Electroacupuncture Course

Lesson 1 • Scope and Clinical Applications Overview

Maps the range of conditions addressed by electroacupuncture across pain, neurological, and functional disorders. Sets realistic expectations for clinical outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Classical Acupuncture Theory Review

Reviews Qi, meridians, and point functions as the conceptual backbone of electroacupuncture. Ensures students can apply classical theory to electrical treatment rationale.

Lesson 3 • Bioelectrical Principles in the Body

Introduces bioelectricity, membrane potentials, and tissue conductance relevant to acupuncture. Bridges classical theory with measurable physiological phenomena.

Lesson 1 • Peripheral Nervous System Responses

Examines how electrical stimulation activates afferent nerve fibers and local tissue responses. Connects peripheral activation to downstream central effects.

Lesson 2 • Central Nervous System Pathways

Details spinal cord and supraspinal processing of electroacupuncture signals. Explains gate control theory and descending inhibition in pain modulation.

Lesson 3 • Neuroplasticity and Long-Term Effects

Explores how repeated electroacupuncture induces lasting neural changes. Provides rationale for treatment frequency and cumulative therapeutic benefit.

Lesson 4 • Anti-Inflammatory and Autonomic Effects

Covers electroacupuncture's role in modulating inflammation and autonomic balance. Supports understanding of systemic effects beyond pain relief.

Lesson 1 • Device Setup, Calibration, and Maintenance

Guides students through pre-treatment device checks, calibration routines, and cleaning protocols. Prevents equipment failure and ensures consistent output.

Lesson 2 • Troubleshooting Common Equipment Issues

Identifies frequent device malfunctions and corrective actions during clinical sessions. Builds confidence in managing technical problems without interrupting patient care.

Lesson 3 • Types of Electroacupuncture Devices

Compares constant-current, constant-voltage, and combination units used clinically. Enables informed equipment selection based on treatment goals.

Lesson 4 • Electrical Parameters and Waveforms

Explains frequency, intensity, pulse width, and waveform types and their clinical significance. Students learn to adjust parameters for targeted therapeutic effects.

Lesson 1 • Treatment Frequency and Course Planning

Establishes guidelines for session frequency, treatment duration, and course length. Aligns scheduling decisions with expected physiological response timelines.

Lesson 2 • Point Pairing Strategies for Electroacupuncture

Explains ipsilateral, contralateral, and distal-local pairing principles for circuit formation. Proper pairing determines current pathway and therapeutic reach.

Lesson 3 • Differential Diagnosis and Pattern Identification

Applies TCM pattern differentiation and biomedical diagnosis to guide point selection. Integrates both frameworks for comprehensive treatment planning.

Lesson 4 • Acupoint Location and Verification

Reviews precise anatomical location methods for commonly used electroacupuncture points. Accurate location is foundational to effective electrical stimulation.

Lesson 1 • Electrical Safety Principles

Covers current density, grounding, and circuit isolation principles to prevent electrical injury. Applies engineering safety concepts to clinical practice.

Lesson 2 • Absolute and Relative Contraindications

Defines conditions and patient populations where electroacupuncture is prohibited or requires modification. Enables accurate pre-treatment risk stratification.

Lesson 3 • Post-Treatment Monitoring and Documentation

Establishes post-session observation standards and adverse event reporting procedures. Accurate documentation supports continuity of care and professional accountability.

Lesson 4 • Pre-Treatment Patient Screening

Establishes a structured intake and screening process to identify contraindications before treatment. Systematic screening prevents avoidable adverse events.

Lesson 1 • Connecting Electrodes to Needles

Demonstrates safe attachment of electrode clips to inserted needles without displacement. Correct connection prevents current shunting and needle movement artifacts.

Lesson 2 • Needle Retention and Removal Protocols

Establishes safe practices for monitoring needles during stimulation and removing them post-treatment. Prevents retained needles and post-treatment adverse events.

Lesson 3 • Obtaining and Recognizing De Qi

Teaches methods to elicit De Qi sensation and distinguish it from adverse responses. De Qi is a key indicator of effective needle placement before electrical connection.

Lesson 4 • Needling Sensitive and Complex Regions

Addresses special considerations for needling the head, face, spine, and limb extremities. Adapts technique to anatomical complexity and patient sensitivity.

Lesson 1 • Low-Frequency Stimulation Applications

Covers 1–4 Hz stimulation effects, including endorphin release and muscle relaxation. Identifies conditions best suited to low-frequency protocols.

Lesson 2 • High-Frequency Stimulation Applications

Examines 80–100 Hz stimulation for acute pain, inflammation, and enkephalin release. Guides appropriate high-frequency protocol construction.

Lesson 3 • Intensity Titration and Patient Comfort

Establishes a systematic approach to increasing intensity from sensory to motor threshold. Balances therapeutic effectiveness with patient tolerance and safety.

Lesson 4 • Dense-Disperse and Mixed Waveform Protocols

Explains alternating frequency waveforms that prevent tolerance and broaden neurochemical effects. Students apply mixed waveforms to complex and chronic presentations.

Lesson 1 • Integrating Electroacupuncture with Other Therapies

Explores combining electroacupuncture with manual therapy, herbal medicine, and rehabilitation. Identifies synergistic combinations and sequencing strategies.

Lesson 2 • Musculoskeletal Pain Management Protocols

Develops comprehensive electroacupuncture protocols for acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Integrates point selection, parameter choice, and outcome measurement.

Lesson 3 • Treating Special Populations

Adapts electroacupuncture protocols for elderly, pediatric, and immunocompromised patients. Ensures safe, effective treatment across diverse patient demographics.

Lesson 4 • Mental Health and Autonomic Conditions

Addresses electroacupuncture protocols for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and autonomic dysregulation. Connects autonomic modulation mechanisms to mental health outcomes.

Lesson 5 • Neurological Rehabilitation Applications

Applies electroacupuncture to stroke recovery, peripheral neuropathy, and motor dysfunction. Protocols are grounded in neuroplasticity and functional restoration principles.