Acupuncture (8-27-15)

Question 1

Differences between LF and HF stimulation?

Answer 1

LOW FREQUENCY/HIGH INTENSITY:

• 2 to 15Hz, as STRONG as pt can tolerate.
• Spinal cord - enkephalin, dynorphin B.
• Midbrain - enkephalin, serotonin, NE.
• Pituitary/hypothalamus - B-endorphin, ACTH.
• Effect BLOCKED by naloxone.
• Analgesia SLOW onset/LONG duration.
• **CUMULATIVE effects.

HIGH FREQUENCY/LOW INTENSITY:

• 30 to 200Hz, just to where pt can BARELY feel it.
• Spinal cord/midbrain ONLY–GABA.
• Effect NOT blocked by naloxone.
• Analgesia FAST onset/SHORT duration.
• NON-cumulative effects.

Question 2

What was the NIH consensus panel recommended uses for acupuncture?

Answer 2

• Promising results of efficacy in POST-OP and CHEMO-CAUSED NAUSEA AND VOMITING, and in POST-OP DENTAL PAIN.
• Other situations in which it may be an adjuvant or alternative treatment: addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma.
• Further research will likely uncover other potential beneficial uses of acupuncture.

Question 3

What is the thermocouple effect of Kelvin-Thomas?

Answer 3

It describes a gradient along the length of a homogeneous conductor–a temperature gradient produced by the ends of the conductor, which are at different temperatures.

• Hot at the tip of the needle, cool at the handle of the needle.
• Making electrons move! Move from the body into the handle of the needle. Movement of electrons out of the body!

Question 4

What is Benedick’s Effect?

Answer 4

It is that the current along a uniform conductor is reinforced by the electro-magnetic effect of the second (spiraled) metal of the handle being in contact with the first metal of the shaft.

• Typical needle is 1 to 8 cm long, 0.3-0.4mm in diameter (or 28 to 26 gauge).
• Electrical potential is 3 mV; the tip at body temperature and the handle at T.