Electro-acupuncture is a technique in which electrical current is applied to acupuncture needles. Needles are attached to a special device that generates small electric pulses at a specified frequency and intensity. Acupuncture Physicians connect two different needles to a single cord that has two separate clips. This allows the pulses to pass from one needle to the other.

The benefits of electro-acupuncture are well documented. Practitioners utilize this technique for several reasons. Some conditions require constant manipulation of the needles. Electro-acupuncture provides constant stimulation without the physician being required to hand-manipulate during the entire treatment. Electro-stimulation is also used to provide strong stimulation of acupuncture points without the risk of damaging any tissues. This technique allows for the frequency and intensity to be constant and maintained.

Electro-stimulation is commonly used to treat chronic pain, muscle spasms and atrophy or paralysis of the muscles. This technique works to decrease inflammation and swelling and speed up the healing of local tissues.