Acupuncture is very effective in improving essential tremor

Acupuncture with different techniques was used to treat essential tremor. Zone style scalp needling technique produced a 96% total effective rate, compared to conventional acupuncture which produced a 73% total effective rate, is more effective in improving essential tremor. The results of the clinical study were published in the Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion.

Essential tremor is a neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable shake or tremble of parts of the body. The shake usually appears in hands first and, then gradually affects other parts of body such as arms, head, eyelids, other muscles and even voice box (larynx). The shake is more noticeable when the person is trying to hold a position or do something, such as drink or writes and can be triggered by anxiety, fatigue, caffeine, poor sleep. The cause of essential tremor is not clear, but  it is believed to be linked with genetic and environmental factors. Medications such as propranolol can reduce in tremor while produce adverse effects with long term use. Alternative treatment such acupuncture has shown its effective in help improve essential tremor with only minor side effects.

Dr. C Wang colleagues in Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China conducted a comparative study to assess the effectiveness of zone style scalp needling acupuncture and conventional scalp acupuncture in treating patients with essential tremor. Sixty patients with essential tremor were randomly allocated into two equal groups, one received zone style scalp acupuncture with body acupoints and the other receiving standard scalp acupuncture with body style acupoints.

In the zone style scalp acupuncture group, acupuncture needles were inserted over a wedge-shaped area around GV20 and MHN1 acupoints and applied bilaterally to the middle third portion of the chorea tremor control area. The needles were swiftly inserted at 30^o to a depth at the epicranial aponeurosis level. The twirling technique was applied at 200 per minute, two minutes per needle for scalp points. The complimentary body acupoints: GB20 (Fengchi), MHN9 (Taiyang), LI11 (Quchi), TB5 (Waiguan), LI4 (Hegu), GB31 (Fengshi), GB34 (Yanglingquan), ST36 (Zusanli), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), LV3 (Taichong) were inserted perpendicularly.

In conventional acupuncture group, following acupoints were applied: Chorea tremor control area, GV20 (Baihui), GV14 (Dazhui), GB20 (Fengchi), LI4 (Hegu), SI8 (Xiaohai), LI11 (Quchi), LI10 (Shousanli), TB5 (Waiguan). The needles were inserted perpendicularly and twirled slightly.

In both groups, acupuncture treatments were administered for 30 mins, once a day for six consecutive days, each week, for total four weeks. Essential tremor scores were assessed before and after treatment. A follow-up interview, three months follow-up after the end of acupuncture treatments, was used to assess relapse rates.

The data showed that zone style scalp acupuncture produced a 96% of the total effective rate, compared with 73% (P<0.05) of total effective rate by conventional scalp acupuncture. The relapse rate of the zone style scalp acupuncture group was 13.81% and was 45.5% for the conventional scalp acupuncture group (P<0.05) respectively. The clinical study suggested that zone style scalp acupuncture is more effective than conventional acupuncture in improving essential tremor.

Reference

C Wang & Z Zheng. Therapeutic Observation of Scalp Cluster Needling in Treating Essential Tremor. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 10 (2017): 1216-1219.
https://caod.oriprobe.com/issues/1769687/toc.htm

Effect of scalp acupuncture on neurological disorders – a review study

Scalp acupuncture therapy has been used to treat many conditions in China since 5 BC. Scalp acupuncture needles are penetrated into the specific areas of the scalp or lines on the scalp, and it differs significantly from classic acupuncture in that it has its own theoretical basis and its acupoints are quite different from traditional acupoints. Modern scalp acupuncture was established on the base of traditional Chinese acupuncture, modern anatomy and physiology, by integrating traditional Chinese needling methods with western medical knowledge of representative areas of the cerebral cortex. This modern system of acupuncture was developed at a fast pace since 1970s, and scalp acupuncture acupoints were standardized in 1991 when the World Health Organization announced the International Standard Nomenclature for Scalp Acupuncture Points.

There are three basic features of scalp acupuncture that differentiate it from body acupuncture. Firstly, treatment zones (14 lines or zones) that have been mapped onto the scalp are associated with body functions and broad body regions, and are based on the ideas of different schools of scalp acupuncture. Secondly, scalp acupuncture is characterized by inserting needle into a thin layer of loose tissue beneath the scalp surface, at a low angle of about 15-30 degrees, with an insertion distance of about 1 cum (approximately one inch for adult). Thirdly, the needles in scalp acupuncture are subjected to rapid stimulation, which may be performed a variety of ways including twirling, pulling/thrusting and electro-stimulation.

Despite its relatively short history, scalp acupuncture has been now used to treat a wide range of conditions in many countries. Scalp acupuncture has been proven effective for the treatment of brain-related conditions such as cerebrovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders; but also for other conditions e.g. tinnitus and attention deficit hyperactive disorder.  In this review article, recent development of scalp acupuncture application on some neurological disorders were summarized.

The study found that scalp acupuncture provides an important complementary/alternative treatment approach for improving symptoms of many neurological disorders symptoms. By closely stimulating affected areas of the central nervous system, scalp acupuncture has showed advanced and more effective results compared to other acupuncture techniques. The studies also demonstrated that scalp acupuncture treatment is safer, more effective, and caused fewer side effects compared with conventional treatment such as medications in the respective conditions.

Although the studied cited above showed a certain effect of scalp acupuncture on stroke, PD and MS, the quality of studies were variable. Because many of the studies did not follow the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 checklist and the revised Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) guidelines. For example, there were no sham acupuncture controls in majority studies. None of the included studies adopted assessor blinding.  STRICTA checklist items i.e. "depth of insertion," "description of participating acupuncturists" and “the optimal dosage for the scalp acupuncture treatment” were not mentioned. So following CONSORT and STRICTA recommendation are strongly recommended, and well-designed studies with rigorous methodologies are required to confirm the effectiveness of scalp acupuncture for neurological disorders.

Reference

BY Zeng, Scalp acupuncture treatment for neurological disorders. The Journal of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. 2018, Vol.25:1, 25-31.   https://www.atcm.co.uk/news-events/atcm-journals

Treatment of scalp acupuncture for stroke

Stroke is the second most common cause of death preceded only by heart attacks and the major cause of disability in the western societies. Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and is mainly caused by ischemic or hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke is the most common subtype of stroke, accounting for about 80% of all strokes. Treatment of stroke depends on the type of stroke and which part of brain is affected. Conventional approaches include medication to prevent and dissolve the blood clots and reduce blood pressure, and surgery to remove blood clots, treat brain swelling and reduce the risk of further bleeding in case of hemorrhagic stroke. However, people who survived stroke are often left with long-term problems caused by injury to their brains. 

Scalp acupuncture is a modern acupuncture technique in which needles are penetrated the specific area of the scalp or lines on the scalp, and differs significantly from classic acupuncture in that it has its own theoretical basis and its acupoints are quite different from traditional acupoints. Scalp acupuncture has integrated traditional Chinese needling methods with western medical knowledge of representative areas of the cerebral cortex. This modern system of acupuncture, although explored since 1930s, has really been developed since 1970s and standardized in 1991 when the World Health Organization announced the International Standard Nomenclature for Scalp Acupuncture Points (WHO, 1991).

Despite its relatively short history, scalp acupuncture has been used to treat a wide range of conditions in many countries. Scalp acupuncture has proven effective for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders (Hao et al., 2013; Li et al., 2014; Wang et al., 2009). Furthermore, a number of clinical trials have reported therapeutic effects of scalp acupuncture for the treatment of stroke (Chen et al., 2014; Lee et al., 2014). Here, recent research developments of scalp acupuncture treatment on stroke are summarized. 

Preclinical studies
Acupoint Baihui (GV20) is located on the highest point of the head and is an intersecting point of the Governing Vessel, Bladder, Gall Bladder, Triple Heater and Liver meridians. According theory of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture stimulation at Baihui can clear the mind, lift the spirits, tonify yang, strengthening the ascending function of spleen, eliminate interior wind and promote resuscitation. Indeed, Baihui acupoint has been used to effectively treat neurological disorders such as stroke in China for thousand years. 

A systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the current evidence for the effect of Baihui (GV20)-based scalp acupuncture in animal models of focal cerebral ischemia was conducted by Wang et al., (2014). Meta-analysis results showed that of 54 studies 12 reported significant effects of GV20-based scalp acupuncture for improving infarct volume compared with middle cerebral artery occlusion group, and 32 studies reported significant effects of GV20-based scalp acupuncture for improving the neurological function score when compared with the control group. It was concluded that GV20-based scalp acupuncture could improve infarct volume and neurological function score and exert potential neuroprotective role in experimental ischemic stroke.

Recently effect and mechanisms of scalp acupuncture on neurological dysfunction of intracerebral hemorrhage stroke rat model was investigated (Liu et al., 2017). Rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) received scalp acupuncture at acupoint DU20 through GB7 on the lesion side, for 30 mins, twice a day, from day one of surgery for consecutive 7 days. A group of intracerebral hemorrhage model not receiving scalp acupuncture and a group of sham surgery and a group of naïve were used as controls. Behavioral tests included a composite neurological scale, corner turn test, forelimb placing test, wire hang task and beam walking were conducted at days 3 and 7, followed by biochemical studies, such as western blot analysis and histopathologic examine. The data showed that at day 3 after intracerebral hemorrhage, there was no significant difference of behavioral tests between scalp acupuncture group and ICH. However, at day 7 after surgery, there was a significant improvement of neurological deficits in scalp acupuncture treated group compared with ICH. Biochemical studies showed that brain content of tumour necrosis factor alpha and nuclear factor KappaB protein expression, inflammatory markers, was markedly decreased in scalp acupuncture group compared with ICH and sham groups.  The results demonstrated that improved behavioral effects by scalp acupuncture were associated with decreased markers of inflammation in rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage. 

Together, the studies above showed that scalp acupuncture improved neurological functions in both ischemic and hemorrhage models of stroke.

Clinical studies
Patients with ischemic stroke of subacute stage recovered better following combination of body acupuncture and scalp acupuncture treatment compared to conventional therapy. It is believed that subacute stage of stroke occurs between 1-6 months after onset of stroke. Better recovery in the subacute stage of stroke is crucial for patient’s long-term revival. Chen et al., (2014) carried out a randomized controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy of combination of body acupuncture and scalp acupuncture in patients of subacute stroke. One hundred twenty-six patients were divided into acupuncture treatment group (n=61) and conventional treatment group (n=65). Acupuncture was given 5 times a week for total 8 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer scale and NIHSS scale and Barthel index were used to evaluate the motor functioning, balance, sensation, joint functioning and activity of daily living before and during and after acupuncture treatment and follow-up. Assessment after 4-week acupuncture showed a very good improvement compared to baseline judged by all parameters but did not show significant difference from conventional treatment group. At the end of 8-week acupuncture patients demonstrated markedly improvement in all assessments compared to baseline. Acupuncture showed a significant functional improvement compared to conventional group at the end of 8-week treatment and 3-month follow-up assessment (Chen et al., 2014). Authors conclude that combination of body acupuncture and scalp acupuncture achieved better clinical efficacy in stroke recovery compared to conventional treatment. 

Recently, the study of the influence of scalp acupuncture on levels of inflammation in patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACl) was conducted to investigate its mechanism underlying improvement of ACI (Wang et al., 2016). A total of 61 patients with ACI were randomly allocated to scalp acupuncture group (n = 31) and control (medication) group (n = 30). Scalp acupuncture stimulation of bilateral Dingnieqianxiexian (MS 6) and Dingniehouxiexian (MS 7) was performed daily plus medication for 7 days, while patients in control group were given medication only. Clinical neurological dysfunction scales such as NDS, 0-45 points for consciousness, gazing, facial palsy, speech, myodynamia, walking-ability were monitored at the baseline and at the end of scalp acupuncture. Serum levels of inflammation markers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, were assessed at the baseline and 3 and 7-day after scalp acupuncture. At the end of 7-day scalp acupuncture, patients showed a significant improvement of the neurological deficits compared with the baseline scores, and there was marked improvement in neurological dysfunction compared with control group. The levels of all inflammation markers were significantly decreased at both 3 and 7-day scalp acupuncture compared with baseline levels. The levels of inflammation makers were significantly lower in scalp acupuncture compared with control group. There was a correlation between the improved neurological deficits scores and decreased serum inflammation markers (Wang et al., 2016).

Conclusion
The results from the brief review study showed that scalp acupuncture is effective in improving neurological deficits of patients with stroke, and it could be an important part of rehabilitation program for stroke recovery.

References
Chen LF et al., [Motor dysfunction in stroke of subacute stage treated with acupuncture: multi-central randomized controlled study]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 Apr;34(4):313-8.  
Hao JJ et al., Treatment of multiple sclerosis with chinese scalp acupuncture. Glob Adv Health Med. 2013, 2(1):8-13. 
Lee SJ, Shin BC, Lee MS, Han CH, Kim JI. Scalp STRICTA recommendations for stroke recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Integr Med. 2013;5:87–99.
Li SK, [Effects of scalp acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking on cognitive behavior ability in patients with vascular dementia]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 May;34(5):417-20.  
Liu H et al., Scalp acupuncture attenuates neurological deficits in a rat model of hemorrhagic stroke. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 32 (2017) 85–90. 
Wang JH et al., Effect of Scalp-acupuncture Treatment on Levels of Serum High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein, and Pro-inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Acute Cerebral Infarction. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2016 Feb;41(1):80-4.
Wang S et al., Study on the mechanism of electroacupuncture scalp point penetration therapy in action on apoptosis in the Parkinson's disease rat model. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2009 Apr;29(4):309-13.  
Wang WW et al., A systematic review and meta-analysis of Baihui (GV20)-based scalp acupuncture in experimental ischemic stroke. Sci Rep. 2014 Feb 5;4:3981. doi: 10.1038/srep03981. 
WHO Scientific Group on International Acupuncture Nomenclature. A proposed standard international acupuncture nomenclature. Report of a WHO scientific group. Geneva: World Health Organization; 1991.   http://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/40001

Scalp acupuncture reduced neurological deficits in a model of hemorrhagic stroke

Scalp acupuncture was shown to improve neurological deficits induced by intracerebral hemorrhage in a rat model. The study was recently published in the journal of Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

Scalp acupuncture is a modern acupuncture technique in which needles are penetrated the specific area of the scalp or lines on the scalp. Scalp acupuncture differs significantly from classic acupuncture in that it has its own theoretical basis and its acupoints are quite different from traditional acupoints. Scalp acupuncture has been effectively used to treat many neurological disorders including stroke. However, its mechanisms underlying its effectiveness were not well illustrated.

Recently Dr. H Liu and colleagues conducted a pre-clinical study to investigate the effect of scalp acupuncture on neurological dysfunction of intracerebral hemorrhage stroke rat model, and further the mechanism relating to the therapeutic effect. Rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) received scalp acupuncture at acupoint DU20 through GB7 on the lesion side, for 30 mins, twice a day, from day one of surgery for consecutive 7 days. A group of intracerebral hemorrhage model not receiving scalp acupuncture and a group of sham surgery and a group of naïve were used as controls. Behavioural testing included a composite neurological scale, corner turn test, forelimb placing test, wire hang task and beam walking were conducted at days 3 and 7, followed by biochemical studies such as western blot analysis and histopathologic examination.

The data showed that at 3 days after intracerebral hemorrhage, there was no significant difference of behavioural tests between scalp acupuncture group and ICH and sham control groups compared to naïve control. However, at day 7 after surgery, there was a significant improvement of neurological deficits in scalp acupuncture treated group compared with ICH and sham control groups. Biochemical studies showed that brain content of tumour necrosis factor alpha and nuclear factor KappaB protein expression was markedly decreased in scalp acupuncture group compared with ICH and sham groups.  

The results demonstrated that improved behavioural effects by scalp acupuncture were associated with improvement in pathological features and decreased markers of inflammation in rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Reference

H Liu et al., Scalp acupuncture attenuates neurological deficits in a rat model of hemorrhagic stroke. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 32 (2017) 85–90.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28619309

Acupuncture helped alleviate tinnitus

Scalp acupuncture treatment markedly alleviated tinnitus in a clinical study according to a report published in Brazilian Journal of otorhinolaryngology.

Tinnitus is a condition of hearing of sound that comes from inside of your body rather than from an external source. It is estimated that around 5-15% of the population has some kind of tinnitus. Although tinnitus can occur at any age, it is more prevalent among those aged between 60-69 years. It is not clear what causes tinnitus, although it is believed that inner ear damage, middle ear infection, earwax build-up and other brain-related conditions are closely linked to the tinnitus. Normally if the underline cause is found, tinnitus will disappear following effective treatment of relevant cause. However, there is no effective treatment for many people with tinnitus when the cause is unclear.

Recently Dr. Doi MY and colleagues in Brazil conducted a clinical study to assess the effectiveness of scalp acupuncture on tinnitus. Fifty patients with tinnitus were divided into acupuncture group and control group. Patients in the acupuncture group were treated with scalp electro-acupuncture with needles inserted bilaterally on the vestitulocochlear line for 40 mins, twice-a-week for 5 weeks. Patients in control group did not receive any kind of acupuncture. A visual analog scale consisting of visual graphic tool was used to determine the intensity or discomfort of tinnitus before and after acupuncture. The THI questionnaire was used to help patients to assess the changes before and after acupuncture.

At the end of study it was found that scalp electro-acupuncture significantly improved tinnitus, judged by changes in visual analog scale, compared with baseline scores and control group. Acupuncture treatment also markedly improved the quality of life of patients with tinnitus according the THI questionnaire compared to baseline and control group.

Reference:

Doi MY et al., Effectiveness of acupuncture in individuals with tinnitus: randomized controlled trial. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2015 Nov 14. pii: S1808-8694(15)00206-2. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2014.12.011.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26654962

Scalp acupuncture is effective in improving vascular dementia

Scalp acupuncture plus auricular point sticking are found to have a superior total efficacy to body acupuncture and conventional medicine in treating of vascular dementia, according to a report published in journal Zhongguo Zhen Jiu (Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion).

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease in old people. Any conditions that affect blood supply to the brain, such as stroke can potential cause vascular dementia. Symptoms of vascular dementia include cognitive impairment and depend on which area of the brain has been damaged. Acupuncture has been used to treat vascular dementia in China.

Researchers in China conducted a clinical study to compare the efficacy of scalp plus auricular acupuncture with body acupuncture and conventional therapy in vascular dementia. Thirty one patients were treated with scalp plus auricular acupunctures, 29 patients were given body acupuncture and 30 patients were treated with conventional medication. Acupuncture was given once a day, 14-day as a course for 3 courses. Evaluation in cognitive behaviour ability, mini-mental state examination (MIMSE) and activities of daily living (ADL), were assessed before and after the treatment.

It was found that at the end of treatment all groups showed the improvement compared with baseline. Group comparison analysis revealed that scalp plus auricular acupuncture is superior to other two treatments and body acupuncture is much better than conventional medication in improving cognitive function.

Reference:

Li SK, [Effects of scalp acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking on cognitive behavior ability in patients with vascular dementia]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 May;34(5):417-20.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25022106

Acupuncture is more effective than conventional therapy in improving functional activities in subacute stroke patients

Patients with ischemic stroke of subacute stage recovered better following combination of body acupuncture and scalp acupuncture treatment compared to conventional therapy, according to a report recently published in journal Zhongguo Zhen Jiu.

It is believed that subacute stage of stroke occurs between 1-6 months after onset of stroke. Better recovery in the subacute stage of stroke is crucial for patient’s long-term revival.

Researchers in China carried out a randomized controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy of combination of body acupuncture and scalp acupuncture in patients of subacute stroke. One hundred twenty-six patients were divided into acupuncture treatment group (n=61) and conventional treatment group (n=65). Acupuncture was given 5 times a week for total 8 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer scale and NIHSS scale and Barthel index were used to evaluate the motor functioning, balance, sensation, joint functioning and activity of daily living before, during and after acupuncture treatment and follow-up.

Assessment after 4-week acupuncture showed a very good improvement compared to baseline judged by all parameters but did not show significant difference from conventional treatment group. At the end of 8-week acupuncture patients demonstrated markedly improvement in all assessments compared to baseline. Acupuncture showed a significant functional improvement compared to conventional group at the end of 8-week treatment and 3-month follow-up assessment.

Authors conclude that combination of body acupuncture and scalp acupuncture achieved better clinical efficacy in stroke recovery compared to conventional treatment.

Reference:

Chen LF et al., [Motor dysfunction in stroke of subacute stage treated with acupuncture: multi-central randomized controlled study]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 Apr;34(4):313-8.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24946625

Scalp acupuncture stops chronic phantom limb pain in a traumatic amputee

Phantom limb pain is often excruciating and almost impossible to treat. However in a case report, Taiwanese researchers claim that scalp acupuncture stops chronic phantom limb pain and phantom limb sensation, published in Acupunct Med, the official journal of British Medical Acupuncture Society.

Phantom limb pain appears to come from where the amputated limb used to be and is often excruciating. Phantom limb sensations, which are not painful, may be felt in the absent limb. It has been reported that three quarters of amputees develop phantom pain, which is described as shooting, stabbing and burning. Phantom pain can last for many years but sometimes it gets better as time passes. It is believed that damage to nerve endings and altered neuronal activities in the brain as a result of the loss of sensory input from amputated limb are important factors in the development of phantom pain. Medications and motor cortex stimulation are often recommended treatments and have the limited effects.

A case study of scalp acupuncture to an amputee with chronic phantom limb pain and sensation was conducted in Taiwan. A 71-year-old woman with her right arm being amputated surgically below the elbow developed phantom pain and sensation. She was treated with barbiturates, antidepressants, muscle relaxants and analgesics for two years. However, the drugs did not improve her conditions. She was then treated with scalp acupuncture at the line MS7 and Sishencong, twice a week for three weeks. Immediately after the first treatment the patient noted a significant relief of pain and sensation. After the second acupuncture the pain, measured by Visual Analogue Scale, was 4 compared 10 before the acupuncture. A six-month follow up showed that the patient was free from both phantom limb pain and sensation.

It is believed this is the first report of using scalp acupuncture to treat phantom limb pain and sensation. This suggests that scalp acupuncture can be an excellent alternative approach to those patients who do not respond well to the conventional treatment.  

Reference:

Tseng CC et al., Successful treatment of phantom limb pain and phantom limb sensation in the traumatic amputee using scalp acupuncture. Acupunct Med. 2014 May 22. pii: acupmed-2014-010556.    http://aim.bmj.com/content/early/2014/05/22/acupmed-2014-010556.extract

Scalp acupuncture increased dopamine release in the striatum of Parkinson’s disease models

Although scalp acupuncture is relatively new compared with body acupuncture it has been used to effectively treat neurological disorders such as stroke. Scalp acupuncture not only accelerated the functional recovery, also alleviated many post-stroke complications alone or in combination with rehabilitation training courses.

Scalp acupuncture has gained increasingly attention in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research and treatment. Scalp acupuncture studies in PD models reported that scalp acupuncture stimulation modulated expression of many biomarkers in favour of survival of dopaminergic neuron in brain. For example, scalp acupuncture increased release of neurotrophic factor; inhibited apoptotic cell death process, protected dopaminergic neurons against toxin insults. This led to the increased release of dopamine in the striatum, the important movement regulatory centre in the brain, leading to better functional recovery.

Although studies of body acupuncture also reported its neuroprotection in PD models it did not increase dopamine content in the striatum. It is conceivable that combination of scalp acupuncture and body acupuncture should increase neuroprotection and dopamine levels in the brain. This will improve the efficacy of acupuncture treatment in Parkinson’s disease.

Reference:

Wang S et al., Study on the mechanism of electroacupuncture scalp point penetration therapy in action on apoptosis in the Parkinson's disease rat model. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2009 Apr;29(4):309-13.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19565741

Acupoint Baihui-based scalp acupuncture treatment of stroke

Acupoint Baihui (GV20) is located on the highest point of the head and is an intersecting point of the Governing Vessel, Bladder, Gall Bladder, Triple Heater and Liver medians. According theory of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture stimulation at Baihui can clear the mind, lift the spirits, tonify yang, strengthening the ascending function of spleen, eliminate interior wind and promote resuscitation. Indeed, Baihui acupoint has been used to effectively treat neurological disorders such as stroke in China for thousand years.

Baihui-based scalp needling, such as a needling through Baihui to Taiyang (EX-HN5) and needling through Baihui to Qubin (GB7) are commonly used in the treatment of stroke. Studies of stroke models showed that Baihui-based scalp needling has neuroprotective effects through 1) attenuate brain edema and blood brain barrier disruption; 2) increase cerebral blood flow; 3) exert anti-inflammatory effect; 4) increase release of neurotrophic factors; 5) activate cerebral motor-related area and improve limb paralysis.

Recently scientists in China conducted a systematic review of 54 published papers to assess the effect of Baihui-based scalp acupuncture on stroke models. They concluded that the Baihui-based scalp acupuncture therapy reduced infarction volume and improved neurological conditions.

Reference:

Wang WW et al., A systematic review and meta-analysis of Baihui (GV20)-based scalp acupuncture in experimental ischemic stroke. Sci Rep. 2014 Feb 5;4:3981. doi: 10.1038/srep03981.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24496233

Scalp acupuncture and neurological disorders

“Scalp acupuncture, nerve heard about it.” That was the answer from one of my friends when I mentioned scalp acupuncture to him. It is true that not many people heard about the scalp acupuncture. This modern system of acupuncture, although explored since 1930s, has really been developed since 1970s and standardised in late 1980s.

Uniqueness of scalp acupuncture is that the specific treatment zones are mapped out according to the development in neurology assisted by MRI imaging, so that not only the specific body part but the function controlled by each area of the brain is known. For example, points overlying Broca’s area in the brain are used to treat loss of speech formation, while points overlying Wernicke’s area are used to treat loss of understanding of speech.

Despite its relatively short history, scalp acupuncture has been used to treat a wide range of conditions in many countries. In particular many scalp acupuncture studies showed positive results in treating many neurological disorders such as post-stroke complications, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. 

Scalp acupuncture is very effective in halting progress of multiple sclerosis

Scalp acupuncture is very effective in relieving symptoms of multiple sclerosis and halting its progression. A case study is reported in journal Global Advances in Health and Medicine.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting nerve fibres in the brain and spine cord. In normal condition, nerve fibres are wrapped with a sheet called myelin which insulates the fibres from disruption and ensures the signal transduction. When something goes wrong with body’s immune system it attacks the healthy tissue, in this case, the myelin being worn down or destroyed. As a result, the exposed nerve fibres are less able to transmit signals between different parts of brain and spine cord. Subsequently symptoms occur in any part of the body, including blurring of vision, difficulty with mobility and balance, fatigue, muscle weakness and tightness, trouble with controlling urine and problems of cognitive and mood. Although the exact cause of MS is unclear many factors are believed to be involved in the development of MS, such as genetic factor, environmental effect, vitamin D deficit, viral infection. MS has basically two forms: relapsing form (occurring in isolated attacks) and progressive forms (building up over time). During course of disease, symptoms may go away completely, but permanent neurological conditions often occur, especially as the disease progresses. There is currently no cure for MS. The medications are effective in either alleviating certain symptoms or slow the progression of the disease. Approximately 50% of patients with MS use alternative medicines such as acupuncture to alleviate their conditions.

Dr. Jason Jishun Hao in the United States and colleagues reported a case study showing the beneficial effects of scalp acupuncture on a MS patient who had had MS for 20 years. The report said “The patient received scalp acupuncture once a week for 10 weeks, then once a month for six sessions. After the 16 treatments, the patient showed remarkable improvements. He was able to stand and walk without any problems. The numbness and tingling in his limbs did not bother him anymore. He had more energy and had not experienced incontinence of urine or dizziness after the first treatment. He was able to return to work full time. At this writing, the patient has been in remission for 26 months”.

This case study showed that scalp acupuncture is very effective in alleviating MS symptoms, halting the disease progression. This should encourage more studies with large sample size to explore full beneficial effects on patients with MS. 

Reference:

Hao JJ et al., Glob Adv Health Med. 2013, 2(1):8-13.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24278838

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.