I’ve used electric stimulation in my practice to some degree for many years. Applying an electrical current helps strengthen muscles, block pain signals, and improve blood circulation. In late summer 2023, I took my first training with Dr. Jeremy Steiner of the Electro-Acupuncture Institute and followed up with additional training. Dr. Steiner's approach is different and far more comprehensive than other electric stimulation techniques I've used, and thus is called electro-acupuncture medicine. I've incorporated it more and more in the clinic and have observed that outcomes are significantly improved. 

Why add electricity to an acupuncture treatment

Electro-acupuncture works by adding energy to specific acupuncture channels to improve energy flow throughout the body. Adding electricity to an acupuncture treatment will enhance or add to the treatment effects. Electro-acupuncture can:

• Stimulate more efficient production of new cells
• Offer pain relief and calm inflammation
• Remove toxins from the body
• Increase blood flow
• Reduce stress hormones
• Improve immune function

Our cells are damaged by injuries, toxins, infections, and more. The body needs to create new cells to repair the damage. Voltage is the driving force behind cellular function and is regulated by various factors, including thyroid hormone, dental infections, and exercise. Chronic disease is often associated with low body voltage—meaning, the body can’t keep up with cellular renewal. The body is designed to function at -25 mV, and requires -50 mV to generate new cells. Since our body is in a constant state of cellular renewal, higher voltage is the key to maintaining and improving health.

The devices 

In the past, I used run-of-the-mill electric stimulation devices, which are high amperage (volume of electricity) and low voltage (electrical potential). These worked well to either relax a muscle that was too tight, or stimulate a muscle that was too weak. Unfortunately, the treatment with these devices can be uncomfortable. To be effective, it is typical to use strong stimulation, causing the muscles to spasm. 

The new devices that I use are high voltage and low amperage; in other words, the opposite. This decreases discomfort because only mild stimulation is necessary. The electricity produced is also more congruent with the body’s electricity, improving the healing outcomes. These devices also have particular frequencies programmed in them that can be selected to match the condition and treatment. The protocol uses two devices simultaneously, each programmed with a different frequency. This creates a blanketing effect of frequencies, allowing the body to choose the frequency it needs to enhance the healing process and discard those it doesn't need. 

The bottom line is that the proper voltage, amperage, and frequencies are required so that the electricity can reach the energy-deficient and damaged tissue and support cellular regeneration and repair.

The outcomes

I have seen many positive responses to electro-acupuncture treatments. In some cases, I simply added electricity to my usual treatments, and in others, I chose to follow a four-point protocol with electricity. Both have been very effective. I have seen improved relief of pain, increased energy and well-being, decreased anxiety, improved sleep, and in cases of diabetic neuropathy, I’m beginning to see increased sensation. As I continue to implement these treatments, I hope to see even more improvements, especially in chronic, hard-to-treat conditions.