Neuro-Acupuncture treatment for Functional Neurological Disorders (FND)

Neuro-Acupuncture (an interchangeable term for scalp acupuncture) is a specialized form of acupuncture that focuses on stimulating specific parts of the scalp which correspond to the regions of the brain. It combines the principle of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture and modern neuroscience.

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)

In FND, there is a problem with how the brain receives and sends information to the rest of the body.  There is no damage or structural change to the brain itself but rather the problem is within the network of the brain. 

Brain imaging tests such MRI and CT scan and other neurological tests are often normal in people with FND.  However, some research studies have used functional neuroimaging and neurophysiology (both of which focus on how the brain works rather than what it “looks like”).  The results have demonstrated changes in the connection between different parts of the brain in people with FND.

FND symptoms may include:

• Pain— chronic pain, migraine, fibromyalgia, back-neck pain, complex reginal pain syndrome

• Extreme fatigue or slowness

• Numbness or inability to feel touch

• Movement disorder— tremor, imbalance, legs and arms weakness

• Sleep problems— unable to sleep or too much sleep

• Mental issues—anxiety, panic attack, depression, PTSD

Neuro-Acupuncture treatment can help FND through many mechanisms:

Cortical Stimulation via scalp zones

Fine acupuncture needles inserted into the scalp zones which correspond to the target area of the brain (i.e. motor cortex zone for movement issues; sensory cortex zone for pain issues; balance and tremor zone for body coordination issues).  Then, the needle stimulation techniques will be used and help to activate the target area of the brain and improve communication between the brain and the body.

The neuro-mechanism pathway of the procedure has been proposed to potentially act via this route: Trigeminal Nerve—Meninges—Cerebrospinal Fluid—Contacting neurons—Brain.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5653342/#:~:text=Abstract,scalp%20acupuncture%20and%20the%20brain.

Increase Neuroplasticity

Repeated stimulation promotes the formation and strengthening of new connections between nerve cells (synaptic plasticity). This encourages functional reorganizing of the brain. As a result, it helps restore the loss of function in motor, sensory or speech functions.

Electrical and Neurochemical Modulation 

Scalp needling stimulates peripheral sensory nerves and transmits signals to the spinal cord and brain.  This effects:

• Thalamus and cortex for pain and sensory perception

• Limbic system for emotion and motivation

Also, it triggers neurotransmitter such as:

• Dopamine for movement

• Serotonin for mood and sleep

• GABA for muscle relaxation and seizure control

This helps reduce symptoms such as movement disorder, pain disorder or depression.

Enhances Cerebral Circulation

Scalp acupuncture improves blood flow to specific brain regions.  Thus, more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to these regions, and inflammatory metabolites are moved out of the regions.  This supports tissue healing.

Balances the Autonomic Nervous System

Scalp acupuncture can stimulate parasympathetic response (the resting mode) and result in lower stress level, lower blood pressure and lower heart rate.  Consequently, patients experience a calmer state of mind and a lower anxiety and stress level.  Thus, they respond better to the overall treatment program.