Table 2 TEAS operation standard and procedure

1

Determination of position

The patient takes a supine position

2

Inspection of equipment

Confirm normal operation of electric acupuncture apparatus

3

Area and acupoint locating

The Zusanli acupoint and Shenshu acupoint are determined by feeling and pressing the point for acupuncture

4

Local skin preparation

Prepare the skin at the acupuncture point, disinfect from the center with 75% ethanol cotton ball in circle to wipe off the sebum

5

Selection of surface electrodes

Select surface electrodes specially used for TEAS

6

Acupoint patching

Attach the electrode slices specially used for TEAS on the acupoints, press to confirm they are securely attached

7

Connection of electrode slices to equipment

Connect Zusanli acupoint and Shenshu acupoint on one side to 2 electrodes of the same wire, and those of the other side to another 2 electrodes of the same wire; both wires are connected to the same electric acupuncture apparatus

8

Acupoint electric stimulation

Confirm the electric acupuncture apparatus is in power-up state, turn on the electric acupuncture apparatus, select corresponding parameters, and initiate TEAS therapy according to the patient’s tolerance to electric stimulation

9

Maintenance treatment

Maintain electric stimulation for 30 min, instruct the patient to protect the surgery area in acupuncture pin setting process, and closely examine the patient for adverse reactions of fainting, vomiting, and pain during acupuncture treatment; provide symptomatic treatment if needed

10

End of treatment

Turn off the electric acupuncture apparatus, remove the electrode slices, and clear away connection wires. Check redness and swelling or other injury on the skin where electrode slice was attached, and provide symptomatic treatment if these symptoms occur