Needles to Train the Brain:
Lisa talks Neuro-Acupuncture
"I had been working with people recovering from brain trauma or who have been coping with Central Nervous system disorders for years, but I knew there was more out there– more to understand, and more I could be doing," says Healing Foundations Co-Founder Lisa Alvarez. After five days in Santa Fe, New Mexico last autumn, Lisa says she's now equipped with some new techniques; a twist on Traditional Chinese Medicine to help treat patients with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and CNS problems.
Using the scalp to treat disorders can be traced back in ancients texts to around 100 BCE. Neuro-acupuncture is a relatively new and modern approach to traditional acupuncture. It evolved in China in the 1950's around the time new technologies in brain imaging and mapping were being developed but this particular style is not widely practiced in the West. Lisa says "The science is there. Stimulating points on the scalp that correspond to areas of specific functions within the brain truly combines traditional Chinese treatment theory with Western medical knowledge."
“This training gave me another way to look at the body, and more tools to tackle complex challenges," says Lisa Alvarez.
"The scalp contains numerous venous and neural pathways with direct connections to the brain. In addition to science supporting the connections between the brain inside the skull and the scalp on the outside, there’s been a lot of study in recent years leading us to believe that a brain that’s been compromised by any number of traumatic brain injuries can actually learn to use undamaged parts and create new neural pathways to make up for lost function. It's known as brain plasticity."
One aspect of neuro-acupuncture is to help the brain establish new neural pathways to regain lost function. Traditional acupuncture elicits brain response through a meridian system that links the whole body. "Needles placed in the arm, leg, or even the toes absolutely evoke a neurological response. These needles placed into the scalp take a more direct approach by carefully identifying zones that directly stimulate areas of the brain responsible for the functions exhibiting deficiencies," Lisa explains.
Neuro-acupuncture is also different than traditional acupuncture in that patients with the same diagnosis will receive the same treatments using the same points and it’s a much more active experience. Lisa says that patients sometimes feel like they’ve gotten a workout. “Once I’ve placed the needles, I have the patient try to use the part of the body or the sensory function that has been compromised; it’s important to get immediate feedback and get the brain engaged in developing and strengthening new communications pathways. If a function, movement, or range of motion is improved or at the very least if a patient notices something feels different– I know we’re on the right track. If not, we keep trying. There’s a fair amount of manipulating the needles on my part, too. It’s a much more involved process than traditional acupuncture.” With these treatments, it’s possible to see improvement right away, but it's important to know that treatments build upon each other. “Like a course of medication, one dose or just one treatment can’t provide maximum effect,” Lisa cautions.
“This training gave me another way to look at the body, and more tools to tackle complex challenges. One reason I love acupuncture is that I’m continually impressed, satisfied and even surprised by some of the remarkable results of treatment. Miracles are hard to come by ” Lisa says, “but one thing this modality has made me realize is: there’s always hope.”
Questions about neuro-acupuncture and the conditions it might help?
Reach Lisa Alvarez directly by email: Lisa@HealingFound.com
Coming Up in March:
March 11, 6-7pm | Sound Healing Meditation
Every second Sunday of the month, join Venus Sabay for the healing effects of sound meditation with Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls, and chimes. $25. Pre-registration required.
March 17, 9:30-10:45am | Yoga + Meditation
This March, Jennifer Gaspers' monthly workshop focuses on pose modification. Yoga is for everyone, and Jennifer will help you to find and master the poses just right for you, and learn to know when you're prepared for the next progression. $25. Pre-registration required.