Contraindicartions for Electroacupuncture

[Guest guest]

I don't use electroacupuncture.

From acupuncturists who do, here are some questions you could clarify:

 

* Is the instrument more or less the same as a TENS unit?

* Doe it use the same or similar profiles to stimulate or sedate?

* Doe it have the same contraindications which a TEND unit has?

 

A short list from a specialized site are appended below:

Quote begins ____________

CONTRAINDICATIONS USING TENS UNIT

TENS unit should not be used in patients with a pacemaker (especially of the

demand type).

TENS unit should not be used during pregnancy because it may induce

premature labor.

TENS unit should not be applied over the carotid sinuses due to the risk of

acute hypotension through a vasovagal reflex.

TENS unit should not be placed over the anterior neck because of possible

laryngospasm due to laryngeal muscle contraction. The electrodes should not

be placed in an area of sensory impairment (eg, in cases of nerve lesions,

neuropathies), where the possibility of burns exists.

A TENS unit should be used cautiously in patients with a spinal cord

stimulator or intrathecal pump.

Quote ends ___________

 

It does not list here that TENS or an acupuncture elctro stimulator should

not venture onto

the chest for fear of interfering with the heart's delicate rhythm. Is that

a legitimate worry?

 

I read somewhere long ago that by and large one does not place electrodes

across

the body's midline.

 

I request folks who use this modality to help out.

 

Quote courtesy of Med via Web. For more details go to:

http://www.medsviaweb.com/tens-unit-contraindications.asp

 

Dr. Holmes Keikobad

MB BS DPH Ret. DIP AC NCCAOM LIC AC CO & AZ

www.acu-free.com - 15 CEUS by video.

NCCAOM reviewed. Approved in CA & most states.