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104 West Weaver Street, Suite 2, Carrboro, NC 27510Tuesday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. · Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.Tuesday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.75-minute first visitAccepting new patients(919) 555-0109
Juniper AcupunctureCarrboro, North Carolina
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Electro-acupuncture

Electro-acupuncture is acupuncture with a small device attached. After the needles are placed, thin clips join pairs of them to the device, which sends a gentle, steady pulse between them. You feel a tapping or a hum, never a shock, and you hold the dial in your hand.

Who usually comes for it

People who come in for a stubborn back or a stiff neck and shoulders and who are curious about a stronger sensation than hand-placed needles give. It is an add-on, and it is only used when you agree.

What you may feel afterward

The area can feel warm or lightly buzzy for a little while, and some people are sleepy. A muscle may twitch during the pulse, which is expected. Mild soreness at a point is common. Call me if something worries you.

What a visit is like, in order

  1. 01

    Step 1: The talk

    I ask about any pacemaker, implant or seizure history first, since those decide whether I use it at all.

  2. 02

    Step 2: Needles first

    I place the needles as I would for acupuncture, then check each one before I attach anything.

  3. 03

    Step 3: The pulse, turned up slowly

    I attach the clips and raise the setting a little at a time until you feel a gentle tapping, and you can tell me to lower it.

  4. 04

    Step 4: About 15 to 20 minutes

    You rest, with the dial in your hand. I stay nearby, and I turn it down or off whenever you ask.

  5. 05

    Step 5: Off, needles out

    I switch it off before I touch a clip, and then I take the needles out.

Tell me first

Say these at the start, so I can plan the visit around them.

  • A pacemaker or implant

    I do not use electro-stimulation with a pacemaker, a defibrillator or any other implanted device. Tell me about every one.

  • Seizures

    Or epilepsy. Tell me, and I decide with you whether to use it, or I skip it.

  • Pregnancy

    I do not use electro-stimulation in pregnancy. Say so when you book.

  • Blood thinners

    Or a bleeding disorder. Needles bruise or bleed more easily, so tell me what you take.

  • Fear of the sensation

    We start with hand-placed needles, and I add the device only if you want to try it.

  • Everything you take

    Medicines, supplements and herbs, written down or on your phone.

How many visits, and what this does not do

I add electro-acupuncture to some visits and not to others, and I tell you why each time. Many people plan a short series, and the plan is yours to change. Results vary, and some people do not notice a change.

What it does not do, and when to see a doctor

Electro-acupuncture does not replace your doctor’s care, and a stronger sensation does not mean a stronger effect. See a doctor for sudden severe pain, chest pain, fever with back pain, new weakness or numbness in the legs, or pain after a fall or a crash. In an emergency, call 911.

How fees work is on its own page, with the questions to ask your plan. When you are ready, send a message and I will find you a first visit.