Scalp Acupuncture
Richard A. Feely, D.O., FAAO, FCA, FAAMA
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.
