Implication of the spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve in acupuncture

This voluminous nucleus extends from the upper part of the medulla oblongata to the 4th cervical segment of the spinal cord. This topography puts it in relation with numerous other spinal and cerebral centers = ventral and dorsal horns of the spinal cord, including spinal nucleus of the accessory nerve, nucleus solitarius, motor dorsal nucleus of the vagus nerve, reticular formation, etc... Even if the longitudinal aspect of this nucleus is not uniform, it must be pointed out that the three branches of the trigeminal nerve are represented along this course through the trigeminal spinal tract. These relations explain the straight reciprocal action of the nerve areas of the trigeminal branches with the first four cervical nerves and the related autonomic links. These direct elementary reflexes may explain: many referred symptoms; etiologic or triggering factors of neuralgias in the entire cervico-cephalic region; the treatment of the cervico-cephalic diseases (of cerebrospinal or autonomic type) by stimulation of the various cervico-cephalic structures: acupuncture points, articular manipulations, massages, etc... an important part of auriculopuncture effects; the possibility to use points localized in various nerve areas to get the same action.