For Bert Williams, the body is not merely a collection of organs, bones and tissues but a living electrical system that can self-regulate, repair and even shift chronic conditions when properly charged and flowing.
As a practitioner of electroacupuncture, a modality that integrates low electrical current into acupuncture treatments, Williams works not only with needles but with frequency and current, targeting the body’s internal terrain through the fascia, nerves, and acupuncture channels.
These channels act like battery packs, storing and transmitting electricity throughout the body. When the body’s electrical system is compromised, whether the batteries are drained, the fascia can no longer carry current, or the tissues become deficient in electricity, its ability to heal breaks down. Pain, fatigue, and illness set in. “The theory here,” Bert says, “is that all disease is a breakdown in terrain. And that terrain breaks down from a lack of electricity.”
This is where electroacupuncture comes in. By placing needles at specific points on the body and adding a gentle electrical current, electroacupuncture goes one step further than traditional acupuncture. The current, delivered in carefully selected frequencies, helps stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms in a precise and efficient way. “Electricity knows where to go. It travels to the most deficient areas first,” Bert explains. “As practitioners, our role is to diagnose these deficiencies, whether in acupuncture channels, neural pathways, tissues, or organ systems, and deliver the appropriate frequency, amplitude, and voltage to support the body’s innate ability to regulate and repair itself,” Williams said.
This is what makes electroacupuncture both powerful and versatile. Whether treating chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, autoimmune issues, or musculoskeletal pain, the goal is not to chase symptoms but to treat the terrain. That means identifying where energy flow has been compromised and restoring voltage to those areas. “I’m not treating the disease,” Williams said. “I’m treating the terrain in the problematic area, which means I can treat just about anything happening in the body.”
Electroacupuncture originated in China around 1934 as an evolution of traditional acupuncture, which has been a foundational healing practice for over 2,000 years. Blending ancient techniques rooted in Chinese medicine with modern science electroacupuncture offers a powerful healing modality for those seeking alternatives to conventional medicine and serves as a valuable complement.
While electroacupuncture is already well-established in countries like Germany, Japan, Australia and the UK, it is only beginning to gain traction in the U.S. Thanks in part to educators from the Electro Acupuncture Institute.
While electroacupuncture is already well-established in countries like Germany, Japan, Australia and the UK, it is only beginning to gain traction in the U.S. Thanks in part to educators from the Electro Acupuncture Institute and dedicated practitioners like Bert, the field of electroacupuncture is evolving rapidly. Williams said, “When I first started studying electroacupuncture in 2003, it was taught as a basic tool for musculoskeletal pain. Now, it is understood to be an effective approach for a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain and inflammation to neurological disorders, digestive issues, and even mental health concerns like anxiety and depression.”
The new research, treatment protocols, and technologies continue to energize the field.
Williams’ journey toward becoming a healer began early. As a child, he was drawn to the books on natural healing that his mother kept around the house. Still, it was not until after college – and a period working in San Francisco’s tech world – that he fully stepped onto the path, enrolling at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2003. Since then, he has completed advanced training and intensive coursework to deepen his practice and stay at the forefront of this dynamic field.
Williams reminds us that healing takes time and consistency. While some conditions may resolve with a single treatment, he emphasized that acupuncture and electroacupuncture generally require commitment. He explained. “Studies show that frequent sessions at the start yield the best results, leading to deeper, more sustainable healing over time.” Williams added, “And it’s not just about getting better; it’s also about staying well. You don’t have to wait until you’re sick to come in. Acupuncture, and especially electroacupuncture, is a powerful tool for maintenance. A couple of tune-ups a month can do wonders.”
Williams practices at Attune Healing Collective, a hidden gem nestled in Ketchum, where a diverse community of healing practitioners offers massage, sound healing, and a variety of holistic therapies. The collective also hosts weekend workshops and community events designed to nourish mind, body, and spirit. Williams’ wife, Morgan Hogue, is also an acupuncturist in Ketchum, and together they are part of a vibrant healing community in Idaho’s Wood River Valley. “There are many wonderful acupuncturists in this valley, and everyone has their own style. If you try one and it isn’t a good fit, try another. Find someone who resonates with you,” Williams said. He feels honored to be part of such a talented and diverse community and is passionate about sharing the healing potential of electroacupuncture with others.
By weaving together ancient wisdom and modern technology, electroacupuncture has emerged as a powerful tool in the world of holistic healing. “The body wants to heal. We just need to create the right conditions,” said Williams. With the right support, the body can return to balance. Electroacupuncture helps it do just that by stimulating repair, rebuilding terrain, and restoring our natural electrical flow.
THE POWER OF FREQUENCY
- The Power of Frequency: Electroacupuncture uses specific frequencies to activate different physiological processes. Lower frequencies (0–5 Hz) stimulate the nervous system and relieve pain. Higher frequencies (20–100 Hz) target organ systems and support deeper tissue regeneration. Some sessions combine multiple frequencies to address surface and deep systems simultaneously.
- Visible improvements in osteoarthritis after twelve electroacupuncture treatments.
- One of the key benefits of electroacupuncture is its ability to be customized. Practitioners like Bert can adjust the electrical current’s frequency, intensity, and duration, making it a highly versatile treatment option for various conditions.
- While acupuncture has been practiced for over 2,000 years, electroacupuncture was developed in China in the 1930s. It was first used to enhance traditional acupuncture by adding an electrical current to the needles, combining ancient wisdom with modern technology.