So, what is the difference between an electro-acupuncture point and a regular acupuncture point? Nothing, except that when electro-acupuncture is used, a low voltage charge is sent through the acupuncture needle to accomplish therapeutic outcomes. This changes how the body reacts and can change the function of the acupuncture point utilized. The five best points for back pain and how they help, are listed below.
Large Intestine 4 (LI4):
This acupuncture point is a powerful point in and of itself. It can be used for headaches, neck pain, facial pain and paralysis and delayed labor among other functions. This point is used in conjunction with Liver 3 (LV3) in electro acupuncture to provide systemic pain relief. At low frequencies, this point will stimulate the body to produce beta-endorphins, endogenous opioids, that provide pain relief. The body also produces ACTH, a precursor to Cortisol, a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Liver 3 (LV3): When used in electro acupuncture, this is the best point on the body for extinguishing brain activity related to pain. LI4 and LV3 are connected in electro acupuncture providing pain relief, reduced inflammation and a reduction pain related brain activity. Using these two points as a more “global” pain reliever, we then start to home in on the area that is causing the pain, the low back.
Small Intestine 3 (SI3): Located on the pinky side of the hand, this point can be used by itself for back pain with remarkable results. When used in electro acupuncture for back pain, it is connected to the next point, Bladder 60 (UB60). The Bladder meridian runs down the back and is commonly used to address back problems. The Small Intestine meridian is connected to the Bladder meridian, so points on this meridian are also effective in treating back pain.
Bladder 60 (UB60): This point is located behind the ankle bone on the outside of the foot. Once again, this point can be used alone to treat back pain. When connected to SI3 with an e-stim device, we pass electrons back and forth from the hand, through back and all the way down to the leg. A higher frequency is used on these points causing the body to produce serotonin, a powerful and fast acting pain killer that also works on mood, appetite, sleep, memory, learning and wound healing. From here we will then target the area of the pain itself.
Spinal Bracketing: By placing needles along the spine above and below the area of the pain itself, we can directly influence the nerves that are leaving the spine and going to the tissue in the problem area. Using both high and low frequencies, we induce the body to produce both immediate and lasting pain relief while decreasing inflammation directly in the area where the patient is experiencing pain.
Using this approach, we get increasingly closer to the problem area so that we are providing both specific and global pain relief while reducing inflammation. The pain relief will be temporary at first but with continued treatment, the body will produce larger and more sustained quantities of endorphins. On top of this the electrons we are introducing in to the body will help damaged tissue heal and regenerate. Using electro acupuncture not only provides lasting pain relief but helps the body to heal itself so that the pain will go away for good!
If you are suffering with back pain, call today or set up a 30-minute consultation on line.
Princeton Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Our patients know just how effective treatments are for these and a host of other problems. Steven Hoffman, a New Jersey Licensed Acupuncturist and Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, will provide you with a thorough intake and evaluation and a clear, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan that will insure that your goals are met or exceeded. Do you want to move past these or other problems? We will help you thrive not just survive!