Electro-acupuncture
This is the use of a TENS machine in combination with an acupuncture treatment to further stimulate the movement of Qi in the meridians.
From a Western medicine perspective, electro-acupuncture works by stimulating muscles, nerves, circulation of essential substances, nutrient delivery to damaged tissues, and by removing inflammatory chemicals.
The device is connected by attaching small clips onto the needles. It is then turned on sending a gentle electrical pulse into the point.
Your Practitioner will usually chose this technique when there is severe or stubborn pain that is hard to shift and usually presenting with a radiating nature such as in Sciatica.
This is often reported as a relaxing experience and a welcoming distraction from their pain.
Microcurrent
Microcurrent is also the use of a TENS device but this tool is used in replace of needles.
A small pointer device with a rounded tip is placed on an Acupuncture point and then turned on emitting a gentle pulse into the point for between 15-30 seconds.
This is very gentle and rarely felt and a fantastic non needle option for those who would rather not have acupuncture.
As well as treating, this microcurrent device is also an effective diagnostic tool.
It can identify which points are ‘ active’ (need treating) by detecting the electrical resistance. The Practitioner knows this by listening for a change In the sound that the device produces.
This is an ideal tool to use on the ear in Auricular Therapy as it is a much easier way to locate these very tiny points.
You can read more about Auricular Therapy on the 'Specialist Training' page.
Lasers
Laser acupuncture is the use of light to penetrate the meridian channel. The Lasers used at iQi uses Low Level Laser Light in the form of laser pens. Your practitioner, Julia will use either a blue or red laser on specific points to either sedate or tonify the Qi. Lasers are another great non needle option and are particularly loved by kids as they are fun and can’t be felt at all.
Research has found that lasers light up the same part of the brain that needle acupuncture does suggesting it has the same effect on the energy in the channel as traditional acupuncture.
The research on the therapeutic effects of Lasers is ongoing, however there are three ways that have been shown to have an effect:
Three ways Lasers can have therapeutic effect
ONE
Healing growth factor response
TWO
Pain Relief
THREE
Immune System Support
Acu Patches (Light Therapy Patches)
Another innovative product that is used in both treatments in clinic as well as effective and convenient tools to use at home are Acu Patches.
These use a patented technology that stimulate acupuncture points using the body's own infra red light that it emits, directing it straight back into the body at specific acupuncture points.
There are different types of patches that specialise in different physiological effects whether that be to relieve pain, destress or promote sleep amongst other things.
There has been a large body of scientific studies that have been carried out as well as countless testimonials about the effectiveness of these patches.
Many Olympic Athletes and Professional sports people including David Beckham have been fans of these patches to help with their performance, stamina and tissue recovery.
Percussion & Far Infrared Massager
This is a massager device that uses a combination of Jade stones, Far Infrared Heat and percussion (vibration).
Most commonly used to treat muscular pain and tension it is a very effective device to help move Qi and Blood stagnation.