A Gallery of Electroacupuncture Treatments

Elizabeth Eberius, MAcOM, LAc.

Published April 19, 2019

In medicine, the term electrotherapy can apply to a variety of treatments and has been used for thousands of years. Electric fish were used therapeutically in the Fifth Dynasty Egypt. However, the first recorded medical treatment with electricity dates back to the mid-1700s.

Electroacupuncture (EA) was developed in the 1900s and has been shown to significantly enhance traditional acupuncture treatments. EA is widely accepted in the field of orthopedics and physical therapy for pain management, neuromuscular dysfunction, joint mobility, tissue repair, blood flow, and edema.

EA works similar to a TENS Unit to stimulate the nerves and adjust the messages of pain that are being sent to the brain. However, because the electrodes are attached to needles which are inserted subcutaneously, electrical current is able to travel through the tissues without encountering resistance from the skin.

A consistent movement of charge is called an electric current. This can create chemical, physical, and thermal effects. It can also influence the body at different levels -- cellular, tissue, segmental and systemic.

In my experience, patients report significant changes and improvements with EA. I've created a small gallery of "Electroacupuncture Art" below displaying a variety of conditions with positive feedback post-treatment.

Bilateral Ocular Electroacupuncture Treatment for Macular Degeneration

Scalp Electroacupuncture Treatment for Tetraplegia following a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Click on the photo to read the case study published related to this patient case.

Electroacupuncture on 5th Digit for Dupuytren's Contractures.

Electroacupuncture with Moxibustion on Knee Post-Surgery Rehab after Removal of Loose Bodies (Cartilage/Bone Chips) in Knee Joint with Minor Meniscus Tear.

Electroacupuncture on Medial Knee for MCL Sprain.

Hand Electroacupuncture for MP Subluxation and Non-Pitting (Mild) Edema.

Electroacupuncture and Moxibustion for Thumb Atrophy due to Chronic Nerve Impingement

Electroacupuncture and Moxibustion for Frozen Elbow following a reported Dislocation, Relocation, and 4-week Casting.

Knee Electroacupuncture for Osteoarthritis Pain.

Duo Electroacupuncture for Osteoarthritic Knee Pain (left) and Chronic Ankle Instability and Pain (right).

For more information or questions regarding any of the cases shown above, contact the author at orthopedicalternatives@gmail.com.