Follow Dr. Tony
Follow Dr. Tony
Those small cables are part of electro-acupuncture — one of the most well-studied enhancements to traditional acupuncture. At Acupuncture Zen, Dr. Tony Willcox uses the ITO ES-160, an advanced 6-channel electro-acupuncture device widely regarded among practitioners as a clinical benchmark.
Small alligator clips are attached directly to the acupuncture needles, delivering a gentle, controlled electrical current straight through the needle and into the muscles, nerves, and connective tissue below — reaching a depth and precision that surface electrode pads simply can’t replicate. At the cellular level, this stimulation is associated with:
The frequency of stimulation isn’t arbitrary — it’s a clinical choice. Lower frequencies are associated with triggering the release of endorphins and enkephalins, the body’s own natural painkillers, while higher frequencies engage a separate pathway involving dynorphins and serotonin. Using the ITO ES-160’s precise frequency controls, Dr. Tony adjusts each session to activate the response best suited to your condition — not a one-size-fits-all setting, but a tailored part of your treatment.
Electro-acupuncture is used as part of a personalized plan to support: back, neck, and shoulder pain; sciatica; knee and joint pain; nerve pain; sports injuries and post-surgical recovery; headaches; and stress-related tension and sleep difficulty.
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable and relaxing electro-acupuncture feels — a gentle rhythmic pulsing many describe as deeply meditative. Sessions run for 20–30 minutes, and many patients find the sessions become a welcome part of their care routine early on.
As with any electrical stimulation therapy, electro-acupuncture and microcurrent are not recommended for patients with pacemakers or certain other implanted electronic medical devices. Be sure to inform Dr. Tony of any implanted devices or relevant medical history before treatment.
Electro-acupuncture is one of several advanced modalities at Acupuncture Zen — alongside acupuncture, K-Laser therapy, NovoTHOR® red light therapy, and Chinese herbal medicine — each recommended based on your specific condition and goals.
Yes. Electro-acupuncture delivers a gentle, controlled electrical current through the needle, and most patients find it comfortable and relaxing. It isn’t suitable for everyone — it’s not used in patients with pacemakers, defibrillators, or other implanted electronic medical devices, and Dr. Tony takes extra care with anyone who has a history of heart disease or a cardiac condition. Please be sure to inform him of any implanted devices, heart conditions, or other relevant medical history before treatment so he can tailor your care accordingly.
No — most patients are surprised by how comfortable and relaxing it feels. The sensation is a gentle, rhythmic pulsing that many describe as deeply meditative, not painful at all.
Traditional acupuncture uses stillness — needles are inserted and retained without movement. Electro-acupuncture adds a small electrical current directly through the needle, delivering continuous, controlled stimulation to the muscles, nerves, and connective tissue below — reaching a depth and precision that surface electrode pads can’t replicate.
Sessions typically run 20 to 50 minutes, depending on your treatment plan — sometimes both the front and back of the body are treated in the same visit. Many patients find the rhythmic pulsing becomes a welcome part of their care routine early on.
Electro-acupuncture is included at no additional cost as part of your acupuncture treatment. For pricing on other therapies, visit our Fee Schedule, or call 561-633-3537 with any questions.
Acupuncture Zen · 900 E Atlantic Ave, Suite 11, Delray Beach, FL 33483 · 📞 561-633-3537. Serving Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, and all of South Florida.
“Dr. Tony’s approach is unlike anything I’ve experienced. His combination of skill, intuition, and genuine care makes every session worth it. Every treatment is very personalized — he uses as many needles as needed, and the glass cupping is a great addition. Speaking as a professional athlete who has seen more than a few acupuncturists, Dr. Tony is by far one of the most skilled I’ve seen.”
— Jadon, Verified Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I can’t recommend Dr. Tony Willcox highly enough! I was visiting Delray Beach when I woke up with severe shoulder and neck pain. I called the office, and they kindly fit me in the same day. From the moment I walked in, the experience was exceptional — Dr. Tony is incredibly knowledgeable, caring, and effective, and his staff made me feel so welcome. If you’re looking for an acupuncturist who truly gets results, I highly recommend him. I’m so grateful I found him when I needed help the most!”
— Brittany B., Verified Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Everything is energy, and you will be in great hands here. Even after one session, I feel the difference. Thank you so much!”
— Ali K., Local Guide, Verified Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
