Most people in the West view acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine as an ancient practice that has remained unchanged for thousands of years in the mysterious orient. It does not matter if they accept or reject it as an alternative treatment option. They still do not view it as something dynamic and always changing. The truth is that acupuncture has not been immune to the changes wrought in our society by technology. In the last century, there have been many developments in acupuncture theory. These include the discovery and study of several holistic theories such as Ear acupuncture and the use of electro-stimulation.

There has been some thought that the acupuncture needles actually produce very minute electrical charges when they are twirled while inserted. It is also believed that the needles, when left in place, tend to drain excess electrical energy at a cellular level. This has led to the administration of small current electrical charges into the needles to replace the need to twist them or reinsert them to produce maximum effect.

More information: http://www.tcmadvisory.com/2007/4-26/2007426145548.html