What is Microcurrent Therapy?

We often talk a lot about the various traditional tools used in many TCM clinics today. Everything from Gua Sha to Báguàn or Huǒguàn (the different forms of cupping therapy) have been utilized to aid in the flow of Qi and help heal the body for hundreds of years, but what about more modern additions to the practice of acupuncture?

In today's post, we're exploring the world of microcurrent therapy, a form of muscle therapy using electric currents that we utilize every day here in our Toluca Lake office. We hope you enjoy learning about this innovative addition to this ancient practice!

What is Microcurrent?

Microcurrent therapy is a form of minimally-invasive muscle, skin and bone healing in which provides electric stimulation to the body in order to speed up and enhance healing from injury, soreness or tear. Microcurrent was first introduced to the United States by Dr. Thomas W. Wing, a fifth generation TCM doctor who saw a boom in US interest in acupuncture following then President Nixon's trip to China. You can find more fascinating information about the history of microcurrent therapy in Auriculotherapy here!

How Does it Work?

This form of therapy works by targeting sore or broken muscle tissue via acupuncture points on the body to speed up healing and encourage relaxation in the muscle fibers. This is done using current boxes that, when clamped to individual needles in specific points on the body, produce very low-level electric pulses in the micro-ampere range. These weak but powerful pulses encourage muscle recovery and can be incredibly beneficial for those seeking long-term healing after an accident or stress to the body.

Benefits of Microcurrent

Now that you know the in's and out's of microcurrent, let's talk benefits! Here are a few ways that microneedling can be an asset to your healing journey, as cited from Acupuncture Today:

1. Faster, more efficient healing for wounds and intense muscle soreness, especially as a result of accident or injury

2. Strengthening tendons

3. Boosting levels of ATP, the molecule that produces energy for healthy cell function

4. Kills bacteria in wounds and promotes healthy, clean healing for damaged skin, bone and muscle tissue

We hope you've enjoyed this information on the process and benefits to trying microcurrent therapy. We hope to see you in our chair soon!

With love,

The Wildflowers