Not that this is a stranger in the west, but in the US, it has been used predominantly by physical therapists for the relief of acute pain. What T.E.N.S. entails is the use of a small device that is attached through electrodes to the small of your back, one of the main sources of pain during labor. The device emits a small electrical current that disrupts the signals that travel to the brain notifying it that pain is present in the body. So, in this case, ignorance is bliss. Research into the use of T.E.N.S., though still young, is indicating that another benefit of the use of the device is that it stimulates the release of endorphins into the body.
Endorphins are the body's own natural defenses against pain.
The technique is appealing to many as it is not invasive and does not have the side effects of many of the more commonly used medications. Again research into the use of T.E.N.S. during pregnancy is still young, however, to date, there are no indications that the process is harmful to your infant. Something to make not of is that users of the process do not report that the process is uncomfortable. The device typically has an adjustment knob that can be used to modify the intensity of the electrical currents. Also, though many report decreased level of pain during labor, the process does not guarantee pain relief for all users.