Scalp Acupuncture (sometimes also referred to as “Head Acupuncture” or “Neuroacupuncture”) involves the insertion of acupuncture needles into designated areas of the scalp. Although acupuncture originated over 2,500 years ago, Scalp Acupuncture was developed in China more recently, in 1971 by the neurosurgeon Jiao Shunfa. Dr. Jiao expanded on the historic application of acupuncture needles to the head by incorporating areas that represent segments of the cerebral cortex. This method quickly spread throughout the world, becoming arguably the most important modern development in acupuncture. Scalp Acupuncture is often applied to patients with central nervous system disorders as well as psychosomatic disorders.
Scalp Acupuncture at Dane County Family Acupuncture
When you schedule a Scalp Acupuncture visit with Dane County Family Acupuncture, you can expect your first visit to take approximately an hour and 45 minutes. After a detailed consultation and exam, your provider will insert needles into the scalp while you are seated in a chair. Those needles may be stimulated manually or using electroacupuncture. While the scalp needles are retained, you may be asked to perform range of motion exercises or to take a walk within the clinic hallways. Following that, body acupuncture may also be applied while you are lying on your front, back, or side, with or without electrical stimulation. Return visits last approximately 75 minutes.
Scalp Acupuncture with Elissa Gonda or Kristin Pendl
Elissa Gonda and Kristin Pendl were first exposed to Scalp Acupuncture theory and techniques while pursuing their Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. In addition to continuing education in neurology, they have trained with various Scalp Acupuncture teachers, including Jiao Shunfa, Suzanne Robideaux, Jason Hao and Jin Rui (Three Needle Acupuncture). They have many years of experience applying Scalp Acupuncture to patients with sensory, motor, and psychosomatic symptoms. For example, they have worked with patients experiencing pain of all kinds, aphasia, dysphagia, tinnitus, Bell’s palsy, post-stroke sequelae, vertigo, multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder (ASD), migraines, Parkinson’s disease, post-concussion syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, balance issues, and more.
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