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New Trend In Acupuncture Is Electrifying

 MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- The Eastern practice of acupuncture has long been used in the West to treat body pains such as arthritis, headaches, and joint problems. Now, a modern technique added to the traditional approach is producing electrifying results.

Electro-acupuncture, a Western twist on the conventional approach to acupuncture, is enhancing results on patients who use alternative therapies for their physical issues.

Whereas traditional acupuncture utilizes the body's own energy to stimulate certain areas of the body, the use of an electrical stimulation makes the process work even more efficiently.

"With normal acupuncture you can keep them in from anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour," Dr. Nora Dobranszky, who has practiced Chinese medicine for 11 years, said. "With the stem, all you really need is 20 minutes."

The good news is that the introduction of electrical stimulation does not necessarily increase any discomfort.

"It's not more painful," Dr. Dobranszky described. "You do feel a little tingling sensation, a pulsing current around the needles. It's almost like acupuncture on overdrive."

The process is already producing encouraging results.

"I've gone to regular acupuncture, which was good, and I really liked the results," beauty blogger Romy Schorr said. "But I tried this approach, and I've never turned back."

Schorr's treatment continues with a process called "cupping".

Cupping involves the heating of small glass bowls, which are then moved along the body. The cups begin to cool, creating a suction which is said to ease stress and treat bodily aches and pains.

The process is known to leave bruises that can last up to a week, and is widely considered to be effective.

Following an initial consultation, a session costs about $95, and is reportedly covered by many insurance plans.

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