Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation: Research Progress in Clinical Application (Review)

Abstract

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) has become an important method for the treatment of diseases, which can be used alone or as a complementary method. TEAS combines the benefits of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and acupuncture, and it is welcomed by clinicians because of its safety and significant treatment effect. For instance, TEAS is helpful for sedation and analgesia, promotes gastrointestinal function recovery, reduces the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and other adverse reactions, enhances immune function, protects organ function, accelerates the recovery of patients, improves the prognosis, and enhances patients' comfort degree. On this basis, more functions of TEAS need to be explored, and its clinical applications need to be further promoted.