1) A process by which electric currents can be passed into the deeper parts of the body so as to produce internal warmth and relieve pain. The method is used by physiotherapists dealing with painful rheumatic conditions, both of muscles and joints. 2) A method of controlling blood loss from minor blood vessels during surgery by momentarily heating the vessel by passing a brief electrical current, thus coagulating the blood. The form of electricity used consists of high-frequency oscillations, the frequency of oscillation ranging from 10 million to 25,000 million oscillations per second. The current passes between two electrodes placed on the skin.