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In order to perform safe and effective electric stimulation in acupuncture analgesia or therapy, basic knowledge concerning the electric stimulator is required. If direct current is used, a negative square wave with a pulse duration of 0.5~1.5 msec should be applied to the needle electrode to perform elective stimulation. Negative current is more effective at lower amperage than positive current and the possible corrosion hazard by the positive current can be avoided.

The effects of acupuncture analgesia were studied using the change in halothane MAC in volunteers. Halothane MAC under electrical acupuncture stimulation was reduced to 86.2 ± 11.1% from the control value. After naloxone administration the level of the MAG was raised to the control level and the increment was 19.l ± 14.8%. Naloxone itself did not change the halothane MAC in the same subjects. These results suggest that the changes in halothane MAC under acupuncture stimulation are caused by the release of an endogenous analgesic substance in the brain.