Scalp acupuncture

Chinese scalp acupuncture is a contemporary acupuncture technique that has been established on the foundation of classic acupuncture, moxibustion and Western medical knowledge such as anatomy and neurophysiology. In china, five varieties of scalp acupuncture techniques are used in clinic practice. Scalp acupuncture is also popular in Japan, Korea and other East Asian countries.

Although the scalp has numerous traditionally identified acupoints along several major meridians, e.g. the governing vessel, bladder, gallbladder, stomach, triple warmer, modern scalp acupuncture differs from body acupuncture. Firstly, scalp is mapped to different treatment zones that associated with broad body regions and body functions. Although the zones include a few standard acupoints the concept of scalp acupuncture is based on treatment zones corresponding to relevant body functions and body regions and not based on meridians. Secondly, scalp acupuncture is more convenient as the patient can receive treatment at any position and is less pain than body acupuncture. Finally, for most conditions scalp acupuncture seems to be more effective.

Reference:

FC Wang ed. Scalp acupuncture therapy. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House; 2007:4-7.

L Shoukang, Scalp acupuncture therapy and its clinical application, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1991; 11(4):272–280.