ELECTRO-STIMULATION (E-STIM)

In electro-stimulation, pairs of acupuncture needles are attached to a device that emits a low-grade pulsing current. The sensation feels like a thumping (not a shock), as the needles subtly bounce from the electricity. E-stim is used as a way to break up stagnation and draw qi to a specific area. It is particularly good for treating pain. In the past, acupuncturists who would manually manipulate the needles throughout an acupuncture treatment. Nowadays, the E-stim machine is substituted when stronger and more consistent stimulation is appopriate.