+ The Chinese discovered acupuncture more than 5,000 years ago. Chinese
+ science had a very different paradigm than the Western world. It
+ emphasized wholistic patterns, relationships, cycles, and processes. In
+ contrast, the Western paradigm emphasizes linear thinking, causality,
+ and reductionist explanations.
+
+
+ Acupuncture was first introduced to Europe by French Jesuits in the 17th
+ Century. It was not widely accepted in the West because of the clash
+ between Eastern and Western paradigms, for example, Western linear
+ thinking couldn’t understand how a needle inserted into the hand could
+ cure a toothache. The acupuncture analgesia did not fit into the
+ existing physiological paradigm of the Western scientist and was thus
+ dismissed.
+
+
+ Until 1976, the evidence of acupuncture anesthesia was mainly anecdotal.
+ There were few scientifically controlled experiments. Since then, the
+ situation has changed dramatically. In the last few years, there have
+ been thousands of scientifically controlled experiments in acupuncture.
+ Today, there are at least 17 different lines of scientific evidence
+ verifying acupuncture’s effect upon humans and animals.
+
+
Research and Theory
+
+ Research performed on animals and humans shows that specific acupuncture
+ relieved pain while sham acupuncture (needles at acupoint regions) had
+ no pain relieving effect. Several controlled clinical trials on chronic
+ pain patients comparing real acupuncture to sham acupuncture have also
+ shown that acupuncture really works better than a placebo. Perhaps more
+ importantly, when acupuncture was compared to conventional treatment of
+ chronic pain, it was found to be just as effective with fewer side
+ effects.
+
+
+ It is evident that needling simulates peripheral nerves in the muscles
+ that send messages to the brain to release endorphins (morphine-like
+ peptides in the brain.) These neurochemicals then cause analgesia by
+ blocking the transmission of painful messages. Three main sites for
+ endorphin acupuncture analgesia have been found. The pituitary gland is
+ one site that has been shown to release endorphins into the blood
+ stream. This hormone travels to the three parts of the brain and spinal
+ cord to block the transmission of painful messages. The second site is
+ the periaqueductal gray neurons in the midbrain which release endorphins
+ that act as local transmitters to excite the rostral ventromedial
+ medulla. The rostal ventromedial medulla in turn projects massively and
+ selectively to pain transmitting neurons in the dorsal horn of the
+ spinal cord and the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Electrical stimulation
+ in the periaqueductal gray and rostral ventromedial medulla produces
+ behavioral analgesia and inhibitions of spinal pain transmission. This
+ third site, spinal cord endorphin system, is where the spinal cord
+ neurons release endorphins to block the release of neurotransmitters
+ from afferent fibers carrying painful messages to the cord.
+
+
+ In 1977, research showed that acupuncture analgesia inhibited the
+ spinothalamic tract neurons from responding from painful inputs. This
+ acupuncture effect was then blocked by naloxone, an endorphin receptor
+ blocker. It has also been shown in mice and humans that naloxone blocked
+ acupuncture anesthesia using behavioral measurements. Acupuncture
+ research has progressed since the 1970s to date, to have no less than 17
+ different lines of evidence convergent upon acupuncture endorphin
+ mechanisms verifying and supporting acupuncture analgesia.
+
+
The Evidence
+
+ There are 17 points of evidence:
+
+
+
Naloxone blocked acupuncture analgesia
+
Six opiates antagonist block acupuncture analgesia
A rise in mRNA for proenkephalin with acupuncture analgesia
+
C-fos gene protein rises in endorphin areas of brain
+
+ Acupuncture analgesia shows cross tolerance with morphine addiction
+
+
+ Acupuncture analgesia works best for emotional pain like endorphin
+
+
Lesions of arcuate nucleus blocks acupuncture analgesia
+
Lesions of periaquaductal gray blocks acupuncture analgesia
+
+
+ The considerable evidence for the three pathways shown above provides
+ convincing proof that acupuncture analgesia is a known physiological
+ phenomenon that can occur and be manipulated through the use of
+ acupuncture needles and electrical stimulation.
+
+
+ Testing the involvement of the pituitary, several experiments were
+ carried out, both surgically removable pituitary and suppression of the
+ pituitary endorphins by chemical manipulations; all of the experiments
+ suppressed acupuncture analgesia in animals. Experiments to test the
+ involvement of the midbrain were done since it had been shown that
+ morphine pain relief was largely mediated by this system. Such
+ experiments included direct lesions to the raphe by cutting the output
+ fibers in the dorsal lateral tract, the spinal cord blockade of
+ serotonin receptors, blockade of serotonin synthesis and direct
+ micro-injection of naloxone into the mid brain; all of these experiments
+ reduced acupuncture analgesia.
+
+
+ Enhancement of serotonin synthesis increased acupuncture analgesia. An
+ experiment measuring serotonin showed an increase product (serotonin)
+ was released during acupuncture analgesia along with noradrenelinecture
+ endorphin mechanisms verifying and supporting acupuncture analgesia.
+
+
Effectiveness
+
+ Acupuncture works in approximately 70% to 80% of humans and animals.
+ Meanwhile, we know that the placebo only works 30% of the time.
+ Acupuncture does not work all the time in all people for various
+ reasons. Principally due to cholecystikinin (CCK). Those individuals
+ with high CCK are poor responders to acupuncture analgesia. Good
+ responders have less CCK. CCK blocks acupuncture tolerance, it acts in
+ the periaquaductal gray. Animal experimentation have been done to show
+ that poor responders may become better responders through the use of a
+ CCK antagonist and that good responders can become poor responders by
+ the use of cDNA, CCK gene.
+
+
+ Acupuncture has been shown not to be physiologically addicting.
+ Acupuncture is however additive and cumulative in its effects. It is
+ more powerful after ten to fifteen treatments. Neurologically we know
+ acupuncture works with a small mylenated fibers A delta-type III, and it
+ does not work on larger fibers, C-fibers.
+
+
Conclusion
+
+ In conclusion, acupuncture has been used for over 5,000 years. It has a
+ large body of empirical anecdotal evidence indicating its effectiveness.
+ Now, scientific based research evidence indicates there are several
+ causes and effects of acupuncture. Acupuncture has been shown to be
+ effective for acute and chronic pain conditions. Acupuncture has also
+ been found to be effective in the treatment of addiction and withdrawal
+ from various drugs, gastrointestinal functions, environmental illnesses
+ and cardiovascular illness, along with positively changing
+ learning/memory, conditioning and immunology.
+
+
+ As a result of this research, more and more physicians outside China are
+ using acupuncture to treat many painful conditions. It is estimated that
+ 5,000 MDs in Germany, 30,000 in France and 60,000 in Japan use
+ acupuncture along with drugs, nerve blocks and other approaches to treat
+ patients with chronic pain. Here in the United States, over 1,000
+ physicians and surgeons are actively involved in the practice of
+ acupuncture. With increasing research and evidence, more and more
+ physicians in the West will become acupuncture practitioners.
+
+ Acupuncture was first discovered in China 2696 through 2598 B.C. Huang
+ Di “The Yellow Emperor” who was the third great emperor of China.
+ Acupuncture was initiated and discovered during the Yellow emperors
+ reign and the surviving document is the Yellow Emperors Classic of
+ Internal Medicine translation by Ilza Veith, University of California
+ Press, Berkeley, California 1993. This Yellow Emperors Classic text is
+ the basis for acupuncture and was the current book of medical care in
+ 2600’s B.C.
+
+
+ The next significant improvement was in 2006 BC through 202 AD during
+ the Han Dynasty. Several important books were written at that time. The
+ Huang Ti Nei Ching Yellow Emperors inner classic was produced with
+ Su-wen (basic questions) and Ling Shu (mysterious pivot) and this last
+ book brought in moxibustion as part of the acupuncture treatment.
+
+
+ During the Western Jin Dynasty (265-316 A.D.), the book Zhen Jiu Jia Y.
+ Jing was written (Comprehensive Manual of Acupuncture Moxibustion) is
+ the oldest exiting test of acupuncture and moxibustion only. 368-1640,
+ The Ming Dynasty, Zhen Jiu Dei Cheng, (Great Compendium of Acupuncture
+ and Moxibustion) serves as a basis for all modern acupuncture treatment.
+
+
Europe
+
+ In 1671, PP Harviell, S. J. A jesuit priest who brought acupuncture to
+ Europe via France wrote Les secrets de la Medicine des Chinois,
+ Consitant en al Parfaite Connoissance du Pauls.
+
+
+ In 1683, Wilen Pen Rhijne, M.D. wrote a book on “Dissertatia de
+ Arthritide”. Dr. Rhijne was a Dutch East Indian Company fleet surgeon in
+ Japan who provided further delineation of acupuncture treatment. Then in
+ 1758, Lorenz Heister, M.D. wrote an article “Chiraigeies.” He was the
+ first surgeon to recommend acupuncture. Then in 1820 at La Pities, Hotel
+ Dieu La Charite acupuncture was taught in France at some of the best
+ hospitals. With the French leading the way in European acupuncture, the
+ Dutch and Germans followed in suit as acupuncture received a renaissance
+ in the 1820’s.
+
+
USA
+
+ In the United states, Franklin Bache M.D. great grandson of Benjamin
+ Franklin, wrote an article, “Case illustrative of remial effects of
+ acupuncture” showing how acupuncture was beneficial in the patient use
+ in treating the penal system of Philadelphia. In 1916, Sir William Osler
+ B.T., M.D., FBS wrote in the Principles and Practice of Medicine
+ recommended treatment for lumbago was acupuncture.
+
+
+ However, after the 1920’s acupuncture was rarely ever used in the United
+ States. In 1971, James Reston reporter for the New York Times with
+ Nixon’s Chinese trip developed appendicitis. The Chinese proposed
+ surgery for his appendectomy using acupuncture anesthesia. His post
+ operative pain after appendectomy treatment was relieved by acupuncture
+ at the Anti-Imperialist Hospital in Peking, China.
+
+
+ Then in 1971, E. Gray Diamond M.D. wrote in JAMA , ‘Acupuncture
+ anesthesia, western medicine and Chinese traditional medicine’. He wrote
+ about the experiences in China. It was met with much skepticism. However
+ in 1973, the New York Society of acupuncture for physicians and dentists
+ was formed. This was the first physician and surgeon organization in the
+ United States dedicated towards acupuncture. In 1973, The AMA council of
+ Scientific affairs declares acupuncture an experimental medical
+ procedure.The FDA then required acupuncture equipment to be labeled as
+ investigative devices as recommended by the AMA. In 1983, The American
+ Osteopathic Association endorses the use of acupuncture as a part of the
+ practice of medicine.
+
+
+ In 1987, The American Academy of Medical acupuncture was formed as the
+ first national physician and surgeon organization dedicated to the
+ advancement of acupuncture within America. In 1991, thirteen states and
+ the district of Columbia regulate the practice of acupuncture by
+ physicians and 23 states in the district of Columbia establish licensing
+ requirements for non-physician acupuncturist. In 1993, 500 million
+ dollars per year was spent by the United States public on acupuncture
+ treatment.
+
+
+ In 1994, NIH and the FDA, reviewed the investigational designation of
+ acupuncture needles. In 1996, the FDA reclassifies the acupuncture
+ needles as Class II medical devices. In 1996, 11 states in the district
+ of Columbia regulate the practice of acupuncture by physicians. 26
+ states in the district of Columbia provide licensing regulations for
+ non-physicians. Non-physicians are presented by various organizations
+ including the Council Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the
+ National Commission for Certification of acupuncturist.
+
+
+ The majority of physicians, over 6,000, in the United States have
+ received training at UCLA and Stanford Schools of Medicine from 1982
+ thru 2008 under Joseph Helms M.D. Since 2009 the Helms Medical Institute
+ (HMI) accredited by ACCME continues to teach basic, intermediate and
+ advance medical acupuncture courses for physicians throughout the USA.
+ These physicians learn traditional Chinese medicine, French energetic,
+ five element, neuroanatomic, auricular, scalp and hand acupuncture.
+ Currently, the other training programs for physicians are at USC,
+ Harvard and U of Miami.
+
+
+ For non-physician (MD, DO, DC) USA training in acupuncture there are 47
+ campuses of acupuncture colleges/schools within the Council of Colleges
+ of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. They receive a L. Ac. or a DOM
+ degree allowing them to take the NCCAOM board examination for licensure
+ to obtain a license to practice acupuncture and oriental medicine under
+ their respect state law.
+
+
+ Finally, acupuncture treatment can be either macrosystem (body) and
+ microsystem (hand, ear, scalp). All these types of acupuncture are
+ performed in the USA today including Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture and
+ various types of Chinese scalp acupuncture.
+
+ A. Ear acupuncture is needle stimulation to the auricle, or external
+ ear, using fine acupuncture needles.
+
+
+
+ Q. What is auriculotherapy?
+
+
+
+ A. Auricular therapy is needle-less stimulation of the auricle, or
+ external ear, using electrical probe for alleviating pain, dysfunction
+ and disease as manifest in other parts of the body.
+
+
+
+ Auricular therapy uses electricity to diagnose auricular acupoints. It
+ uses electricity, laser or colored filters to treat auricular acupoints.
+ It is performed by a physician, acupuncturist or therapist.
+
+
+
+ Auricular therapy is the bioenergetic and biomechanical approach to
+ wholistic health care and pain management. It is a form of needle-less
+ acupuncture. It is a diagnostic method and a therapeutic treatment of
+ the microsystem. It is rooted in acupuncture teachings and research and
+ it is the easiest and most “western” approach to acupuncture.
+
+
+
+ Q. How does auriculotherapy work?
+
+
+
+ A. Auriculotherapy works by stimulating the central nervous system
+ through the cranial nerves/spinal nerves on the auricle of the ear. This
+ stimulation results in neurotransmitters being stimulated within the
+ periactal ductal gray and pituitary and spinal cord of the central
+ nervous system. This stimulation of neurotransmitters modulates the pain
+ and modulates nerve function beginning the healing process within the
+ body to that organ or body part.
+
+
+
+ Q. Does auriculotherapy hurt?
+
+
+
+ A. Using acupuncture needles on the ear, pain may last one to three
+ seconds with the placing of the needle. Otherwise, acupuncture needles
+ should not hurt on the ear. If electrical stimulation is used or lasers
+ are used on the ears, there should be little to no pain at all perceived
+ by the patient.
+
+
+
+ Q. What problems is auriculotherapy good for?
+
+
+
+ A. Auriculotherapy is good for acute painful problems alleviating pain
+ almost immediately or within 24 to 48 hours. Auricle therapy is good for
+ chronic degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
+ arthritis and other chronic painful conditions like spinal stenosis and
+ other chronic central nervous system conditions such as multiple
+ sclerosis. Other conditions include diseases and dysfunctions of the
+ gastrointestinal, genital urinary and cardiovascular systems. Auricular
+ therapy should not take the place of acute orthodox medical care in life
+ threatening situations.
+
+
+
+ Q. How frequently should I be treated?
+
+
+
+ A. In most cases, treatment for most chronic conditions may be treated
+ once or twice per weeks. However, in some acute conditions and very
+ serious conditions auriculotherapy may be applied daily for
+ approximately one week to 10 days.
+
+
+
+ Q. How does one perform auriculotherapy?
+
+
+
+ A. It is performed by a therapist using electrical means to diagnose
+ auricular acupoints. There are over 200 auricular acupoints on each ear
+ that represent all parts of the body and many functional areas of the
+ human organism. These points represent anatopical and neurological and
+ physiological functions.
+
+
+
+ The physician therapist uses a hand held wand and a diagnostic probe
+ similar to a pen that measures differences in skin conductivity between
+ the hand and the acupoint on the ear. The positive and negative polarity
+ of that relationship and if it is extremely negative or extremely
+ positive, with the touch of a button, the instrument stimulates the ear
+ with electrical stimulation either positively or negatively as needed.
+ With this, the physician auricular therapist will be able to diagnose
+ pain, dysfunction and disease whether it be somatic, visceral or
+ psychological in origin. These diagnostic aids, through research
+ performed at UCLA, prove to be quite accurate for a simple test — one
+ study yielding over 75% accuracy in a double-blind study.
+
+
+
+ People who do not want ear acupuncture or auricular therapy should,
+ obviously, not have it, but it would be wise for anyone with the
+ following conditions to abstain from ear acupuncture or auricular
+ therapy. These conditions include:
+
+
+
+
First trimester pregnancy
+
First two months of constitutional homeopathic treatment
+
Patients with pacemaker or spinal cord stimulator
+
Neonates children less than one day old
+
Patients with no external ear
+
+ Individuals with a known genetic abnormalities of CCK enzyme produced
+ in the central nervous system. (This enzyme, which is produced in the
+ brain, neutralizes the neuroprotiens that are released with
+ acupuncture. Only a very small percentage of the population is
+ affected. As of today, there is no simple test to identify these
+ patients other than a trial of acupuncture or auricular therapy.
+
+
+
+
+ Q. Are there side effects?
+
+
+
+ A. The primary side effect of ear acupuncture or auricular therapy is
+ tenderness or inflammation to the ear itself. Auricular therapy and
+ acupuncture generally have almost no side effects, especially if one is
+ using auricular therapy with electrical stimulation. If the therapist is
+ using the Elector-Therapy Association’s guidelines for treatment, there
+ are virtually no negative side effects.
+
+
+
+ Infection is possible when the skin is pierced with the acupuncture
+ needle, but is almost never heard of in auricular therapy. If the
+ patient is afraid of needles, auricular therapy, rather than ear
+ acupuncture should be performed.
+
+
+
+ Q. What does research show about auricular acupuncture?
+
+
+
+ A. In the 1980s, Drs. Oleson, Kroening, and Bresler, UCLA, in a paper
+ entitled, “An experimental evaluation of auricular diagnosis: The
+ somatotopic mapping of the musculoskeletal pain at the ear acupuncture
+ points.” This study verified the somatotopic auricular map in a blinded
+ experiment using electrical skin conductivity to 40 musculoskeletal pain
+ subjects with a 75.2% accuracy. (Reference: PAIN, 8, 1980, PP. 217-229.)
+
+
+
+ 1985 UCLA Kroening and Oleson, “Rapid narcotic detoxification and
+ chronic pain patients with auricular electro acupuncture and Maloxon.”
+ Twelve out of 14 chronic pain subjects, or 85.7%, were completely
+ withdrawn from narcotic medication within two to seven days with no side
+ effects through the use of auricular electrical stimulation and
+ acupuncture needling of two auricular points used. (Reference:
+ International Journal of Addictions, 20 (9), PP. 1347-1360, 1985.)
+
+
+
+ 1993, UCLA, Drs. Simmons and Oleson, “Auricular electrical stimulation
+ and dental pain thresholds.” Auricular electrical stimulation increased
+ dental threshold by 19% and was partially reversed by Maloxone.
+ (Reference: American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, 4:14-19, 1993.)
+
+
+
+ 1993, Drs. Oleson and Flocco, “Randomized control study of premenstrual
+ syndromes triggered with ear, hand and foot reflexology.” Results show a
+ significant decrease of 46% in premenstrual symptoms from true
+ reflexology compared with placebo. (Reference: Obstetrics and
+ Gynecology, 86, NO. 6, DEC 1993, PP. 906-911.) inhibitory system.{" "}
+
+ Auriculotherapy is a therapeutic intervention in which the auricle of
+ the external ear is utilized to alleviate pain, dysfunction and disease
+ as represented and manifest throughout the body.
+
+
+ The auricle of the ear is a complete Microsystem of the human body. All
+ vertebra, sympathetic/parasympathetic nerves, spinal nerves, visceral
+ organs and the central nervous system, and including all anatomical
+ sites and many functional points are represented on the ear. They total
+ over 200 specific acupuncture points.
+
+
+ While originally based upon the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture,
+ the somatic tropic correspondence of specific parts of the body to
+ specific parts of the ear was first developed in France by Dr. Paul
+ Nogier.
+
+
Section A | History
+
+ All systems of acupuncture began originally in China with the Yellow
+ Emperors Classic of Internal Medicine compiled in 500 B.C. In this text,
+ the six yang meridians wereB.C. connected to the auricle of the ear.
+ Whereas the six yin meridians were indirectly connected to the ear by
+ its corresponding yang meridian. These ancient Chinese ear acupuncture
+ points were scattered over the auricle of the ear. Ancient Egypt,
+ Greece, and Rome between 500 B.C. and 100 A.D.. had recorded clinical
+ uses of earring’s and other forms of ear stimulation for various
+ problems particularly in the treatment of sexual and menstrual disorders
+ which Hypocrite’s and Galen recorded. After the fall of Rome
+ approximately 200 A.D.. ancient medical records were found in Persia
+ where the medical treatment for sciatic pain was cauterization on the
+ ear.
+
+
+ From 1500-1700 the Dutch East Indian Company, while merchant trading in
+ China brought many Chinese acupuncture procedures back to Europe
+ including the use of ear acupuncture. It was the Dutch East Indian
+ Company that saw acupuncture being used in the orient where medicine was
+ placed next to the needle site and they then developed the Western
+ hypodermic needle from Chinese acupuncture needles. Sporadic clinical
+ reports in Europe were discussed with the use of ear cauterization to
+ relieve sciatic pain.
+
+
+ Then in 1957, Dr. Paul Nogier, a physician from Lyon, France observed
+ the occurrence of scars on the ears of a patient who were successfully
+ treated for sciatic pain by French lay practitioners. Dr. Nogier then
+ developed a somatatopic map of the ear based upon the inverted fetus
+ concept. His work was first presented in France and then published by a
+ German acupuncture society and then finally translated into Chinese. In
+ 1958, a massive study was initialed by Nanking Army Ear acupuncture
+ research team which verified the clinical accuracy of Dr. Nogier’s
+ inverted man concept of the little man on the ear. During the cultural
+ revolution, the “barefoot doctors” were taught the easy techniques of
+ ear acupuncture to bring healthcare to the Chinese masses.n of names of
+ auricular anatomy in location of ear reflex points.
+
+
+ In 1980, a double blind experimentally controlled research study at UCLA
+ Pain Management Center department of anesthesiology UCLA School of
+ Medicine conducted a research study by Richard J. Kroeuning M.D., Ph.D
+ and Terry D. Oleson Ph.D. This study reported in PAIN verified the
+ scientific accuracy of auricular diagnosis. There is a statistically
+ significant level of 75% accuracy achieved in diagnosing musculoskeletal
+ pain problems in 40 pain patients. Specific areas of height and
+ tenderness and increased electrical activity on the ear predicted
+ specific areas of the body where some pain or dysfunction would be
+ identified whereas the body free of pathology corresponded to non-active
+ points on the ear.
+
+
+ Research that followed throughout the United States utilized both the
+ Chinese and the French Auricular acupuncture points for the treatment of
+ chronic pain problems and the withdrawal from narcotic, alcohol and
+ nicotine. International meetings of the World National Organization in
+ 1990 culminated in a standardization of names of auricular anatomy in
+ location of ear reflex points.
+
+
Modern China
+
+ While classical acupuncture was first developed in China, its use
+ diminished in the 1800’s when China was dominated by Western powers from
+ Europe. Then with the cultural revolution of Mao Sae Tong, the Chinese
+ with the inverted fetus concept rediscovered and identified auricular
+ acupuncture as a potent diagnostic and therapeutic weapon. Dr. Chen
+ Gong-Sun of Nanking Medical University confirmed the great changes in
+ the practice of ear acupuncture that occured in China in the 1995
+ international symposium and credited Dr. Nogier with systematizing ear
+ acupuncture as a somatatopic pattern of the inverted fetus for
+ auriculotherapy.
+
+
+ More recent Chinese discoveries focused on ear acupuncture and diagnosis
+ as a guide for recommending Chinese herbal remedies. Auricular points
+ are selected according to: (1) corresponding body regions where there is
+ pain or pathology according to the (2) pathological reactive points
+ tender to touch, according to (3) the principles of traditional Chinese
+ medicine, (4) the meridian theory, (5) according to physiological
+ understanding derived from modern western medicine, and according to the
+ (6) known therapeutic effects of a point in addition to the results of
+ experiments in clinical observations of the practitioners. The world
+ health organization and the Chinese government defined a localization of
+ 91 specific auricular points by 1995.
+
+
The Europeans
+
+ Much of the work of auricular therapy was delineated by Dr. Paul Nogier
+ first textbook on the subject , ” The treatus of Auriculotherapy” 1972.
+ In 1950 Dr. Nogier was “intrigued by a strange scar which patient had in
+ the external ear.” He found that it was a treatment for sciatic a
+ involving cauterization of the edge of antihelix on the same side of the
+ neuralgia which had previously been observed.
+
+
+ These patients were unanimous in stating that they had received relief
+ for their sciatica pain within hours and even minutes from this ear
+ cauterization. While discussing this anithelix cauterization point for
+ sciatica with a colleague, Dr. Aman Thieu told Dr. Nogier ” the problem
+ with sciatic is the problem with the lumbosacral hinge”. Dr. Nogier then
+ conjectured that the antihelix area cauterized for sciatica could
+ correspond to the lumbosacral joint and whole antihelix could represent
+ the spinal column. The head could correspond to the lobe and the
+ antitragius area. In this way the ear could resemble an embryo in utero.
+
+
+ First Nogier experimented with cautery, then with a needle, and then
+ with electrical microcurrents imperceptible to the patient. Theses
+ microcurrents were successful in relieving pain and caused no undue
+ nervous upset to the patient which cauterization had done. In 1955, Dr.
+ Nogier mentioned his discoveries to the undisputed master of acupuncture
+ in France Dr. Niboyet and as a result Dr. Nogier presented his findings
+ to the Mediterranean Society in 1956 in which Dr. Bachman of Munich
+ Germany was in attendance. He published Dr. Nogier’s findings in an
+ acupuncture journal which has worldwide circulation particularly in the
+ far east . Because of these translations from German, the ear reflex
+ system was soon known by Chinese and Japanese acupuncturist. Dr. Nogier
+ commented that ” each doctor needs to be convinced of the efficacy of
+ this ear reflex method by personal results that he or she is right. They
+ are indeed fortunate people who can convince themselves simply by noting
+ the improvement of a symptoms they themselves have experienced” As Dr.
+ Nogier says ” the first stages of learning the map of the ear consist of
+ getting to know the morphology of the external ear, its reflex,
+ cartography and found to treat simple pains of traumatic origins.”
+
+
+ In 1966, Dr. Nogier, discovered a change in the radial arterial pulse
+ following tactile simulation to the ear. This was called the articular
+ cardiac reflex. This pulse change was a modification of the pulse
+ amplitude and way form. It is not related to the changes in the pulse
+ rate. The Auricular cardiac reflex has been important in identifying
+ each ear reflex points corresponding to particular parts of the body
+ where there is pain or pathology. Later, Dr. Nogier revised the name of
+ auricular cardiac reflex to the vascular autonomic signal (VAS) when he
+ realized that this was an involuntary arterial reflex and was not
+ limited to auricular stimulation but was in fact a general vascular
+ continuous reflex that could be achieved by tactile and electrical
+ stimulation for many body areas. The use of a VAS is an integral part of
+ auricular medicine. Besides using mechanical pressure or electrical
+ stimulation, light frequency filters and chemical substances on slides
+ were put over the surface of the ear to demonstrate a VAS response.
+ Wherever there was pathology in the corresponding area of the body. As
+ of this date, Dr. Paul Nogier is still alive in Leon, France, retired.
+
+
Section B | Body and Ear
+
+ Both ear and body acupuncture take their origins from China. However
+ body acupuncture has remained essentially unchanged whereas ear
+ acupuncture has been greatly modified by the discoveries of Dr. Paul
+ Nogier and further research is continuing to yield never developments in
+ auricular diagnosis and treatment.
+
+
+ Body acupuncture is based upon a system of 12 meridians, 6 yin and 6
+ yang meridians. The ear is a self contained microsystem that affects the
+ whole body.
+
+
+ Acupuncture points are anatomically defined in the areas of the skin.
+ They are set at fixed specific locations in body acupuncture and can
+ always be detected. In ear acupuncture , the auricular point can be
+ detected only when there is a problem without he corresponding part of
+ the body in which the ear point represents. The deqi that accompanies
+ stimulation of the body acupuncture point is not observed in stimulation
+ the ear acupuncture point.
+
+
+ In both body and ear acupuncture, the points are localized regions of
+ lowered skin resistance or higher skin conductivity. When there is
+ pathology in an organ represented in the meridian point or the auricular
+ point the epidermal skin conductance of the acupuncture point is high.
+
+
+ Ear acupuncture points are ipsiladeral or same side as the pain or
+ pathology. This representation on the ear is due to two contralateral
+ projections from the ear to the opposite side of the brain and from the
+ opposite side of the brain back to the opposite side of the body. Using
+ traditional Chinese medicine theory, ear points are ipsilateral because
+ Qi flows up the ipsilateral meridian.
+
+
+ Ear acupuncture provides a more scientifically verified means of
+ identifying areas of pain or pathology in the body than traditionally
+ Chinese medicine approaches such as tongue or pulse diagnosis. In
+ auricular diagnosis one can identify specific problems in the body by
+ detecting areas of the ear in which there is discolored, flaky, tender,
+ or have high skin conductivity. This increased conductance is measured
+ by a probe and is repeatable and verifiable. The subtle changes in
+ auricular diagnosis may identify conditions in which the patient and the
+ physician may only be marginally aware of.
+
+
+ Both ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy) and body acupuncture can be
+ chemically utilized to relieve pain pathology. They both can be used
+ together or applied separately. Healing not just pain relief. Both body
+ acupuncture and ear points do not simply reduce the experience of pain
+ but also facilitate natural healing processes within the body. Auricular
+ therapy facilitates the natural self regulating homeostatic mechanisms
+ of the body by diminishing over active body functions and increasing
+ underactive physiological processes. Both body acupuncture and auricular
+ therapy can have deep physiological and psychological affects.
+
+
+ Direct evidence of endorphinogenic response to auricular therapy has
+ been provided by Abbot et al in 1980, they observed a significant
+ increase in endorphins after acupuncture stimulation was combined with
+ nitric oxide inhalation. Whereas the controlled subjects given nitric
+ oxide without acupuncture showed no elevation of the endorphins.
+
+
+ The primary side-effects of ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy) is that
+ the ear itself can become tender and inflamed. Auricular therapy and
+ acupuncture generally is not recommended for patient with pace-makers
+ and during pregnancy. While auriculotherapy does not require the use of
+ needles, ear points may be sensitive to any applied simulation through
+ auriculotherapy treatment. Infection is almost never heard of in
+ auricular therapy and acupuncture and if a patient is afraid of needles,
+ auricular electrical stimulation is the preferred treatment.
+
+
Embryological Basis
+
+ Dr. Paul Nogier noted that the ear was composed of tissue from each of
+ the three primary types of tissue in the developing embryo. His theory
+ was that each type of embryological tissue on the ear accounts for a
+ different somatotopic functions related to the auricle. Ectodermal
+ tissue, superficial tissue is found in the ear lobe in the helix teal.
+ The ectoderm become the skin, hair, sweat gland, cornea and lens of the
+ eye. Nose, epithelium, teeth, nerves, spinal cord, subcortex of brain,
+ cerebrum and pituitary gland, pineal gland and adrenal medulla.
+
+
+ The mesodermal tissue , the middle tissue is found in the anithelix
+ scaphoid fossa, the triangular fossa. The mesoderm becomes the
+ musculoskeletal system of muscles, joints, bones, cardiac muscles,
+ smooth muscles, connective tissue, blood cells from the bone marrow,
+ lymphatic tissues, genial organs, kidney, and the adrenal cortex.
+
+
+ The third type is the endodermal tissue, the deep tissue which is found
+ in the concha. The endoderm becomes the gastrointestinal digestive
+ tract, the lungs, tonsil and the respiratory system. The internal organs
+ like the liver, pancreas, bladder, urethra.
+
+
Hormonal Basis
+
+ The neurotein system: natural pain relievers, endorphins, enkephalins,
+ are indigenous morphine chemicals which are found within the pituitary
+ and other parts of the central nervous system and encephalon is
+ subfactor of endorphin. These neurotransmitters occur in the brain at
+ the same site where opiate receptors are found. Both body and ear
+ acupuncture have been found to raise the blood serum and cerebral spinal
+ fluid levels of endorphins and enkephalins. Naloxone is a opiate
+ antagonist which blocks morphine endorphin.
+
+
+ Research report from UCLA by Simons & Oleson 1993, Mayer et al 1977,
+ were the first investigators to provide scientific evidence that there
+ was neurophysiological and neurochemical basis for acupuncture and
+ auriculotherapy in human subjects. They demonstrated that the
+ acupuncture stimulation of the body through Large Intestine 4 points,
+ led to a significant increase in pain threshold. They were then able to
+ yield statistically significant reversal of elevated pain threshold by
+ intravenous administration of 0.8 mg of an opiate naloxone. The
+ acupuncture had raised dental pain threshold by over 27 %. There was no
+ treatment control group which showed a 6.9% in dental pain threshold. A
+ total of 20 of 35 acupuncture subjects showed increased pain threshold
+ greater than 20% contrasted with only 5 out of 40 subjects in the
+ controlled condition exhibiting a 20% elevation of pain threshold.
+ Naloxone given to acupuncture subjects reduced the pain threshold to the
+ same level as the control group.
+
+
+ Direct evidence of endorphinogenic response to auricular therapy has
+ been provided by Abbot et al in 1980, they observed a significant
+ increase in endorphins after acupuncture stimulation was combined with
+ nitric oxide inhalation. Whereas the controlled subjects given nitric
+ oxide without acupuncture showed no elevation of the endorphins.
+
+
+ TENS ( transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) suppresses pain by
+ activating A-Fibers which inhibit the input from C fibers. Acupuncture
+ stimulation tends to activate C fibers which activates super spinal
+ gating systems which then send descending input to the spinal inhibitory
+ neurons which suppresses the pain message. Secondary, stimulation
+ produced analgesia is a pain inhibitory system that has been
+ demonstrated by brain stimulation by the periactiductal central gray
+ matter which reduces the responses to pain in rats, cats, monkeys, and
+ humans. This peripheral stimulation and ear acupuncture points may
+ peripherally activate the pain inhibitory system.
+
+ Dr. Toshikatsu Yamamoto, of Miyazaki, Japan, founded and developed a new
+ system of scalp acupuncture in 1973, while working in Yamamoto Hospital
+ in Nichinan.
+
+
+ This micro acupuncture system is different from traditional Chinese
+ acupuncture and Chinese scalp acupuncture. It is both diagnostic and
+ interactive treatment system in relieving both somatic and visceral pain
+ problems, as well as balancing Qi, or energy.
+
+
+ This system is particularly good at helping neurological diseases and
+ dysfunctions. Cases treated with YNSA include post-CVA, paralysis,
+ aphasia, cerebral palsy, sciatica, arthritic pain, and acute or chronic
+ painful conditions.
+
+
Diagnosis
+
+ YNSA provides a neck diagnositc method developed by Dr. Yamamoto
+ verifying the Yin or Yang and the left or right sidedness of the
+ meridian dysfunction.
+
+
+ It provides an immediate feedback after correctly placing the
+ acupuncture needles. This constant interchange between the probing
+ physician and feedback from the patient’s body enables the practitioner
+ to diagnose and treat a wide variety of clinical problems.
+
+
+ The neck diagnosis is a palpatory psychomotor skill that is best taught
+ by a trained practitioner to a student. This is where results can be
+ seen and perfect practice makes for accurate diagnosis and effective
+ treatment.
+
+
My Experience
+
+ During a recent visit to Japan, I accompanied Dr. Yamamoto on his
+ hospital rounds to review the cases of stroke patients who receive YNSA.
+ Dr. Yamamoto demonstrated that by placing 3-4 needles at specific points
+ on the scalp, one could produce undeniably positive results in most
+ patients suffering from various degrees of paralysis in arms or legs.
+ Further, a single needle placed in the “aphasic point” actually restored
+ speech in aphasic (no speech) and dysphasic (difficult speech) patients.
+
+
+ I was pleased to discover Dr. Yamamoto’s unique therapy yielded positive
+ results on most (80%) of the patients under his care. I now use Dr.
+ Yamamoto’s methods to alleviate a variety of chronic and injury related
+ symptoms that impede the quality of life of my patients.
+
+
Case Study:
+
+
+ In Nichinan, Miyazaki, Japan on October 30, 1997 Dr. Yamamoto treated a
+ 54 year old female patient suffering from left hemiparesis and a left
+ cold foot. Her stroke occurred 2 years prior. At 3:35 pm this
+ thermographic photo was made. Notice the 20.66 C° on the left toes
+ (right side of photo) and a small amount of 24 C° area in the instep of
+ the left foot (right side of photo)
+
+
+ Dr. Yamamoto placed two Serin acupuncture needles in the patients scalp.
+
+
+ The first was place in the right D point to effect the left leg and the
+ second needle was placed in the right M2 point/cerebrum for a left leg
+ effect. The needles were left in place for approximately 30 minutes. The
+ patient laid in bed with no socks on, only a blanket over her whole
+ body.
+
+
+
+ After the needles were removed we walked to the toilet and back again.
+ Then 10-15 minutes later at 4:33 pm the following thermographic photo
+ was made. With the two photos side by side you can comper the effect of
+ YNSA Acupuncture upon poor peripheral circulation in a 2 year old stroke
+ case.
+
+
+ The left hemiparesis resulted in a cold left foot (right side of before
+ photo). The left toes increased 1.5 C° to 2 C°. The left instep increaed
+ approximately 1.0 C°. The forefoot and the hindfoot increased
+ approximately 1.5 C°.
+
+
+ Two acupuncture needles placed in the contralateral side of the
+ hemiparesis using Dr. Yamamoto’s system (YNSA) is capable of stimulating
+ increased peripeheral circulation in a 2 year old stroke case.
+
+
+ );
+};
+
+export default ArticleScalpAccupuncture;
diff --git a/website/app/(pages)/articles/(content)/yamamoto-new-scalp-accupuncture-faq/page.tsx b/website/app/(pages)/articles/(content)/yamamoto-new-scalp-accupuncture-faq/page.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7b5c0ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/website/app/(pages)/articles/(content)/yamamoto-new-scalp-accupuncture-faq/page.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,147 @@
+import Article from "@/components/Article";
+import Link from "next/link";
+
+const ArticleYamamotoNewScalpAccupunctureFaq = () => {
+ return (
+
+
+ Q. What training is required for YNSA?
+
+
+ A. YNSA’s founder, Dr. Toshikatsu Yamamoto of Miyazaki, Japan, teaches a
+ one-week course to MDs and osteopaths in Japan, and conducts YNSA
+ seminars in the United States. A physician needs to have been trained in
+ acupuncture before studying YNSA.
+
+
+ Dr. Yamamoto has also lectured to licensed acupuncturists at the New
+ England School of Acupuncture.
+
+
+
+ Q. How effective is YNSA?
+
+
+ A. YNSA is very effective in treating pain conditions, and can be used
+ to modify most other medical conditions that are treatable by
+ acupuncture.
+
+
+
+ Q. How is YNSA different from traditional acupuncture?
+
+
+ A. YNSA is a microsystem of acupuncture located in the head and scalp,
+ containing the 12 main acupuncture meridians. The 12 main acupuncture
+ meridians are represented by ypsilon points located on the side of the
+ head. This microsystem is further divided into 40 basic anatomical
+ points on the forehead and 40 points on the back of the skull that
+ relate to all the body parts—head, shoulders, arms, spine, etc. By
+ treating these acupoints on the head, the physician can relieve pain or
+ dysfunction in the corresponding part of the body.
+
+
+
+ Q. How are the acupoints in YNSA organized?
+
+
+ A. YNSA is divided into the left and right side of the head. The left
+ side of the head is further divided into the yin side, or front of the
+ head;
+
+
+ and the yang side, which is the posterior, or back of the head. The
+ dividing line between the front and back of the head comes where the top
+ of the ear attaches to the skull. The yin side and the yang side are
+ each further divided into an upper and lower half. This yields 12
+ acupoints representing the 12 meridians on the lower half of the yin, or
+ left side of the head, and 12 acupoints on the upper half of the yin
+ side of the head. Thus there are 24 points in front of the ear in the
+ yin area; the same is true for the yang, or right side.
+
+
+ Q. How painful is YNSA
+
+
+ A. YNSA is less painful than drawing blood. However, there is some pain
+ involved because there is not a lot of fat where YNSA needles are
+ inserted. The head has a lot of nerve endings and is thus a sensitive
+ area.
+
+
+
+ Q. How often is YNSA administered?
+
+
+ A. In Japan, YNSA is often administered daily, or two to three times a
+ week. In the US, it is normally administered once or twice weekly on an
+ outpatient basis.
+
+
+ Q. How fast does YNSA produce pain relief?
+
+
+ A. Relief can occur within five to 10 seconds of placing the needle at
+ the correct acupuncture point.
+
+
+
+ Q. How long-lasting is the pain relief?
+
+
+ A. Relief can initially last from a few hours to a couple of days. Most
+ commonly, the pain returns after a few hours. The pain relief lasts
+ longer and longer with each successive treatment.
+
+
+
+ Q. Is there a needle-less form of YNSA?
+
+
+ A. Yes, there have been lasers used to treat these acupuncture points in
+ Japan. However, these laser treatments are not approved for use in the
+ US.
+
+
+
+
+ Q. How many trained YNSA practitioners are there in the US?
+
+
+
+ A. There are currently only about 60 physicians in the US who have been
+ personally trained by Dr. Yamamoto. Dr. Feely was the first American
+ osteopath to travel to Japan for YNSA training in 1993; he returned to
+ Japan for further training in 1997.
+
+
+ Q. Is there a clearinghouse for physicians using YNSA?
+
+
+ A. There is no YNSA clearinghouse yet. The best clearinghouse for
+ physician acupuncture is the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture:{" "}
+
+ www.medicalacupuncture.org/findadoc/index.html
+
+
+
+ Q. Is YNSA covered by insurance?
+
+
+ A. Most medical insurance does not pay for acupuncture; check your
+ policy to verify the benefits under your plan.
+