Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
31, I / 2011
Diplomate of Tlahui-Educa
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, August 8, 2010
Introduction
Within the therapeutic modality of Acupuncture (from "acu": Needle and "puncture": puncture), one of the
least known methods (unlike traditional acupuncture in the body or acupuncture in the ear or earphone) is
, in my opinion, that of cranial acupuncture, or rather, acupuncture on the scalp.
As a personal effort to spread the basics of this modality of acupuncture, very promising in terms of
therapeutic effects (as I have found in my own medical practice with a limited number of patients), this will
be the theme of this thesis. Unfortunately, there is little literature in Spanish or English, so I will base the
content of this dissertation mainly in one of the most popular texts on this subject: "Acupuncture on the
scalp according to the method of Dr. Zhu "(" Dr. Zhu's scalp acupuncture ").
Cranial acupuncture according to Dr. Zhu
The above text states: "The scalp is the area on the head, usually covered with hair, where the Qi energy
and the blood converge, the head is a reservoir of essential substances"; immediately afterwards he
points out: "Traditional Chinese Medicine (or MTC for its initials in Spanish) considers that the essential
Qi of the five Zang organs and six Fu organs flows upwards to enter the head". *
Now, in terms of the effects of that upward flow of Qi, we have to "The effects of stimulating Qi and blood,
regulate Yin and Yang, clear the meridians, strengthen the body's resistance and eliminate the
pathogenic factors, all This can be accomplished by puncturing specific special points on the scalp. "
"As a special therapeutic method, acupuncture on the scalp started in the fifties until the beginning of the
seventies (of the last century).
" The acupuncture method on the scalp is a method of needle puncture characterized by stimulating
stitches. acupuncture on the scalp through penetrating puncture of these points and manipulation of the
chouqi method and the Jinqi method, in combination with specific breathing patterns. "
Qi stimulation
In the process of using acupuncture as a therapeutic modality, regardless of the type of manipulation of
the needles that is used, the stimulation and arrival of Qi must be achieved. In the first chapter of the
Chinese classic book "Miracle Pivot", it is pointed out that "acupuncture therapy has no effect until Qi
energy arrives". In another of the classic texts: "Ode of the golden needle" states: "the rapid arrival of Qi
suggests good effects in the treatment, the slow arrival of Qi shows delayed effects in the treatment". This
indicates that the arrival of Qi is especially important in the treatment with acupuncture. For acupuncture
on the scalp, it is equally true. In general, there are two main symptoms of the arrival of Qi: the patient
feels numbness, heaviness and distension around the acupuncture point, or, the sensation of energy
circulating up and down the meridians. Meanwhile, the acupuncturist should feel tension around the
needle.
The classic book "Letters of Uniform Depths" says: "It would seem that a fish is stinging a fishing hook,
pulling down the fishing line." This is a vivid description of whether Qi energy has been stimulated or
not. But in the case of acupuncture on the scalp, the place and angle of insertion and manipulation of the
needle are different from acupuncture in the body. There are also some differences in the symptoms of Qi
flow in acupuncture in the scalp.
In chapter 7 of the classic "Miracle Pivot" it is mentioned: "For the treatment with acupuncture, the
therapeutic effect can only be reached until the Qi energy is stimulated". The previous paragraph teaches
us a formula that can be followed in clinical practice:
There are three factors determining the flow of Qi in the acupuncture on the scalp. These three factors
are:
Anatomical considerations
Going from the superficial layer to the deep, the soft tissue of the scalp can be divided into five layers:
1. Skin
2. Surface fascia (hypodermis)
3. Galea Aponeurotic and Occipito-frontal muscle
4 Subapoteurotic Space
5. Peripheral
From the surface to the deepest layer, the soft tissue of the temples can be divided into:
The blood supply to the scalp is derived from the external carotid artery through the occipital, posterior
auricular and superficial temporal arteries, and from the internal carotid through the supratrochlear and
supraorbital arteries. All these arteries are anastomosed freely with each other.
The nerves of the scalp run along with the arteries. Subsequently, the nerves of the great occipital and
third occipital (posterior primary branches of C2 and C3 respectively) extend to the vertex and posterior
area respectively. The minor occiput (primary anterior branch of C2) innervates the skin behind the
ear. The temple is innervated by the atrio-temporal and zygomatic-temporal nerves, and the forehead and
frontal portion of the scalp by the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves.
The therapeutic areas used in acupuncture on the scalp are closely related to the location, diseases and
indications of the twelve regular channels of acupuncture and the eight extraordinary channels that
circulate towards the head. These are the theoretical and practical basis of acupuncture in the scalp for
the treatment of diseases. Therefore, understanding the relationship between areas, channels and
acupuncture points is the basis for mastery and expertise in the use of acupuncture on the scalp.
Between the twelve regular channels and eight extraordinary channels, there are eight channels
circulating towards the head. These are:
In addition, the channel Qi of the twelve divergent channels also ascends to the head.
Cranial acupuncture according to Dr. Zhu
Zang organs: yin organs (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, pericardium)
Organs fu: organs yang (small intestine, large intestine, gall bladder, bladder, stomach and triple warmer
or "San Jiao")
The acupuncture channels of the head are the theoretical basis of acupuncture in the scalp as a
therapeutic method. The channels that circulate to the head are related to the other meridians and
collaterals through the crossing of channels, distribution and convergence of the twelve divergent
channels. In this way, the head becomes an important point of convergence of Qi.
The acupuncture areas on the scalp stimulate the acupuncture channels that circulate separately to the
head. So its therapeutic effect can be achieved through the stimulation of the circulation of energy in
these channels.
Practical aspects of acupuncture technique in the scalp according to Dr. Zhu's method
Manipulation
According to clinical experience, specific needles for acupuncture must be used in the
scalp. Measurements should be Gauge 30 (0. 32 cm) or 32 (0.25 cm), 1. 2 cun long, stainless steel,
filiform needles with short handle.
If specific needles are not available, gauge needles 30 or 32, 1 to 1.5 cun long, stainless steel filiforms,
can be used.
http://www.tlahui.com/medic/medic31/acu_cabello.htm
Patient's posture
Usually, the patient is asked to adopt a sitting posture or some other comfortable position for acupuncture
on the scalp. For patients suffering from Zang-Fu organ diseases or for patients with a history of fainting,
a lying or supine position can be used. In case of choosing a position of the patient sitting or standing, the
patient's face should be in front of the doctor. This is convenient so that the doctor can locate the
acupuncture areas correctly and so that he can work comfortably.
Sterilization
The acupuncture needles to be used must be sterile and of the single-use type (disposable).
The body area selected to be punctured by needles should be sterilized with 2% isodine, and then be
removed with a cotton ball with 75% alcohol.
The fingers of the acupuncturist should be routinely sterilized with alcohol swabs.
Insertion
The needle insertion method is usually used by pressing the skin with the nail. Pressing to the side of the
areas to be treated with the left thumb nail, holding the needle with the hand of the right hand. When
inserting the needle, evade the hair follicles, so as not to cause unnecessary pain to the patient.
During the insertion of the needle, the angle and depth are particularly important in acupuncture on the
scalp. If the angle of insertion of the needle is too small, the body of the needle will be inserted wrongly
within the first three layers of the scalp, and should instead be inserted into the fourth layer, that is, the
subaponeurotic space. If the insertion angle is too large, the needle will be inserted incorrectly into the
pericranium. In both cases of wrong insertion, the patient will experience pain and the acupuncturist will
find resistance to the entry of the needle at the time of the puncture.
Retention means keeping the needle in the original place of insertion. The retention time of the needle
can be from 24 to 48 hours. In general terms, the longer the needles are retained, the better the effect. In
order to maintain the amount of stimulation and strengthen the effects, the needles can be manipulated
periodically throughout the time the needles are retained. The frequency of such manipulation is
according to the patient's illness and the effects that are observed at the time.
Relationship between the site of the disease and the direction of needle insertion
According to the Yin and Yang theory of TCM, the human body and each of its parts can be divided into
the two aspects of Yin and Yang. Each zone of treatment used in acupuncture on the scalp can also be
divided into the two aspects of Yin and Yang.
The relationship between the site of the disease and the direction of the tip of the needle is as follows:
If the site of the disease is on the Yin side of the body, the tip of the needle should be directed to the Yin
aspect of the area. If the site of the disease is in the Yang area of the body, it should be directed to the
Yang aspect.
theories Among the basic theories of TCM are: the theory of Yin-Yang, the theory of the five elements, the
theory of Zang-Fu organs and the theory of the meridians and collaterals. All these theories can directly
influence the selection of areas of the scalp to be punctured therapeutically.
The appearance and development of any disease is, in general terms, the result of the loss of the relative
balance between Yin and Yang, and therefore, of an excess or deficiency of either of the two. By
selecting some areas and manipulating the needles you can regulate Yin and Yang. The regulation of Yin
and Yang is a fundamental principle in the clinical treatment of any disease. So the selection of areas to
puncture with acupuncture according to the Yin-Yang theory is a basic principle.
The theory of the five elements postulates that all phenomena observed in the universe correspond in
their nature to either wood, fire, earth, metal or water, and that these are in the relationship
of interpromover, interact, over-stimulate and counteract. This theory is applied within the MTC to explain
the complicated physiological and pathological relationship between the Zang-Fu organs, and between
the human body and the external environment. So the selection of zones according to the theory of the
five elements is also a basic principle.
On the other hand, many of the therapeutic effects of TCM and acupuncture come from the exploration
and accumulation of clinical experience, as a new therapeutic modality, acupuncture in the scalp is like
that. For example, the clinical practice of cranial acupuncture has shown very good effects in the
treatment of tinea pedis and eye diseases such as cataracts and myopia, among many other diseases.
Indications
Clinical experience has shown that acupuncture therapy on the scalp has effects similar to those obtained
by traditional acupuncture therapy.
Acupuncture in the scalp can be used clinically to treat more than 200 types of diseases that involve: the
respiratory system, the motor system, nervous system, mental problems, genitourinary system, digestive
system, circulatory system, endocrine system, immune system, otoentricological, gynecological problems,
etc.
For cases such as: paralysis due to strokes, diseases with acute pain, and some dangerous and severe
diseases, acupuncture on the scalp is particularly effective
In a subsequent section a more complete list of diseases for which acupuncture in the Scalp is indicated
as a complementary therapeutic option.
Contraindications
- Do not apply needles in wounds, scars, tumors or masses, or any type of injury
- Acupuncture on the scalp should not be used in areas of infants whose fontanel has not
closed. Likewise, it is forbidden to leave needles placed in non-cooperative infants
- Do not apply acupuncture treatment if the patient has just eaten or is very hungry
- The patient is intoxicated (by any substance: alcohol, drugs, etc.)
- In the case of pregnant women should not puncture any of the following functional regions of the scalp:
leg, motor system, sensory system, reproductive system, intestines .
Precautions
- If the patient shows signs of wanting to faint, decrease the intensity of acupunctural stimulation
- pregnant women can often have low energy levels or "chi", so the patient should be toned, or in some
cases In extreme cases, refrain from using acupuncture on the scalp initially, until the patient becomes
stronger.
- If, when inserting the acupuncture needle, it is unduly aggravated (which is not very frequent), it is
usually enough to lightly massage the surrounding area to release the jammed needle.
Side effects are rare, but if they occur during the application of the treatment, these effects usually
diminish and disappear after a few seconds or minutes. Among such side effects are:
- Around 25% of the inserted needles produce bleeding (of variable amount)
- Itching or burning sensation in the diseased area or at the point of insertion in the scalp
- Increase in the reflex activity of the stomach and intestines
- Cough (intermittent or continuous)
- Dyspnea
- Palpitations, tachycardia
- Spontaneous involuntary movements
Side effects of treatment can occur during or after treatment. If there is numbness at the needle insertion
point, it disappears after minutes or days. The same applies in case of edema at the point of insertion of
the needle. In some cases, such side effects do not go away until the acupuncture treatment is completed
or stopped.
Selection of Regions
1. Start by puncturing the region contralateral to the affected area with needles
2. If no change in the patient's condition is observed, puncture the ipsilateral region to the area of the
affected body
3. Puncture with needles bilaterally if the same region of the body is on both sides of the body
area : This square area of 1 cun in length per side is centered in point DU 24 and extends 0. 5 cun to its
left, right, anterior and posterior. It represents the head and face, with DU 24 corresponding to the nose.
- Functions: Calms the spirit, clarifies the mind, sedative effect and counteracts fear. It benefits throat
diseases. Decongest the nasal passages.
- Therapeutic indications: Mental problems such as alterations in the state of consciousness, depression,
epilepsy, mental retardation, memory loss, nervousness, insomnia, dizziness.
- Functions: It stimulates the cerebral functioning. It clarifies the mind, calms the spirit, releases the
energy of the heart, mobilizes the Qi of the body, expels "wind", corrects internal / external conditions,
disperses the QI of the lung, suppresses the cough, unblocks the channels, counteracts the pain.
- Therapeutic indications: Symptoms and diseases of the heart, lungs, trachea, diaphragm and brain (for
example: palpitations, irritability, insomnia, poor memory, cold, cough, asthma, chest pain, dementia,
epilepsy.
It extends from 1 cun anterior to DU 21 to 0. 5 cun posterior to DU 21. Laterally it is limited by the bladder
canal
- Functions: Harmonizes the energy of the stomach, lowers the rebellious Qi, harmonizes the energy of
the liver, regulates the Qi, regulates the gallbladder, releases energy from the intestines.
- Therapeutic indications: Symptoms and diseases of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, stomach, pancreas
and intestines. For example, stomach pain, pain in the hypochondrium, vomiting, diarrhea, anger,
agitation, constipation, jaundice, fatigue.
Cranial acupuncture according to Dr. Zhu
begins in DU 21 and extends 1 cun later. It overlaps with the middle Jiao area. Laterally it is delimited by
the bladder channel.
- Functions: Tones the kidney and liver, regulates menstruation, promotes urination, raises Yang Qi,
astringes, unblocks channels, relieves pain.
- Therapeutic indications: Lower Jiao disorders, for example, lower abdominal pain, urinary problems,
menstrual disorders, infertility, leucorrhoea, incontinence, vertigo, low back pain, deafness, impotence.
- Functions: Pacifies the energy of the liver and enters the Yang energy of the liver, raises the Yang Qi,
frees blocked channels, relieves pain.
- Indications: Headache, vertigo, dizziness, syncope, coma, hypertension, anal prolapse, hernia, prostatic
hyperplasia, pain in the sacrum or perineum, or pain in the ankle or foot.
6. Cervical Area:
From a point 0. 5 cun posterior to DU 20, extending 0. 7 cun to DU 19. It has a width of 0. 5 cun on each
side of the DU channel.
7. Occipito-temporal
area : Quadrangular area of 1 cun in length of each side, centered in the depression near the midpoint of
the line joining the tip of the occipital protuberance and the highest point in the mastoid process.
- Functions: It expels wind, disperses heat, unblocks channels, relieves pain.
- Therapeutic indications: Rigidity or pain in the neck, dizziness and headache due to hypertension or
blockage of the basilar artery. Local treatment for earache, deafness, tinnitus.
8. Occipital Area:
Quadrangular area of 1 cun centered on the tip of the occipital protuberance, extending 0. 5 cun to the
left, right, front and back.
- Functions: Expel the wind, free the channels, eliminate muscle spasms, eliminate dizziness.
- Therapeutic indications: neck stiffness, aphasia, convulsions, dizziness, vertigo, visual disturbances,
alterations of balance.
9. Shoulder Area:
Two bilateral areas superior to DU 20 at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the DU channel and
delimited by the bladder channel.
Two areas in rhomboidal shape represent the upper extremities. His correspondence with the arms is
contralateral. The anterior line of said rhomboidal area goes from DU 22 to Stomach 8. This line extends
approximately 1 cun latero-previously, The posterior line is parallel to the anterior line and 0. 5 cun away
from it.
Two rhomboidal areas represent the lower extremities. The correspondence with the legs is
contralateral. The previous line goes from DU 21 to bladder 6 to a total distance of 1.5 cun. The trailing
edge is parallel and 0.75 cun posterior to the previous line.
- Functions: Unblock the channels of acupuncture, useful in the treatment of pain, strengthening of the
tendons.
- Indications: Treatment of alterations in the motor and sensory functioning of the lower extremities. For
example: paralysis, numbness, pain.
area : A quadrangular area centered on the gallbladder point 15, extending 0. 5 cun anteriorly, posteriorly
and bilaterally. The point gall bladder 15 corresponds to Ren 12.
- Functions: Stimulates the Qi of the liver, harmonizes the stomach, beneficial to the gallbladder, cleanses
the intestines, improves pain pictures, increases the brightness of the eyes.
- Indications: The puncture of this area is used to treat acute diseases of the medium heater. For
example: gastritis, acute cholecystitis, acute cholelithiasis, acute enteritis, acute appendicitis, acute
pancreatitis, and early stages of diabetes mellitus. It is also used as a local treatment area for eye
problems and headaches.
13. Lower abdomen area:
It is a quadrangular area centered on biliary vesicle 15, extending 0. 5 cun anteriorly, posteriorly and
bilaterally. This area is located above the gallbladder channel, and intersects with the bladder channel,
and with the stomach channel. Part of this area overlaps with the upper abdomen area.
- Functions: It benefits the functioning of the kidneys, promotes urination, regulates menstruation, relieves
pain, tranquilizer and sedative.
- Indications: It is mainly used to treat acute diseases of the lower heater. For example, acute nephritis,
urinary tract infection, menstrual abnormalities, uterine bleeding, urinary retention. It is also useful in the
treatment of eye problems, dizziness, headache, epilepsy, pain in the hypochondria.
It is a quadrangular area centered on the stomach acupuncture point 8, extending 0. 5 cun anteriorly,
posteriorly and bilaterally. This area is located on the acupuncture channels of the stomach and
gallbladder.
- Functions: Expel the wind element, purge the fire element, relieve pain.
- Indications: Frontal and temporal headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, eye pain, excessive lacrimation,
blurred vision, facial paralysis, deviation of the labial commissure.
It is a quadrangular area centered on the acupuncture point Gallbladder 8, extending 0. 5 cun anteriorly,
posteriorly and bilaterally. It is located in the gallbladder channel and intersects with the bladder
channel. This area represents the lateral side of the head, with the gallbladder point 8 corresponding to
the ear.
- Functions: Unblocks the acupuncture channel of the gallbladder, improves auditory functioning,
counteracts sensation of dizziness.
- Indications: Tinnitus, deafness, otitis, vertigo, migraine.
From 0. 3 cun anterior to DU 19 to 1 cun posterior to it, and delimited bilaterally by the bladder
channel. Corresponds to the thoracic vertebra T3.
17. Lumbar
area : This area is centered on point DU 18 and extends 0. 5 anteriorly and posteriorly, and is delimited
bilaterally by the bladder channel.
Adjacent to the lower line of the lumbar area and extending 1 cun inferior to DU 17. This area of
stimulation corresponds to the coccyx.
When evaluating the probable prognosis of a given patient, the same criteria are used as in other types of
acupuncture:
When evaluating the effects of treatment, it is important to take into account that in some cases temporary
exacerbations of the patient's signs and symptoms may occur, such exacerbations may last from minutes
to hours, and with subsequent improvement in subsequent days.
Duration of treatment
In China, the scheme and frequency of treatment with acupuncture on the scalp is usually between 25
and 50 treatments, spaced as follows: 10 to 12 treatments, daily, consecutive, with three days of rest
between each series of treatments.
In the West, unfortunately, other factors of different nature (family, financial, social, etc.) influence the
frequency and number of treatments a patient receives.
The number and variety of diseases and conditions that can be treated with acupuncture on the scalp is
really extensive, with varying degrees of improvement, depending on the type of condition in question and
the initial condition of each specific patient, as well as the number and frequency of acupuncture
treatments received, as well as the degree of adherence to treatment by the patient.
Although Western medicine is in many cases extremely skeptical about the improvements observed
through the use of acupuncture (in this case, acupuncture on the scalp), improvements in treatment of
this extensive list have been observed in China of diseases:
- Cerebral thrombosis
- Cerebral
hemorrhage
- Cerebral embolism
- Bulbar paralysis - Traumatic brain injury
- Basal ganglia lesions
- Herpes zoster
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson's disease
- Muscular dystrophy
- Sciatic nerve neuralgia
- Intestinal incontinence - Urinary
incontinence
- Polyuria
- Headache
- Hypertension
- Bronchial asthma
- Bronchospasm (secondary to allergic reaction)
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Impotence
- Premature ejaculation
- Spermatorrhoea
- Intestinal disorders (example: diarrhea)
- Bone deformities
- Spina bifida
- Neurodermatitis
- Meniere's syndrome
- Neurogenic deafness
- Dizziness / vertigo
Bibliography
37