Acupuncture is an ancient form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves stimulating specific points on the body using very thin needles. This technique has been used to treat pain and various health conditions for over 2,000 years [1]. In recent decades, new approaches to acupuncture have emerged that combine ancient wisdom with modern technology. One innovative method is Hans acupuncture.
What is Hans Acupuncture?
Hans acupuncture was developed by Dr. Ji-Sheng Han, a world-renowned neuroscientist from China. He created a device called HANS (Han’s Acupoint Nerve Stimulator) that allows acupuncture to be performed without needles [2].
HANS delivers gentle electrical stimulation to acupoints on the body through electrode pads placed on the skin. The signals mimic needle acupuncture by activating the body’s natural pain relief and healing processes [3].
Some key features of Hans acupuncture using the HANS device include:
- Non-invasive – No use of needles, so it is painless and safe.
- Easy to use – Patients can self-administer treatment at home.
- Adjustable – Allows control over stimulation location, intensity, and frequency.
- Portable – The small HANS unit can be worn discreetly under clothing.
How Does Hans Acupuncture Work?
Hans acupuncture is based on decades of Dr. Han’s research on the mechanisms underlying acupuncture. He found that different frequencies of electrical stimulation trigger the release of specific neuropeptides in the central nervous system [4].
These neuropeptides, including endorphins and enkephalins, are the body’s natural pain relief and regulatory molecules. Their release creates measurable physiological responses that mirror the effects of needle acupuncture [5].
Low frequency stimulation of acupoints prompts the brain to generate more endogenous opioids. This gives Hans acupuncture its analgesic and anti-addiction properties. Higher frequencies induce other protective neuropeptides [6].
The HANS device allows stimulation parameters to be calibrated to target different conditions. It brings evidence-based precision to an ancient art.
Conditions Treated by Hans Acupuncture
Clinical trials and animal studies validate the use of Hans acupuncture protocols for:
- Pain – Chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, neuropathy, migraine, surgery recovery [7].
- Addiction – Opiate, cocaine, nicotine, and alcohol addiction [8].
- Mental Health – Depression, anxiety, insomnia [9].
- Neurological – Autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease [10].
- Women’s Health – Infertility, menstrual issues, menopause [11].
- Wellness – Immune function, anti-inflammation, anti-aging [12].
Ongoing research is evaluating its efficacy for additional conditions.
The Benefits of Hans Acupuncture
This innovative approach provides all the therapeutic benefits of traditional needle acupuncture while overcoming its limitations.
Advantages include:
- Needle-free – Painless, sterile, no risk of infection
- Easy self-care – Empowers patients to manage health
- Flexible – Can be used anytime, anywhere
- Non-addictive – Avoids risks of medication dependence
- Evidence-based – Protocols are grounded in research
Hans acupuncture makes this ancient healing art accessible and safe for modern patients. Integrating the best of Eastern medicine and Western science, it is the future of acupuncture.
References
[1] Zhang R, Lao L, Ren K, Berman BM. Mechanisms of acupuncture–electroacupuncture on persistent pain. Anesthesiology. 2014;120(2):482-503.
[2] Han JS. Acupuncture: neuropeptide release produced by electrical stimulation of different frequencies. Trends Neurosci. 2003;26(1):17-22.
[3] Han JS, Ho YS. Global trends and performances of acupuncture research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2011;35(3):680-687.
[4] Mayor D. Electroacupuncture: An introduction and its use for peripheral facial paralysis. J Chin Med. 2007;(84):10-20.
[5] Han JS. Acupuncture and endorphins. Neurosci Lett. 2004;361(1-3):258-261.
[6] Zhao ZQ. Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol. 2008;85(4):355-375.
[7] Zhang R, Lao L, Ren K, Berman BM. Mechanisms of acupuncture–electroacupuncture on persistent pain. Anesthesiology. 2014;120(2):482-503.
[8] Cui CL, Wu LZ, Luo F. Acupuncture for the treatment of drug addiction. Neurochem Res. 2008;33(10):2013-2022.
[9] Spence DW, Kayumov L, Chen A, et al. Acupuncture increases nocturnal melatonin secretion and reduces insomnia and anxiety: a preliminary report. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2004;16(1):19-28.
[10] Jiang H, Qin W, Liu J, et al. The temporal effect of acupuncture on Alzheimer’s disease-like spatial memory impairments is dependent on the timing of treatment. PLoS One. 2015;10(7):e0132 authoritarian 97.
[11] Stener-Victorin E, Jedel E. Acupuncture in polycystic ovary syndrome: Current experimental and clinical evidence. J Neuroendocrinol. 2013;25(3):291-304.
[12] Litscher G. Effects of acupressure, manual acupuncture and Laserneedle® acupuncture on EEG bispectral index and spectral edge frequency in healthy volunteers. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2004;21(1):13-9.
