Technique developed since the 70s combining acupuncture technique and modern medicine knowledge about the subcortex. Effective in central origin disorders (cerebral): after-effects of cerebrovascular accidents, brain concussions, even for certain stubborn neuralgic-type pains.

Location

More than points, areas corresponding to different areas of the subcortex are sought. These areas are line-shaped. With the needle, more lines must be covered than a specific point.

To locate the areas, first locate the reference lines of the head:

• Antero-posterior line. From the Yin Tang (between the eyebrows) to below the occipital protuberance. (Pathway of Du Mai). Divides the areas into right and left.
• Eyebrow-occiput line. Starts from the point Yu Yao in the middle of the eyebrow, and draws a horizontal line that passes through the ear and reaches the occipital protuberance.

Scalp acupuncture areas

• Area 1 - motor area.
• Area 2 - sensory area.
• Area 3 - chorea or tremors area.
• Area 4 - vasomotor area.
• Area 5 - vertigo-auditory area.
• Area 6 - speech area (2 of 3).
• Area 7 - speech area (3 of 3).
• Area 8 - psychomotor area.
• Area 9 - foot sensory-motor area.
• Area 10 - visual area.
• Area 11 - balance area.
• Area 12 - psycho-emotional area.
• Area 13 - gastric area.
• Area 14 - thoracic area.
• Area 15 - reproductive area.

Risks and contraindications

• Do not puncture on wounds, infected scars.
• Not for pregnant women.
• Do not puncture children (except if older and in very exceptional cases) whose fontanelles have not closed.
• Not for poorly controlled diabetics (they have less pain sensitivity).
• Pacemakers. No electroacupuncture! Manipulate needles manually.
• Not for very anemic people. The skull bleeds.
• Hypertension. Caution, blood pressure may rise temporarily, measure blood pressure before.

Side effects

• It is painful when puncturing. Improves with experience.
• Bleeds quite a bit (not bad).

Treatment

There are many techniques. It is quite new and still being studied. There are many types: Fang, Zhu, Yamamoto (Japanese). The one in these notes is from Dr Jiao Shun-Fa. The WHO standardized in 1974 that the puncture is transfixiating without touching the periosteum. The appropriate angle is 25 degrees. Manipulate with the needle already in place. Tonify for 1 minute every 5 minutes. Heat should be felt, it may cause tingling. If not manipulated properly:

• Collapsed needle. It gets trapped in the aponeurosis and does not come out. Massage around with the finger.
• Scraping periosteum. The needle may break. Should not happen.

The patient is punctured seated, not lying down. Semi-seated for those who get dizzy.

Type of needles

• Children > 2 years old. Needles of 0.5 CUN.
• Weak elderly. Needles of 1 CUN.
• Others. Needles of 1.5 CUN.

Needling method

Do not puncture a single needle alone. Scalp acupuncture areas correspond to lines on the skull. Several transfixiated needles should be punctured along that line covering the area to treat. Puncture contralateral to the affected side, we puncture the healthy side. Generally with the needle directed toward the face. The areas are in the hair zone. Distances are counted in centimeters, not in CUN. Puncturing from top to bottom is easier but does not matter. It is very difficult for the head to get infected but it is still good practice to disinfect. When removing the needle, press with cotton to stop the bleeding.

Readings

• Yamamoto, new scalp acupuncture.
• Wang Fu Chun, Terapia de la craneopuntura.