Here at Dr Max Acupuncture we like to get the most out of different treatments, for the benefit of patients.
Take electroacupuncture for example. What is the best treatment duration time for an electroacupuncture treatment?
Most practitioners are taught 20-30 minutes. I have been extending this to 45 minutes to good effect. All patients say that this longer treatment is more effective for their pain relief and they can extend the time between appointments.
A 45 minute treatment has to be worked towards over a few sessions. Treatment regimens are tailored to the individual patient and their needs, of course.
Evidence from rats!
Taguchi T, Taguchi R. Effect of varying frequency and duration of electroacupuncture stimulation on carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia. Acupuncture in Medicine. 2007 Sep 1;25(3):80-6.
Conclusion: These results show that EA produces electroacupuncture analgesia of carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia. These findings also suggest that, among the frequencies and durations tested, EA at 3Hz (60 minutes) is the most suitable frequency and duration for carrageenan-induced inflammation. It seems that EA has different analgesic effects and mechanisms according to the parameters of stimulation. For EA in the clinical induction of analgesia, it is especially important that an effective frequency and duration are selected.
I will let you know when I find more evidence, preferably from human clinical practice…
Dr Max.