Electro Acupuncture for Bladder and Bowel Incontinence

Electro Acupuncture is a non-surgical holistic therapy used to treat many conditions. When used for bladder and bowel incontinence its aim is to reduce symptoms of bladder and bowel urgency, frequency and urge incontinence episodes. Bladder and bowel function is regulated by a group of nerves at the base of the spine called the sacral nerve plexus. By stimulating these nerves through gentle electrical impulses, the bladder and bowel activity can be changed. It is a minimally invasive procedure which stimulates the nerves in the leg (tibial nerves), which in turn stimulate the sacral nerves.

Acupuncture needles are temporarily inserted around the ankle and foot, (Abdominal points may also be used). These are then connected to a battery powered stimulator (electro acupuncture). The stimulator delivers a mild electric current along the needle into the tibial nerve. Depending on your response to treatment both legs may be used.  Each treatment session will last approximately 45 minutes. The initial treatment for bladder and bowel incontinence consists of 12 treatments, one week apart.

People respond in different ways to electro acupuncture, but most patients feel a buzzing, tingling, or throbbing when the machine is turned on. The current can then be turned down, so that the treatment is comfortable. It is not necessary to feel this throbbing for the whole 30 minutes. 

• A sensation will be felt in the ankle or foot. 

• Toes may spread out and curl

• You may get stomach pain.

Electro Acupuncture  for bladder and bowel incontinence & pain relief is a very safe procedure but should not be used for: 

• People with pacemakers or implantable defibrillators 
• People prone to excessive bleeding 
• Women who are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant during the treatment
• Chronic Fibromyalgia (non stimulated acupuncture can be used)
• People with peripheral nerve damage or circulatory problems
• People with active sciatica 

• Discomfort and pain near the stimulation site 
• Redness and inflammation at or near the stimulation site 
• Bruising
• Toe numbness 
• Stomach-ache

Some studies have shown that electro acupuncture can improve bladder and bowel incontinence with response rates of up to 80%. Showing clinically significant improvements in bladder and bowel frequency, leakage episodes, deferment time and quality of life. It usually takes between 6 and 10 treatments before any change in symptoms is apparent. It is important that there is minimal gap in the twelve-week treatment programme, as this can affect the success of treatment. If holidays are planned, it is best to delay the start of the treatment until afterwards. Most patients need to return for booster treatments and maintenance top ups are recommended every 4 - 8 weeks.

Electro acupuncture may also be used when treating other health conditions & pain relief and will be tailored to your treatment plan.

 Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture that uses small electrical currents, in addition to needles, to stimulate acupoints, potentially offering pain relief and other therapeutic benefits.  

• What it is: Electroacupuncture involves passing a weak electrical current through acupuncture needles inserted into specific points on the body (acupoints). 
• How it works: The electrical stimulation, combined with the traditional acupuncture techniques, is believed to modulate the nervous system, potentially leading to pain relief, reduced inflammation, and other therapeutic effects. 
• Benefits:
  • Pain Relief: Electroacupuncture is used for various pain conditions, including chronic pain, muscle spasms, and pain related to neurological conditions. 
  • Inflammation Reduction: Studies suggest that electroacupuncture can help reduce inflammation. 
  • Endorphin Release: It may stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. 
  • Increased Blood Flow: Electroacupuncture can increase blood flow to the treated area. 
• Applications:
  • Pain Management: Electroacupuncture is used for pain relief in conditions like arthritis, back pain, and headaches. 
  • Neurological Conditions: It may be used to treat conditions like paralysis and muscle spasms. 
  • Anxiety and Depression: Some practitioners use it to address anxiety, depression, and stress. 
• How it is different from traditional acupuncture: Electroacupuncture adds electrical stimulation to the traditional acupuncture technique of inserting needles into acupoints. 
• Safety: Electroacupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. However, potential side effects include mild nausea, dizziness, or pain at the needle site.