[Comparison and development of different scalp needling schools]

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Neurology
• Acupuncture Research

Context:

• Scalp acupuncture, a specialized therapeutic technique, encompasses diverse schools and methodologies.
• Existing literature reveals significant variations in point localization principles and needling techniques across different scalp acupuncture schools.
• Notable schools include those founded by JIAO Shunfa, FANG Yunpeng, and YU Zhishun, among others.

Purpose:

• To systematically review and compare the primary scalp acupuncture schools.
• To analyze the differing principles of point localization and needling techniques employed by these schools.
• To identify inconsistencies and propose optimization strategies for scalp acupuncture protocols.

Summary:

• Ten major scalp acupuncture schools were identified, each with distinct approaches to point localization and needling.
• Localization principles range from cerebrovascular disease-focused skull lines (YU Changde) to pain/mental disorder treatments based on meridian theory (ZHANG Mingjiu), with others considering cortical functions.
• Needling techniques vary, including deep periosteal puncture (FANG Yunpeng), sub-aponeurotic insertion, rapid needle rotation (JIAO Shunfa, YU Changde), and prolonged needle retention (YU Zhishun, ZHU Mingqing).

Impact:

• Highlights the lack of standardization in scalp acupuncture, including unclear theoretical underpinnings and inconsistent needling parameters (angle, depth, speed, retention time).
• Recommends the adoption of evidence-based medicine principles for future research.
• Advocates for rigorous scientific study to establish theoretical evidence, define specific and effective stimulation areas, quantify needling manipulations, and ultimately determine optimal scalp acupuncture schemes.