| Auriculotherapy Auriculotherapy was
developed in the 1950s in France, by Paul Nogier, MD. He recognized 30 points on
the external ear that could stimulate the immune system to restore health in
several parts of the body. These points can be stimulated by the needles with or
without electrical stimulation, lasers, magnets, and by acupressure. This type
of therapy is helpful for treating addictions, mood disorders, obesity, and pain
via stimulation of endorphins. Ear seeds and tacks can be used to allow for
continued stimulation from a few days to weeks. The seeds from the Vaccaria
plant or small needles are attached to the ear points by a small piece of
adhesive tape. The seeds may remain on the points for up to 2 weeks. The tacks
may remain up to 1 week.
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture was first developed in 1934. The
needles are inserted and manipulated by hand as usual. An electrode is then
attached to allow for continued stimulation. This results in less time, stronger
stimulation, and better control of the frequency and amount of stimulation than
hand manipulation. The electrodes are usually grouped in pairs of 1-3 on the
same side of the body being sure to avoid the heart area especially for patients
with cardiac disease. A low amplitude current is then conducted through the
needles for about 10-20 minutes. This therapy is useful for treatment of
neurological diseases such as analgesia for chronic pain, spasms, and paralysis.
Higher frequencies can be used as analgesia for abdominal surgeries and lower
frequencies for general pain relief.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion involves
warming the needles with smoldering herbs. It is considered an adjunct to needle
manipulation. It is useful in treating asthma, bronchitis, some types of
paralysis, and arthritic disorders.
For Further information:
www.itmonline.org/ arts/electro.htm
library.thinkquest.org/ 24206/acupuncture.html
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