Neuro Acupuncture
Neuro Acupuncture
Neuro Acupuncture
Neuro acupuncture at our acupuncture clinic combines modern neuroscience with traditional Chinese medicine to needle areas of the scalp which in turn targets certain areas of the brain and is a very effective technique for treating acute and chronic central nervous system disorders as well as for pain management.
Neuro-Acupuncture targets specific nerve ending releases neurotransmitters, reduces stress, for pain management regenerates nerves, calms pain, balances hormones level, relieves inflammation, and enhances the human immune response. Scalp acupuncture is a modern technique with only 39 years of history. Scalp acupuncture has proven to be the most effective technique for treating acute and chronic disorders of the central nervous system. Scalp acupuncture often produces significantly noticeable results with just a few needles. It usually produces significant immediate improvements, sometimes taking only a few minutes. Dr. Haos has been practicing, teaching, and researching scalp acupuncture for 32 years and since 1989 has given lectures and seminars in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Canada his book and his teachings are the basis of our clinic here in Toronto. We seek to replicate his methods here with a deep understanding of Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Psychology, and Neurophysiology to deliver treatments. This phenomenal needling technique will also be accompanied by a full spectrum Naturopathic Medical Care by a Naturopathic Doctor as well as an Oriental Massage Therapist at our clinic to deliver maximum results using supplements, herbs both Chinese and western, homeopathy, hydrotherapy (water therapy), clinical medicine, lab testing, spinal manipulations, nutrition therapy, lifestyle modification, as well counseling to bring you the best of multiple worlds of Neuroscience, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, and Massage Therapy and bring phenomenal healing.
Here is their clinic and the results of their clinic and their patients which we have paralleled here in Toronto on a large scale
Dr. Hao talks about the techniques involved in using neuro acupuncture for paralysis patients. We look to replicate his methods here in Toronto using his teachings and the knowledge of deep Neuroscience, Neurobiology and Psychology
The founders of the Neuro Acupuncture Institute (NAI): Drs Jason and Linda Hao operate their clinic in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico has released their training, I (Dr. Aishwarya) took their training and this training was extremely fascinating as I have done my Undergraduate from the University of Toronto St. George Campus in Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology. I did immense research and underwent incredible education on the different parts of the brain, mind, and function of neuroscience. I also completed my thesis in neurobiology research in rats and understood that all of our essential behaviors and bodily functions can be mapped out in the brain and if these functions are not properly functioning, there must be something wrong with that area of the brain; and if we can do scalp acupuncture or neuro acupuncture in that area of the scalp that corresponds to that region of the brain, then that function returns! Or Pain decreases significantly, speech returns or paralysis improves, etc.! I combine my knowledge of Neuroscience with the Traditional Chinese Medicine learned at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine to perform the expert technique of Neuroacupunture. Being a Naturopathic Doctor, I also use other modalities such as cupping, Massage, Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbal Formulas, Western herbal formulas, Clinical Medicine, Homeopathy, Spinal Manipulations, Nutritional Diet Changes, and Lifestyle Changes, and combining these with Neuro acupuncture, I have seen amazing results with my patients using very few needles in the scalp for complex issues.
What is Scalp Acupuncture/Neuroacupunture and what does it do?
Scalp acupuncture improves the viscosity of the blood, improves vascular elasticity, reinforces cardiac contraction and increases cerebral blood flow (1)
Scalp acupuncture may enhance brain plasticity in promoting brain repair by stimulating the sprouting and formation of new functional connections in surrounding normal brain tissue (Larsen, 2006)
Neuronal circuits in the central nervous system might be able to reshape themselves in response to external stimuli and experience after scalp acupuncture (Brown, 2011)
Scalp acupuncture may stimulate the brain to create a new neuronal pathway or rewire a part of the damaged cortex. The damaged brain can often reorganize itself so that when one part fails, other parts can compensate for it (Doidge, 2007)
A combination of traditional and modern acupuncture techniques as a safe adjunct treatment modality. We target specific nerve endings or soft tissues to control peripheral or central pain
References:
1)Jia, op. cit., p. 92-97.
2) Larsen, Stephen, The Healing Power of Neurofeedback, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT, 2006, p. xiii-xv.
3) Brown, David, “Brain Rebuilding,” Albuquerque Journal, January 31, 2011, p. C-1
4) Doidge, Norman, The Brain That Changes Itself, Penguin Group Inc., New York, 2007, p xix.
What does Neuro Acupuncture treat?
Paralysis Conditions:
- Monoplegia, Diplegia, Hemiplegia, Paraplegia, Quadriplegia
- Neurological Conditions:
- Stroke- weakness, paralysis or abnormal sensations in the limbs, face, aphasia, apraxia, altered vision, problems with hearing, taste, smalle, vertigo, disequilibrium, altered coordination, difficulty swallowing and mental and emotional changes
- Headache (Migraine Headaches, Tension Headaches, Cluster Headaches)
- Dysphagia (dysphagia oropharyngeal, dysphagia esophageal)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Bell’s Palsy
- Motor Neuron Diseases
- Alzhiemers
- Dementia
Pain Conditions:
- Phamtom Limb Pain
- Complex Regional Pain
- Residual Limb Pain
- Plantas Fascitis
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Herpes Zoster
- Low Back Pain
- Aphasia Conditions:
- Expressive Aphasia
- Receptive Aphasia
- Aphasia Wernicke
- Aphasia Broca
- Vocal Cord Paralysis
- Sense Organ Disorders:
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Vision Loss
- Diplopia (Double Vision)
- Female and Male Disorders:
- Uterine Bleeding
- Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction
- Male Infertility
- Female Infertility
- Pediatric Conditions
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD & ADHD)
- Down’s Syndrome
- Seizure
- Pediatric Aphasia
Additional Neuropsychological Disorders:
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Post Concussion Syndrome
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Chorea
- Ataxia
- Alzhiemer’s Disease
- Essential Tremor
- Coma
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Neuro Acupuncture points are needled in the scalp. The needles are extremely fine and you will never even feel a pinch! The needles are sterile, single use and are inserted just below the scalp which has no nerves, and can feel no pain. The needle glides effortlessly. Brain areas corresponding to control pain, perception, movement, vision, speech, abnormal sensation, tingling, numbness, and related body area where you are experiencing the symptom or pain. As soon as the needles are inserted, patients feel an immense relation, sometimes tingling and numbness can be noted which enhances the effects of the acupuncture.
We shall do a thorough review of your case at your initial consultation and shall determine your treatment plan which shall highlight your treatment plan, frequency and duration of your recommended treatment depending on your neurological condition, medications, duration of your symptoms, age, and other medical conditions. We usually do one or two treatments per week until you see a significant improvement, we shall also be prescribing supplements, herbs, homeopathy, exercises, massage, diet changes, lifestyle changes, and looking at your lab reports and corresponding with your medical doctor to being you the best healing from both Traditional Chinese Medicine, Neuroacupuncture, Naturopathic Medicine and Massage Specialities
Most patients respond to initial treatment and show some improvement with the first session or at least within three treatments. In our practice, around 80% of our patients have a good response and even significant improvement from the start. The likelihood of having a positive response after initial treatment depends on the nature and duration of the disease, the patient's constitutional condition and his motivation to improve. A therapeutic treatment cycle consists of 10 treatments at intervals between visits for 5 to 7 days.
During or after scalp acupuncture, you may occasionally experience certain sensations in the affected part of the body. You may also feel heaviness, an electric sensation, a sensation of water or energy in motion. It is a good prognostic sign if you feel something during stimulation; however, it is not necessary for recovery. Most patients do not experience an abnormal sensation at the end of the treatment. However, it is recommended that you rest in the clinic for about 10-30 minutes if you feel dizzy or disoriented.
Most treatments last 30 to 45 minutes. The needles are stimulated for approximately 2-3 minutes and re-stimulated at 10-minute intervals during the course of treatment.
The needles we use are no different from the acupuncture needles used by any licensed and qualified acupuncturist. We use sterile disposable stainless steel needles between 1 and 1.5 inches in length.
Once we have quickly entered the loose tissue layer of the scalp, we will thread the needle through the entire 1-1.5 of the needle body. This ensures proper stimulation of the underlying area to which we address.
For experienced doctors, needle insertion is quick and painless.
Do you use different needles for children? Yes. The needle gauges we use in the clinic range from no. 32 (0.25 mm) to no. 36 (0.20 mm). With children we always use our finest and shortest needles.
Scalp acupuncture is very safe when performed by a qualified professional. Although the scalp is uniquely innervated and highly vascular, there is no risk of heavy bleeding. We use sterile disposable needles and always follow antiseptic protocols, so the risk of infection is limited.
How long should we wait after a stroke before making an appointment? Whether it is ischemic (clot) or hemorrhagic (hemorrhage within the brain), the sooner treatment begins after the acute phase, the better we can minimize the extent of residual damage and promote recovery.
Scalp acupuncture is contraindicated in people with very high blood pressure (220/120), postoperative infections and scarring in the acupuncture area, some cases of pregnancy (mainly habitual miscarriage), extremely nervous people and children whose fontanelles have not closed.