What it is & why we use it
Medical acupuncture uses fine, single-use sterile needles inserted at precise points in muscles, fascia, and around nerves to modulate pain pathways, reduce muscle tension, and improve local circulation. When a gentle electrical current is passed between needles, it becomes electroacupuncture, enhancing stimulation depth and duration. These are Western medical applications informed by anatomy, neurophysiology, and evidence-based pain science, not traditional meridian models.

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How it works

• Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture activate complex pain-modulating systems:

• Neurochemical modulation: stimulation of A-delta and C fibers releases endorphins, enkephalins, serotonin, and noradrenaline, dampening pain transmission in the spinal cord and brain.

• Peripheral effects: improved local microcirculation, reduced inflammatory mediators, and relaxation of muscle trigger points.

• Central desensitisation: repeated sessions can reduce central sensitisation seen in chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia or chronic low-back pain.

• Motor and autonomic regulation: Electro Acupuncture provides rhythmic muscle contraction that relieves spasm and improves muscle coordination.

 

Who is suitable

Patients with persistent musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain who have not achieved full relief from medication or physiotherapy are good candidates. It is suitable for most adults, including those wanting to reduce medication load. Contraindications include bleeding disorders, anticoagulant use without caution, local infection, pregnancy in certain points, and pacemakers.

 

What to expect

Fine sterile needles are inserted into specific points and left in place for 25-30 minutes. With Electro-Acupuncture small electrodes deliver mild, pulsed currents, felt as rhythmic tapping or gentle muscle twitch. Sessions are typically once a week for 6 weeks. Mild post-session soreness or fatigue is common and self-limiting. Gradual reduction in pain, improved mobility, sleep and mood usually develop over weeks. Maintenance “top-up” sessions may be offered for chronic conditions.

 

Outcomes & evidence

• Chronic low-back pain: Multiple meta-analyses show moderate-quality evidence that acupuncture and Electro-Acupuncture improve pain and function up to 3–6 months versus usual care or sham.

• Fibromyalgia & widespread pain: Electro-Acupuncture and acupuncture can reduce pain intensity and fatigue, and improve quality of life, particularly when combined with exercise and education.

• Cervicogenic Headache & neck pain: RCTs support benefit in frequency and intensity reduction; effects often comparable to physiotherapy modalities.

• Knee Osteoarthritis: Acupuncture and Electro-Acupuncture yield clinically meaningful pain and function improvements in several RCTs; effects can last 3–6 months and combine well with exercise and injection therapies.

• Overall -  Consistent evidence supports Acupuncture and Electro-Acupuncture as safe, low-risk adjuncts to multidisciplinary pain management.

 

Risks 

Side-effects are uncommon: mild bleeding, bruising, transient dizziness, or local soreness. Serious complications (infection, pneumothorax) are exceptionally rare when performed by trained medical practitioners under aseptic conditions. Normal activities can usually be resumed immediately.