Traditional Chinese Acupuncture

A focused technique supporting the nervous system and functional health

Scalp acupuncture is a specialized form of acupuncture that involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the scalp. This technique is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is used to treat a wide range of health conditions, from neurological issues to chronic pain. It's sometimes referred to as cranial acupuncture or head acupuncture, and it's particularly popular for conditions that affect the brain, nervous system, or other areas of the head and neck.

How does it works

Scalp acupuncture works on the same principles as traditional acupuncture. The scalp is seen as an important area because it contains points that correspond to different parts of the body, much like the rest of the body’s acupuncture meridians. The key idea behind scalp acupuncture is that by stimulating certain points on the scalp, you can improve the flow of qi (energy) through the body and correct imbalances in the body’s energy system. Additionally, it may increase circulation to the brain, improve neural activity, and support healing processes. Scalp acupuncture is often combined with body acupuncture to help treat more complex conditions.

The scalp is divided into different regions that correspond to various body systems:

  • Motor area: Related to movement and motor function.

  • Sensory area: Linked to sensation.

  • Autonomic area: Affects things like breathing, heart rate, and other automatic body processes.

  • Visual area: Helps with eye and vision-related conditions.

    What can be treated

  • Scalp acupuncture is used to treat a variety of conditions, especially neurological and brain-related issues. Some of the most common uses include:

  • Stroke recovery: It is often used to improve motor function and speech after a stroke.

  • Chronic pain: Scalp acupuncture can be effective in treating conditions like migraines, headaches, neck pain, and back pain.

  • Neurological disorders: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy may benefit from scalp acupuncture.

  • Mental health: Anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders can sometimes be alleviated by improving energy flow to the brain.

  • Insomnia and sleep disorders: It can be used to regulate sleep patterns and help with insomnia.

  • Dizziness and vertigo: It may help improve balance and reduce feelings of dizziness.

  • Memory and cognitive function: Some people use scalp acupuncture to improve concentration, memory, and brain function.

Benefits of scalp acupuncture

By stimulating the scalp points, you may experience enhanced cognitive abilities, better focus, and clearer thinking.

It can help reduce pain by increasing circulation to the affected area and promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

Scalp acupuncture can help improve blood flow to the brain and the scalp, which may be beneficial for healing and regeneration.

It helps relax tense muscles in the head and neck, which can alleviate pain or discomfort in those areas.

Many patients report feeling deeply relaxed after a session, helping to alleviate mental and physical tension.

It can support the recovery of motor skills or speech after a stroke or brain injury.

What to expect during a session

Your practitioner will first discuss your medical history, current health concerns, and any previous treatments you've had. Based on this, they will determine which scalp acupuncture points to target. The practitioner will then gently insert thin, sterile needles into specific areas of your scalp. Once the needles are in place, you’ll typically rest for 20-30 minutes. Some people experience a sense of calm or lightheadedness during this time, while others feel completely relaxed.

Side effects

Like other forms of acupuncture, scalp acupuncture is generally considered safe. However, there are some mild side effects that may occur:

You may feel slight soreness or tenderness in the scalp after the needles are removed. While uncommon, some people may experience light bruising at the needle insertion sites. Some clients report feeling a bit dizzy or lightheaded during or after a session, especially if they are sensitive to acupuncture. After a session, you might feel tired or relaxed. This is usually temporary, and many people feel revitalized after a good night's rest. In rare cases, a headache may occur after the treatment, especially if you're sensitive to the stimulation.

These side effects are usually mild and short-time only.