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20 September 2010
Acupuncture Product Review: HT-4
We tested the HT-4 electro-acupuncture device on our workbench and in an acupuncture clinic. The HT-4 delivers both electrical stimulation and heat to the acupuncture needle simultaneously. The Lekon Digital Acupuncture Needle Warmer & Electro-Stimulator, model HT-4, is one of the most interesting electro-acupuncture devices to become available with its unique combination of heating and electro-stimulation. It offers point detection and control over amplitude, timing, mode, cycle, and heating. Solenoid controls allow for easy manipulation for up to four channels on this device (each channel has two needles). The modes include continuous wave, disperse-dense wave, several ‘massage’ programs, and a tapping wave. All are variable and allow for fine adjustment. The heating option allows selected channels to have the needles warm up to approximately 113 degrees farenheit. This gives a therapeutic effect similar to that of moxibustion.
In the Clinic
We tested this device in a busy acupuncture clinic and found it to be ergonomic, reliable, and therapeutically effective. The device has several safety mechanisms that prevent overstimulation of the patient. The controls are easy to use and the unit is not overly large at 10 inches wide although hardly the portable size of the handheld IC-1107 electro-acupuncture unit. The electro-acupuncture unit must be plugged into a wall outlet so the IC-1107 or other battery powered units are more appropriate when an outlet is not available.
It is difficult to recommend anything new in Chinese medicine but this unit can deliver both heat and electricity to the needle simultaneously or separately making it a unique addition to the acupuncture profession. Lekon also makes a larger unit that comes in a briefcase that handles up to six channels. We’re not convinced that many licensed acupuncturists will need to connect 12 needles simultaneously, so we prefer the smaller HT-4 which handles up to 8 needles simultaneously. The unit appears to be of rugged construction and the LCD display is large and easy to read. The needle clips are similar to alligator style clips but are plastic coated which insulate the acupuncturist’s hand from the heated needle. The plastic clip construction also makes it virtually impossible to short-circuit the connections.
Pricing and Value
Overall, we like this acupuncture unit and are surprised that it retails for only $250. On sale, this acupuncture unit can be found at about $200. We have seen electro-acupuncture units at more than double this price that offer fewer therapeutic options. At the full retail price, this unit is a very good value and offers the type of significant therapeutic effects that an acupuncturist is looking for in an electro-acupuncture device.
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