per week in the acute phase. Research protocols: generally 10 to 20 sessions.

Variations and Sub-techniques

• Segmental EA: stimulation of points on the dermatome corresponding to the painful area
• Transcranial EA (TEAS): electrodes placed on scalp points — used in psychiatry and neurology
• Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS): Western variant using needles as electrodes in deep tissues
• Auricular EA: current applied to auricular needles

Contraindications

• Pacemaker or implantable defibrillator (absolute contraindication)
• Uncontrolled epilepsy
• Pregnancy (abdominal and lumbosacral stimulation)
• Severe coagulation disorders
• Areas with metallic osteosynthesis hardware
• Damaged, infected or irradiated skin