electricity + needles? wow, why would anyone do that? read on to see that this treatment might be exactly what you need…
E-stim, or electrical stimulation, is a modern take on an ancient Chinese needle technique. In the classic texts it is often suggested to manipulate the needle dozens of times, or twirl it in one direction or another. This attracts the qi of the body to the area being treated, aiding in quicker recovery of strained or tight muscles or even inflamed, painful areas.
Because we don’t have apprentices who can stand by the table and twirl needles 100 times counterclockwise these days, we have electricity to do it for us! That’s where an e-stim machine comes in. Powered by a 9v battery, two tiny alligator clamps attach to needles that are inserted in a muscle. Micro-current is passed through them and through the muscle, creating a gentle tapping sensation that tends to disappear once the body has adjusted to it.