Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a practice originating in China over 5,000 years ago, diverges from Western paradigms with its emphasis on holistic patterns and relationships. The French Jesuits introduced acupuncture to Europe in the 17th Century, but its reception was lukewarm due to the clash between Eastern and Western worldviews. The effectiveness of acupuncture was backed only by anecdotal evidence until 1976, when controlled experiments started proving its positive impact. Today, at least 17 lines of evidence underscore its healing properties.

Discover acupuncture's ancient history

Supported by Evidence

Evidence supporting acupuncture includes experiments with endorphin blockers, genetic factors, and physiological pathways. Acupuncture's efficacy stands at approximately 70-80%, with notable outcomes in pain relief, addiction treatment, gastrointestinal disorders, and more. Across the world, its integration into modern medical practices gained traction over time, with many physicians incorporating it into their treatments.

Read about the basics of acupuncture

Auriculotherapy

Auriculotherapy utilizes the external ear's auricle to alleviate pain, dysfunction, and diseases throughout the body. The ear's auricle is a complete microsystem representing over 200 acupuncture points related to vertebrae, nerves, organs, and the central nervous system. Dr. Paul Nogier of France developed the concept of somatic tropic correspondence in the auricle, building upon ancient Chinese acupuncture practices.

Learn more about ear acupuncture

Mechanism

Both body acupuncture and auriculotherapy facilitate natural healing, with auricular therapy becoming increasingly recognized for its diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Although the practice originated in China, Dr. Nogier's work and further research revolutionized auriculotherapy, making it a powerful tool in modern healthcare.

Evidence

Auriculotherapy gained scientific validation through studies like the 1980 research by Abbot et al., showing endorphinogenic response. Dr. Nogier's concept of embryological tissue types and hormonal basis formed the foundation for understanding auricular points' somatotopic functions. Auriculotherapy's efficacy in pain relief and natural healing was demonstrated through increased skin conductivity and Vascular Autonkmic Signal (VAS) response.

Scalp Acupuncture

In 1973, Dr. Toshikatsu Yamamoto introduced Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA) in Miyazaki, Japan. Unlike traditional Chinese acupuncture, YNSA is a diagnostic and interactive treatment system designed to alleviate somatic and visceral pain and balance Qi. Particularly effective for neurological disorders, YNSA has been used to treat conditions like post-CVA, paralysis, aphasia, and more.

Explore YNSA and its efficacy

Method

YNSA employs a distinctive neck diagnostic method, developed by Dr. Yamamoto, to determine meridian dysfunction's Yin/Yang and left/right aspects. Immediate feedback from acupuncture needle placement aids accurate diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Feely witnessed Dr. Yamamoto's success firsthand during hospital rounds, where he achieved notable improvements in stroke patients using minimal scalp needle placements.

This approach's efficacy has led Dr. Feely to integrate Dr. Yamamoto's methods into his own practice, successfully addressing chronic and injury-related symptoms. The technique's unique diagnostic process and interactive nature contribute to its success in treating neurological conditions and enhancing patients' well-being.