ETPS Microcurrent
ETPS Microcurrent (Electro Therapeutic Point Stimulation) was developed by Bruce Hocking, acupuncturist - Toronto, Canada. Bruce pioneered the use of microcurrent and developed a system of using it for treating acupuncture points.
It is an effective, quick, inexpensive and portable method for releasing tightness and tenderness in points (acupuncture, trigger, motor) or adhesions that greatly enhances effectiveness of acupuncture or massage
What Is ETPS?
An ETPS unit is a microcurrent electrical stimulator and point finder. It is designed for use directly on the skin, not through wires connected to acupuncture needles. The probe is built into the machine and has a tip the size of a ball point pen. The electrical output of the device consists of square waveform, monophasic pulsed DC stimulation. A 9-Volt battery powers the device.
Differences between ETPS and other microcurrent machines:
- ETPS is much simpler and more basic: there is only 1 frequency setting
- The treatment probe tip is the size of a ball point pen, other machines use a larger probe, pads, gloves or attachments to needles
- It is much smaller, fitting in a pocket
- Cost is 5-10% of other units
Advantages Of ETPS
The combination of the type of current and the small size of the probe create the unique effect that the machine has:
- It is able to release tightness in points extremely quickly, often in 5-20 seconds
- Low cost makes it affordable for patients to use on themselves for supportive treatment
ETPS provides an additional diagnostic screen
After MPT treatment with ETPS, both practitioner and patient can tell which points are:
- More reactive (stronger treatment sensations)
- The most difficult to release
Frequently, there will be immediate improvement in
- Range of motion
- Reduction in pain
The patient is able to immediately assess the effectiveness of each stage of treatment
- This allows the practitioner to determine the structural root cause of the condition
- Treatment with acupuncture and future treatment with MPT can then be targeted toward the needed areas
ETPS provides additional treatment options
You can treat
- Multiple points in an area; many more than with acupuncture needles
- Several depths of tightness
- Multiple angles or vectors
Better Use Of Acupuncture
- Fewer needles
- Many of the points have been sufficiently released with MPT and don’t need acupuncture
- Deeper release
- The points that you choose to needle have been considerably released by the ETPS so the acupuncture is able to release a deeper layer than would have been possible with acupuncture alone
- More needles can be used for treating underlying imbalances
MPT can treat places that are uncomfortable for acupuncture needles
- Scalp points and cranial sutures
- Points around eyes in orbit: B1, B2, etc.
- Points near blood vessels: St 9, St 10
- Jing-well points on tips of fingers and toes
- Points on palms and soles: L 10,P 8, K 1, etc.
- Scars
- Face points for Cosmetic acupuncture - facelifts
- Pediatrics – children and babies
- Needle phobic patients
- Sensitive patients