Sonopuncture – Origin, Benefits, Efficacy, Methodology, And Side Effects
The human ear can hear sound waves ranging between 20 cycles per second and 20,000 cycles per second. If the frequency of sound is above 20,000 cycles per second, it is at a pitch too high for the human ear to hear. This type of sound is called ultrasound.
Ultrasound waves can be obtained by applying an alternating current to a quartz crystal, thus making it vibrate.
How Is Sonopuncture Beneficial?
Sonopuncture has proved to be effective in various ailments
- Treatment of infection
- Removal of wrinkles and scars on the face
- Treatment of varicose veins
- Treatment of backache, ankylosing spondylitis, as well as fibrositis
- Treatment of ligament tears and bruises
- Encouraging the healing of bone fractures 1
Studies/Research On The Efficacy Of Sonopuncture
In 1955, Mr. Leplus published a report about his practice of sonopuncture. He mentions that his invention “transmits to the desired point a vibration at audible frequency and both tonifies and disperses, better than massage and the same as moxa.”
Dr. Irving Oyle of California has claimed to have met with success in his attempts to treat a variety of diseases such as anxiety, allergic dermatitis, lower back pain, and dysmenorrhea using sonopuncture.
How Is Sonopuncture Performed?
- High-quality, specially-constructed sound heads are used to produce a narrow, cylindrical beam of ultrasound.
- The width of the intense, vertical beams emitted by these sound heads is between 2 mm and 5 mm.
- The sound heads are constructed in such a way so as to ensure that they emit uniform beams.
For children, small sound heads are used to target acupuncture points.
For adults, medium or large-sized sound heads are used.
For acupuncture points in the ear, vagina, and rectum, special auricular sound heads are used.
To control pain, special roller electrodes are used to provide transcutaneous stimulation.
How Can People Get Started With Sonopuncture?
Sonopuncture can be done quickly, with each acupuncture point needing about 30-60 seconds of stimulation.
- The beam can penetrate up to 6-8 cm.
- Ultrasound waves are not absorbed by the layer of fat underneath the skin. They are passed to the muscles where the acupuncture point is located.
- Thus, this technique is a good alternative to acupuncture for obese patients. A conducting medium, such as oil or gel, is used to ease the passing of ultrasound into the body.
- If sonopuncture is done without the conducting medium, ultrasound gets reflected inside the sound heads, thus producing heat.
- This heat does not promote healing of the body.1
Any Precautions, Contraindications, or Interactions Sonopuncture has been found to be safe and effective. It is advantageous over needle acupuncture because it is painless and is thus, accepted by patients more readily.1