What is Electro-Therapy

Electro-therapy combines traditional acupuncture techniques with modern technology by applying a gentle electrical current to acupuncture points on the body that are connected by alligator clips to a machine that sends the electrical currents through the needles. The needles are placed on the body based on the condition and symptoms. Through the electro-therapy stimulation device, this current, typically between 40-80 volts, is carefully regulated so that it doesn’t pass deeply through the body, instead creating a light pulsating sensation for the patient. A standard session takes less time than traditional acupuncture, lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, rarely extending beyond 30 minutes.

Point locator/stimulation devices are handheld units that when pressed against the skin can locate an acupuncture point and release an electrical pulse to the point. These devices offer immediate treatment that is non-invasive, replicating the effects of needle-based acupuncture without piercing the skin. 

Historical Development

The origins of electro-therapy are debated. It’s been suggested that it was explored in the early 1800s by physicians in France and Italy, while others believe it began with Japanese scientists who experimented with it to speed up bone healing. It was later noted that electro-therapy was established in China around 1934 to extend the benefits of acupuncture. By the late 1940’s it was further developed by Dr. Voll, a German practitioner that through his research found that stimulating an acupuncture point using a pulsating current could result in a reaction of human organisms. The practice aligns with traditional acupuncture principles that view the body’s energy, or “qi,” as flowing along specific meridians. Stimulating these points can relieve chronic pain and other ailments, with electro-therapy offering an alternative to manual stimulation through the gentle application of electrical currents. By 1958, electro-therapy’s potential for pain relief began gaining traction when Chinese practitioners began to explore it’s potential.  

How Electro-Therapy Works 

The science behind EA is complex, but it involves the release of chemicals and activation of the nervous system. In electro-therapy, two needles are placed per meridian point and an electro-therapy device is connected to these needles by clips which sends a current back and forth and stimulates the meridian point between. Scientifically, electro-therapy inhibits the production of inflammatory signaling proteins and stimulates a continuous, low-level release of chemicals that coordinate different functions in the body over a 15–20 min period helping to reduce inflammation. Electro-therapy machines have adjustable current and frequency settings and can be necessarily adjusted to achieve results and ensure patient comfort. 

There are various types of electrical currents that can be used in electro-therapy treatments, each serving specific purposes. For example:

• Microcurrent: This is an extremely low current, measured in millionths of an amp, which is too weak to cause muscle twitches or nerve responses. Instead, it works on a cellular level, promoting healing and repair. Microcurrent is particularly effective for addressing issues like connective tissue tears, muscle strains, or ligament and tendon damage.
• Milli-current: Commonly used in electro-therapy and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machines, this current targets muscles and fascia rather than cells. Electro-therapy, however, allows the milli-current to penetrate deeper into tissues, reaching the affected areas. Milli-current is ideal for strengthening muscles, improving local circulation, and relieving pain.

Advantages & Benefits 

Electro-therapy is widely used to help manage pain and reduce inflammation, relax muscles, improve circulation, support healing and tissue regeneration, regulate the nervous system, and address a range of health conditions such as neurological disorders, digestive problems, and mental health challenges.  

The electrical stimulation helps to enhance the effects of acupuncture by: 

Stimulating Nerve Endings: Electrical pulses activate nerve endings, helping to regulate pain signals and reduce the sensation of pain.

Improving Blood Flow: The stimulation boosts blood circulation in the affected area, which promotes healing and decreases inflammation.

Enhancing Muscle Function: By focusing on specific muscles, electro-acupuncture can improve muscle performance, relieve spasms, and reduce tension.

Balancing Energy Flow: In traditional Chinese medicine, electro-acupuncture is believed to harmonize the flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body, supporting overall health and well-being.

Contraindications

Electro-therapy isn’t suitable for everyone. It’s contraindicated for those who are pregnant, have a pacemaker, a history of heart disease, seizures, epilepsy, or strokes, and it should not be performed on the throat, head, or directly over the heart. Most patients experience minimal side effects, limited to minor bruising or light bleeding.

Research Highlights in Electro-Therapy

Research on electro-therapy has highlighted its potential benefits across a variety of applications. Studies suggest that the technique may influence the body’s natural processes, such as pain modulation, tissue repair, and circulation enhancement. Preliminary findings have also explored its role in supporting nervous system regulation and muscle recovery. Additionally, investigations into electro-therapy’s effects on conditions like inflammation, stress, and digestive function continue to expand our understanding of its possible applications. While more clinical trials and research are continually underway, there is scientific support for electro-therapy’s growth, and its acceptance among health practitioners, establishing it as an effective option for holistic, non-invasive treatment.

Equipment Used in Electro-Therapy

ITO® Brand: 

ITO was founded in 1916 based on the clear vision of founder Kenji Ito, the company has made constant progress in electrophysical agents during its prestige history stretching over 100 years. ITO’s electrotherapy devices have earned a strong reputation for high technology, effectiveness, and usability, a reputation rooted from the company’s focus on contributing to society rather than mere sales results—another legacy dating from the time of ITO’s founder. In its essence, electrophysical agents involve not just technical capabilities, but establishing an approach founded on evidence-based medicine (EBM). For this reason, through ongoing joint collaborative research projects with universities and research institutions, ITO has assisted in the process of verifying evidence for the efficacy of intervention with electrophysical agents. These conducts represent the foundations of ITO’s vision in mastering therapeutic interventions via electrophysical agents and is a key element in the support ITO provides not just to medical institutions, but to the health of consumers and conditioning efforts among athletes. Within an aging society, the boundaries of ITO’s activities are expected to continue expanding, based on its foothold in medical related fields in which it has already achieved significant expertise in. ITO plans to continue pursuing research efforts to ensure comprehensive reliability and quality controls for its products and to develop new domains for electrophysical agents.

ITO® Devices: 

ITO® ES-130 3 Channel Professional Electro-Therapy Device

The ES-130® is a compact, sturdy, high quality Japanese electro-therapy device that is lightweight and fits in the palm of your hand. Featuring a High/Low switch on the back of the unit, the switch is toggled to Low to facilitate use with needles or to High for MEA electro-therapy. It offers three independently controlled output channels with adjustable frequency indicated by a flashing light. The waveform is a unique biphasic pulse which has been designed to minimize electrolysis damage to the needle.

The pocket-portable ES-130 is the smallest and smartest looking professional electro-therapy unit in the world, for use in or out of the office. This unit is not equipped with a point locator.

E-STIM II® is the most economical, easy-to-use portable electro-therapy unit. New dual channel, portable, continuous frequency unit features Milli-amp (normal current) and Micro-amp (micro current) settings. Each channel also includes its own green LED light which displays power-on and frequency. Includes 2 sets of 3.5mm jack alligator clip wires and instructions. The E-Stim II® uses a 9 volt battery (not included).

E-STIM III® adds customer-requested enhancements to an easy-to-use portable electro-therapy unit. This model adds improved precision for better accuracy in treatment settings, a no-slip rubber casing to reduce movement when the unit is set down, and a helpful battery meter so you know when you are getting low on power. These features complement a dual channel device, continuous frequency mode with both Milli-amp (normal current) and Micro-amp (microcurrent) settings. Each channel also includes its own green LED light which displays power-on and frequency. Accessories include 2 alligator clip wires and instructions.

The E-Stim III® uses a unique 4.0mm alligator clip wire and uses 1 9-volt battery (not included).

Pointer Plus Stimulator is a complete clinic in your hands. Modern, hand-held, 6.5″ long unit offers accurate acupuncture point stimulation with adjustable intensity dial. The pulse frequency is fixed at 10 Hz. The grounding circuit is made by holding the metal plate on the side of the unit or with the hand grounding pole. Accessories include 2 probe tips (ear 2 mm 0.08″ and body 4 mm 0.16″), hand grounding pole with attached wire, carrying case, and instructions.

“I’m impressed by the versatility of the Pointer Plus in providing targeted stimulation directly on the skin and even on ear points. What truly stands out is its ability to stimulate individual needles, allowing for deeper, focused activation of specific acupuncture points and trigger points. I frequently use this device in treatments for plantar fasciitis, shoulder pain, and glute issues, achieving exceptional results. The Pointer Plus is also invaluable in treating children, as it provides gentle, effective stimulation to acupuncture points without the need for needles, making treatments more comfortable and accessible.” – Christina Morris, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M., Certified Reflexologist and Founder of Element Natural Healing Arts  

Pointer Plus LT Stimulator is a complete clinic in your hands. Modern, handheld, 6.5″ long unit offers accurate acupuncture point stimulation with adjustable intensity dial. The pulse frequency is fixed at 10 Hz. The grounding circuit is made by holding the metal plate on the side of the unit or with the hand grounding pole. Accessories include 2 probe tips (ear 2 mm 0.08″ and body 4 mm 0.16″), hand grounding pole with attached wire, carrying case, and instructions.

Pointer Excel II is a user-friendly stimulator featuring a built-in, 0.35″ x 1.0″ LCD digital meter which displays both frequency and location. It also features two grounding plates on the unit (allowing use with either left or right hands) as well as a hand probe with grounding pole and attached wire. Two probe tips are included with the unit: ear 2 mm (0.08″) and body 4 mm (0.16″). Other standard accessories include carrying case and instructions.

An effective push button adjustable stimulation offers immediate treatment. Based on the setting of the output dial, either normal milli-amp output or micro-amp current output is produced (the blue zone on the dial is microamp).

This device also includes more advanced features. The frequency is adjustable (1 to 16 Hz) and is also displayed on the LCD digital display when the stimulation button is pressed. Furthermore, a polarity reversal switch offers the options of tonification (+) or sedation (-) treatment.

Pointer Excel II LT Stimulator is the latest hand-held stimulator. Features a built-in, 0.35″ x 1.0″ LCD digital meter which displays the frequency.

An effective push button adjustable stimulation offers immediate treatment. Based on the setting of the output dial, either normal milli-amp output or micro-amp current output is produced (the blue zone on the dial is microamp).

The Pointer Excel II LT also includes more advanced features. The frequency is adjustable (1 to 16 Hz) and is also displayed on the LCD digital display when the stimulation button is pressed. Furthermore, a polarity reversal switch offers the options of tonification (+) or sedation (-) treatment.

Unit features two grounding plates (allowing use with either left or right hands) as well as a hand probe with grounding pole and attached wire. Two probe tips are included with the unit: ear 2 mm (0.08″) and body 4 mm (0.16″). Other standard accessories include carrying case and instructions.