For scalp acupuncture, acupuncture points closest to the brain are used. This is the most effective and efficient way to direct and stimulate energy circulation to the brain. The brain is known in ancient Chinese medicine as the “the sea of marrow”. We can imagine this sea of marrow to be a dam located on top of a mountain. The dam holds energy in its reservoir, instead of water. It has several gates and when a specific gate is opened, the energy flows down to whatever organs or body parts it was intended to flow. The rivers or passageways through which the energy travels are known as meridians.

According to Chinese medicine, the rivers or meridians that are blocked result in illnesses or pain. As there can be a number of blockages along the rivers, so too can there be several variations of pathogenic conditions. Those blockages include: typhoon, flood, drought, iceberg, minerals, mud, lava, wood, etc.

The flow of energy is partially blocked when these blockages occur. A practitioner of Chinese medicine may use different acupuncture techniques to clear the blockages based on the types of blockage(s) within the body.

Minerals Blockage – Boiled water can be used to melt away those ores. Associated conditions: allergy, asthma, etc.

Mud Blockage – Fresh water is needed to wash away the polluted and stick dirt. Associated conditions: dermatitis, diarrhea, cough, etc.

Lava Blockage – Use cold water to cool down those enlarged heated rocks. Associated conditions: Twisted ankle, swelling and inflammation of the knee, etc.

Wood Blockage – Metals are used to saw off those stiff lumbers. Associated conditions: Frozen shoulder, tight lower back, stiff neck, etc.

A scientific group from the World Health Organization in 1989 suggested a universal acupuncture nomenclature for international use. The group standardized the areas and lines for scalp acupuncture. Acupuncturists are trained to know the functions of the various parts of the brain in order to stimulate the intended acu-lines areas and parts of the brain to raise the flow of energy to those areas. People suffering from neurological conditions such as post-stroke syndromes, multiple sclerosis, paraplegia due to injury, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy can greatly benefit from scalp acupuncture therapy in Overland Park.