Neuroacupuncture
Neuroacupuncture, also known as scalp acupuncture, is one of the most significant modern developments in Chinese Medicine. It brings together the traditional art of acupuncture with a contemporary understanding of neurology and neuroanatomy, using the scalp as a map that corresponds to the functional regions of the brain. Where much of the body's activity — movement, sensation, mood, coordination — is directed by the brain and nervous system, Neuroacupuncture works at that source rather than only at the site where a symptom appears.
Fine needles are gently placed just beneath the surface of the scalp, in areas that relate to the specific function being treated. This stimulation engages the corresponding regions of the brain and central nervous system, improving circulation to the area and encouraging neuroplasticity — the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize itself, form new connections, and support healthy function. Treatments are safe and well-tolerated, and improvements can sometimes be felt quickly, even within a single session.
A Neuroacupuncture session begins with an in-depth health history and a discussion of your challenges and goals. From there, a treatment plan is designed around your specific needs, often combining scalp-based needling with traditional body or ear acupuncture for a more complete effect. Because it supports the nervous system's own capacity to adapt, Neuroacupuncture is frequently used as part of a longer course of care, with regular sessions to build on and sustain progress over time.
How Neuroacupuncture works:
-
fine needles are placed in the loose tissue layer of the scalp, in zones that correspond to specific functional areas of the brain
-
this stimulation increases blood flow and activates the underlying regions of the brain and central nervous system
-
over a course of treatment, it encourages neuroplasticity — helping the brain form new connections and support healthy function
-
it is often combined with traditional body and auricular acupuncture to enhance results
Examples of concerns that Neuroacupuncture addresses:
-
Chronic pain
-
Migraines and headaches
-
Dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues
-
Numbness and tingling
-
Difficulty with focus and memory
-
Sleep concerns
-
Anxiety, stress, and mood concerns
A Neuroacupuncture practitioner combines advanced acupuncture training with an understanding of the brain and nervous system. At Bodies In Balance Acupuncture, Dr. Leora is an integrative medicine physician trained in both Western and Chinese Medicine, with advanced training in modern Neuroacupuncture and board certification in Medical Acupuncture (ABMA) and Acupuncture (NCBAHM). She integrates Neuroacupuncture with classical and Alchemical Chinese Medicine to care for the whole person — Body, Mind, Energy, and Spirit.
Because the nervous system responds gradually, a typical Neuroacupuncture treatment plan unfolds over a series of sessions tailored to your situation, with the pace and frequency guided by your progress. By supporting the body's own ability to restore healthy function, Neuroacupuncture offers a natural path toward improved comfort, balance, and quality of life.