What electroacupuncture is
Electroacupuncture is acupuncture with a small, battery-powered device attached to pairs of needles. The device sends a mild pulse between them, which stimulates the point continuously for the whole treatment rather than only when the needle is placed. The frequency and intensity are adjusted for each person and each condition.
What electroacupuncture helps with
- Sciatica and pain from a herniated or bulging disc
- Chronic low back pain that has not improved with manual acupuncture alone
- Knee osteoarthritis and joint stiffness
- Peripheral neuropathy, numbness and tingling, alongside medical care
- Sports injuries, tendinitis and slow muscle recovery
- Post-operative and chemotherapy-related nausea
Many of the strongest pain studies use electroacupuncture. The 2024 JAMA Internal Medicine sciatica trial, for example, used electrical stimulation on paired needles over 10 sessions.
How it feels
You feel a light, rhythmic tapping or buzzing at the needles. Dr. Iskhakov turns the intensity up slowly until it is clearly noticeable but comfortable, and adjusts it whenever you ask. The current is far lower than a physical therapy TENS unit. Most patients find it relaxing.
What a session looks like
Electroacupuncture is part of a normal acupuncture visit. After assessment, needles are placed along the painful area and related points, two to four pairs are connected to the device, and you rest for 20 to 30 minutes. It is often combined with cupping or heat.
How many sessions?
For nerve-related pain, plan on one to two sessions a week for four to six weeks, then reassess. Pain scores are tracked at every visit so you can see whether it is working.
Who should not have electroacupuncture
We do not use electrical stimulation for people with a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device, across the chest of anyone with a heart rhythm problem, on the abdomen or low back during pregnancy, or for people with epilepsy without medical clearance.
Cost and insurance
Electroacupuncture starts at $140 (included in a 60-minute follow-up). Follow-up acupuncture is $140 for about 60 minutes, with cupping or electroacupuncture included when needed, and packages lower the per-visit cost. We are an out-of-network provider: you pay at each visit and receive a superbill to submit to your insurer, and many PPO plans reimburse part of the fee. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. See every fee on pricing & insurance.
When to see a doctor first
New weakness in a leg, numbness in the groin or loss of bladder or bowel control needs emergency medical care, not acupuncture.
Getting to our Midtown office
Our Midtown office at 25 W 45th St is a short walk from Grand Central and Bryant Park, so a 60-minute session fits around a workday.
Fifth Element Acupuncture, 25 W 45th St, Suite 507, New York, NY 10036 · (347) 596-0931 · Directions
B, D, F, M to 42 St–Bryant Park · 7 to 5 Av · 4, 5, 6, S and Metro-North at Grand Central (6-min walk) · Times Sq–42 St (8-min walk)
How to book
Answer a few short questions online and we will call within one business day to confirm a time, or call (347) 596-0931. New patients start with a 90-minute first visit. Evening and Saturday appointments are available, and care is offered in English and Russian.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine complement, and do not replace, care from your physician. Results vary from person to person. Please continue any treatment your doctor has prescribed and tell us about medications you take. Photos are illustrative.
