Commonly called 'E-stim' for short, electrostimulation can be added to an acupuncture treatment for a number of different health concerns. Typically E-stim is added to a treatment to address issues arising from pain, nerve damage, nerve function, chronic tension, muscle weakness, and more. 

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The machine generates gentle waves and pulses of current, which are then conducted through the needles (by placing a clamp onto each one) and transmitted into the tissues. Although the word 'electro' is used - its not electricity, and the machine runs off a small 9v battery.  

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Different settings of the machine allow for different uses, and different frequencies to be administered.  

Here is an example of what the different frequencies may be used for: 

• 2 Hz - mediates the μ- and δ-opioid receptors in the brain for pain relief.  2 Hz also induces the release of β-endorphin, enkephalin, and endomorphin within the central nervous system. 

• 100 Hz - mediates K-opioid receptors in the brain for pain perception, neuroendocrine physiology, affective behavior, and cognition.

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More detailed information on the physiology of electrostimulation and acupuncture can be found here.