Stimulators are longterm investments, and they can be relatively costly. At Lierre, we’ve kept budget limitations in mind, and decided on three excellent but quite different models. What’s the difference? Here are some of the factors think about before making a decision!
Year of release
How old is the device you’re planning to buy? Though all our models are recent, it is more generally important to be careful when purchasing electric stimulators: older models can be more erratic with their electric charge, and seriously injure patients.
Acupoint locators
To an outsider, acupoint locators might look suspiciously like magic wands; however, the way they work is rather simple. The electric resistance of acupuncture points is lower than its surrounding area: when coming in contact with an area that offers less resistance, most acupoint sensors will emit a high pitched sound and their display numbers will increase in value. The most sensitive point will react best to treatment, and therefore its stimulation will have the most therapeutic effect.
It is of paramount importance that the skin not be wet or sweaty while using the acupoint locator, because water is a drastically more conducive medium than skin, and the locator can therefore exhibit false results.
Though acupoint locators are extremely useful, even for experienced practitioners, they are not necessarily essential. Our most portable model, the ITO ES does not have one, while both the AWQ-104L and the Pointer EXCEL PLUS II are equipped with very sensitive locators.
Channels
The more channels a stimulator has, the more points you can simultaneously treat on the body. If your treatments tend to be complex, and necessitate many needles, you may want to opt for the AWQ-104L, which has four different channels and can be used with up to 8 needles. The ITO ES is another great option, as it has three different channels.
Portability
While all of our stimulators are relatively light and portable, it is true that the AWQ-104L does not exactly fit in your pocket. If you need to move around a lot for your practice – from room to room, or from space to space – the ITO-ES is specifically designed to be as compact and mobile as possible. The Pointer EXCEL PLUS II is also extremely portable, as it can be carried with only one hand. All our stimulators come with a carry case.
Learning curve
We like to think that all of our stimulators are intuitive – and they are, compared to older models – but it is true that some of them are easier to use than others. If your use of electric stimulation is strictly casual or occasional, a simpler device may better suit you. For a beginner or casual user, the Point EXCEL PLUS II is an incredibly easy device to use; likewise, the ITO-ES is relatively straightforward. Though the AWQ-104L takes a bit more time to figure out, it is arguably one of its strength: its high degree of adjustability means that it gives the practitioner an unparalleled degree of control.
Type of treatment
Traditional treatments always involve needles; however, practitioners are increasingly recognizing alternatives, and treating acupoints with direct electric stimulation can offer many if not most of the same health benefits as traditional acupuncture treatments. As many patients are afraid of needles, electric stimulation can be a wonderful alternative. Our Pointer EXCEL PLUS II uses a push-button, located on the pointer’s nose, to trigger a gentle therapeutic pulse. Because it doesn’t require needles, this device can also be used for self-treatment, though it must be handled with care.
Compare and contrast!
| Pointer EXCEL PLUS II | AWQ-104L | ITO-ES | |
|
Acu-point locator |
Yes | Yes | No |
|
Channels |
Not applicable | 4 | 3 |
|
Intuitiveness |
Very easy | Moderate | Easy |
| Portability | Good | Moderate |
Excellent |
| Adjustability | Moderate | Excellent |
Good |
| Usable with needles | No | Yes |
Yes |
| Self-treatment | Yes | No |
No |
Conclusion
- The Pointer Excel Plus II is perhaps the easiest model to use, the fact that it doesn’t require acupuncture needles makes it ideal for personal or casual use
- The AWQ-104L is the sturdiest, most adjustable model; once mastered, it is sure to be the serious practitioner’s preferred option.
- The ITO-ES is the best of both worlds: easy to carry, but versatile and adjustable enough to suit most practitioners’ needs. Purchasers may prefer to also purchase an acupoint locator.
0
0
