Electroacupuncture: what to expect

Electroacupuncture uses a small electrical current to stimulate selected acupuncture needles after they have been placed. Manual acupuncture uses needles without that electrical stimulation. NCCIH explains both approaches.

At Augusta Acupuncture Clinic, the decision starts with your history and exam. Dr. Eric Sherrell, DACM, L.Ac., considers whether this technique fits your care plan; not everyone needs it.

If you are still getting familiar with the basics, start with our guide to acupuncture at the clinic.

A gentle tapping or pulsing sensation is how the clinic describes it. The setting is adjustable. Tell Dr. Sherrell if a sensation is uncomfortable, sharp, or stronger than you want so he can adjust or stop it.

There is no need to sit quietly through discomfort. Before treatment, ask what sensations to expect and how to let the practitioner know you need an adjustment.

Bring a medication and supplement list, and tell us about your health conditions. Mention any pacemaker or implanted electrical device, bleeding disorder, blood-thinning medication, pregnancy, or history of fainting before needling or electrical stimulation is considered.

These details affect treatment decisions. They should be reviewed by the clinician, not checked off by the patient as proof that a treatment is safe. Royal Papworth Hospital’s acupuncture patient information outlines important issues to disclose.

Acupuncture research suggests benefits for some pain conditions, including back and neck pain, but findings differ by condition. That does not mean electroacupuncture is the best option for every person or that a result is guaranteed. See NCCIH’s evidence overview.

Tell us what you want to do more comfortably: turn your head when driving, sleep with fewer interruptions, or walk farther. Those goals give the follow-up conversation something specific to address.

For related concerns, explore our back-pain information and neck-pain information. Keep your other providers informed and do not delay a needed medical evaluation.

Allow about an hour for a full health history and exam. Treatment is not included in that first visit. Recommendations come after the assessment, with time to discuss what a proposed course of treatments would involve.

We serve Augusta and the surrounding CSRA, including Evans, Martinez, and North Augusta, from 4141 Columbia Road, Suite B. Read the first-visit guide before you come in.