Chapter 8

Neuropuncture Treatment Protocols

 

Three extra Neuropuncture points

The following Neuropuncture acupoints are additional to the original set. These are either new acupuncture points altogether or traditional acupuncture points that are regularly found in research and therefore it is important to know the neuroanatomy of these points. They are also common points that I use, and I focus on the underlying network of physical structures, not necessarily an “energetic” location.

Anterior tibialis motor Neuropuncture point (ATNP)

Figure 8.1 Anterior tibialis Neuropuncture acupoint (ST36)

Figure 8.2 Anterior tibialis nerves

Philtrum Neuropuncture point (PhNP)

Figure 8.3 Philtrum Neuropuncture acupoint (DU26)

Figure 8.4 Philtrum nerves

Auricular posterior Neuropuncture point (APNP)

Figure 8.5 Auricular posterior Neuropuncture acupoint

Figure 8.6 Auricular posterior nerves

Before we continue, there are some additional abbreviations that you should be aware of:

Electro-Acupuncture (ea): If this appears after a point prescription, it implies that the group of acupuncture points just prior to the symbol, EA, is attached with a single lead. If using a Pantheon EA stimulator, then the specificity of the placement of the red and black leads is insignificant. I generally place my red lead on the points closer to the heart and the black lead closer to any distal points, mainly for aesthetic purposes.

Acupuncture motor point (mp): Usually you will see this just after the name of a specific large muscle, indicating that the motor point of that said muscle is to be needled.

Electro-Neuropuncture protocols

All of the following protocols are ones that I use regularly with amazing success. I firmly believe that you can trust these protocols as I consistently receive positive feedback from practitioners from all around the world. They are a combination of published research that I have reviewed, my own clinical application, and the application of the evidence-based neurophysiology of the condition to the neurophysiology of EA.

If the protocol is taken from published research, then the research was done on humans and I have read about it in several publications, not just one, though there may have been some slight alterations to the protocol. Most of this research was completed in the USA at universities or research hospitals, and concurrent research has been found in research medical journals from China, Germany, the Czech Republic, and India. Just as in any acupuncture protocol, you must look at every case individually and make any adjustments that you see fit. That is what I term the “acupuncture dosage”: the needle retention time interval, frequency of electrical wave, the current of the electrical stimulation, and any needle adjustments needed.

Adding auricular or scalp acupuncture points, or a point for pulse or tongue findings, are always encouraged. I personally use TCM tongue and TCM pulse diagnosis very regularly, though more so for my patient’s herbal prescriptions and diet recommendations.

Please keep in mind that the level of intensity of stimulation should always be appropriate to the case and patient. “Comfortably strong” is what we are looking for. It is not a pain tolerance test! I think of this as the De Qi of EA. As mentioned throughout this book, the EA De Qi should be gentle and warming, it can have distension or fullness, it can be strong at times, dull, or achy—these sensations are all fine. What we don’t want is for the EA De Qi to be burning, painful, or stabbing, or uncomfortable in any other way. Sometimes 25 Hz microcurrent is the best for a gentle stimulation to balance the nervous system and promote healing. Below I have listed the protocol using abbreviations, the placement of the leads for EA, commentary on the placement of EA leads, and small explanation. I use Pantheon machines because they are FDA approved and offer millicurrent and microcurrent. Since the waveform of the Pantheon is bi-phasic, I am not concerned with where the red or black lead goes. For aesthetics I normally place the black lead distal and the red lead closer to the heart. Just be sure that you have the lead in the correct current plug-in. Enjoy!

Note: The Neuropuncture acupoint prescription column shows exactly how I document the prescriptions in my treatment notes at work in my EHR.

Table 8.1 Neuropuncture protocols for common conditions
Disease/condition	Neuropuncture acupoint prescription	EA placement explanation	Neuropuncture dosage	Commentary
Alzheimer’s/ Dementia	DU20–Yintang: EA, Si Shen Cong–Anmien: EA	For this protocol I have the patient lie prone (face down) on the treatment table for easy access to the scalp points and adjust the headrest so that Yintang is accessible. Another position is to needle Anmien, then guide the patient down onto their back in a supine position. Use one lead to attach Yintang to DU20 (Pai Hui), then use another lead to attach the right Si Shen Cong to the right Anmien acupoint, then the last lead to attach the left Si Shen Cong to the left Anmien acupoint. Remember to set the dial to “mixed” frequency to 2–5 Hz millicurrent. I combine this with the Neuropuncture Parkinson’s protocol using a separate Pantheon, to maximize the neuroprotective properties.	EA: 2–5 Hz for 30 minutes. 2 times a week for 6 weeks = 12 sessions. 3 times a week for 4 weeks = 12 sessions.	Research has shown that this helps to reduce beta-amyloid sheets.
Anxiety	NADA (Shenmen)–Tranquilizer/MO: EA Acute and right-sided pulse is weak add: ST36(B): EA Chronic and (L) pulse is deep and xu add: TNP: EA	Whenever I needle NADA, I use the dominant side ear. So, in this case you would needle Shenmen, from the NADA protocol on the dominant side, and then connect the opposite lead to Tranquilizer/Master Oscillator (MO) in the opposite ear. Thread into and along the tragus to connect one needle to the Tranquilizer and MO point.	EA: 2 Hz millicurrent for 25–45 minutes. 2 times a week for 6 weeks = 12 sessions. 3 times a week for 4 weeks = 12 sessions.	I really enjoy using this protocol for opioid detox withdrawal induced anxiety. This has a powerful effect on calming the patient down and lasts for a good 24 hours. So, with opioid withdrawal anxiety I treat the patient daily for the first week.
Cerebral Vascular Accident (cva) stroke with unilateral paralysis	Opposite the paralysis Scalp Motor associated areas—Neuropuncture acupoints on affected limbs.	Here you insert several needles along, and within, the Scalp Motor area associated with the symptoms opposite the paralysis. Then clip a few of the scalp needles together with an alligator clip and attach the other lead to the opposite side associated Neuropuncture acupoint on the affected paralyzed limb.	EA: 2 Hz millicurrent for 25 minutes. Every other day in the beginning weeks, 1–2 times a day.	Although I do not have published research to support this protocol, the neuroanatomy application and similar protocols that I have researched support my experience that this can reduce cerebral lesions—the electrical stimulation directly traces out the pathway that is affected. Rehab is also extremely important in helping to connect the neural pathways.
Carpal tunnel syndrome	MNP–CRTNP: EA	When I insert a needle into CRTNP, I either firmly grip the patient’s wrist, as a distraction and to suppress some nerve firing, or have them cough on the count of 3. On 3, tap the needle in quickly. Then, once it is inserted, I apply a little firm pressure on the wrist as I slowly insert the needle deeper into the desired depth. Then I attach one lead to the CRTNP and the opposite lead to the MNP. When you increase the intensity on this protocol, you should adjust it really slowly as this area can be sensitive. You can always add SRNP to LANP, in the same way, for a more chronic and severe case.	EA: 25 Hz microcurrent for 20 minutes. 2 times a week for 6 weeks = 12 sessions. 3 times a week for 4 weeks = 12 sessions.	This protocol will target the median nerve and the carpal tunnel directly. Utilizing the 25 Hz microcurrent aids in reducing inflammation and repairing soft tissue.
Dental analgesia	SRNP(B): EA You can also add ST6: EA	Wait for a dull, achy sensation at SRNP. I personally used this protocol, without ST6, for a mercury filling removal (and a second tooth was drilled out). I used no medication, just Neuropuncture. I have a video clip of a doctor of dental sciences (DDS) wearing a mask in the middle of the procedure. She is turning towards the camera and stating she cannot believe that I am not feeling the procedure! You can see it on my website: www.Neuropuncture.org	EA: 2–30 Hz millicurrent for 20+ minutes.	This protocol is an example of applying the neuroanatomy of the acupuncture point and knowing its termination. SRNP sends a signal along the radial nerve that then connects with the brachial plexus and then into the spinal cord and up to the brain. In the brain it has ends that terminate in the hypothalamus and at 2 Hz you will be activating the PAG through the release of beta-endorphins. Also remember the spinal segment mechanism, and how at the level of the dorsal horn there are three neuropeptides that get released.
Depression	DU20–Yintang: EA, TNP(B): EA	Simply attach the red clip to Yintang and the black clip to DU20 (Pai Hui), using one lead. Then you attach the right tibial Neuropuncture point (TNP) (SP6) to the left TNP (SP6) with one lead.	EA: 2 Hz millicurrent for 25 minutes. 2 times a week for 6 weeks = 12 sessions. 3 times a week for 4 weeks = 12 sessions.	I have seen this protocol many times in publications and they always state how it is effective on the metabolism of medication, specifically Prozac (it targets the D1 prefrontal dopamine receptors). I have added the TNP aspect for energy support, since most patients with depression seem to lack energy.
Diabetes mellitus type 2	2 paraspinal MP level at T7–T9(B) attached to the paraspinal MP level with L2(B): EA Then separately TNP(B): EA	Attach the 2 thoracic paraspinal MP together with one lead and then clip the L2 paraspinal MP. Stay on the same side of the spine for this upper portion of the protocol. Repeat on the opposite side. Now you attach the right TNP (SP6) to the left TNP (SP6) with one lead. Both are plugged into the millicurrent settings.	EA: 2 Hz millicurrent for 30 minutes. 2–3 times week for 4 weeks.	This is a very effective protocol for instantly reducing high levels of blood sugar. I have used this and tested the patient’s blood sugar for up to 3 hours after the treatment and have seen 90+ point reductions. When treating diabetes, keep in mind that diet, herbs, and stress management need to be addressed.
Diabetic neuropathy—lower leg	DPNP–CPNP: EA, TNP–SNP: EA	Use one lead to attach DPNP to CPNP, then use a second lead to attach SNP to TNP, all on the same leg.	EA: 25 Hz microcurrent for 25 minutes. 2 times a week for 6 weeks = 12 sessions. 3 times a week for 4 weeks = 12 sessions.	The microcurrent is what helps to heal the capillaries and repair the local soft tissue. You want the stimulation to be just noticeable in the beginning, and after several treatments work up to a comfortably strong sensation, but never a strong, uncomfortable feeling. It must be gentle.
Digestion/constipation	SE25–ST36: EA	Use one lead to attach the right ST25 to the right ST36, then do the same on the opposite side.	EA: 10 Hz millicurrent for 20 minutes.	This protocol increases intestinal motility.
Energy/fatigue (cellular respiration)	TNP(B): EA	In this simple but effective protocol, attach one lead to the right TNP, and the other to the left TNP, and EA.	EA: 2 Hz millicurrent for 25 minutes	This is excellent to combine light stimulation on a patient for insomnia while normal needling HT7, or in conjunction with other “Yin,” hormone, or blood-deficient protocols.
Fatigue/weakness/deficiencies	ST36(B): EA, TNP(B): EA	Use one lead to attach ST36 to the opposite ST36. Then use a second lead to attach TNP (SP6) to the opposite TNP (SP6).	EA: 2 Hz millicurrent for 25 minutes.	This is a very simple and easy protocol, yet it is very effective. You should feel a marked difference in TCM pulse within 10 minutes. By the end of the treatment the pulses should be full, higher in level if it was originally deep, and much stronger than prior to treatment. If not, this indicates the severe nature of the deficiencies. (For a more specific immune system boost, see the Immune support protocol.) This protocol has been shown to help reduce oxidative stress in the body, especially the brain, and at 100 Hz has a neuroprotective effect on the brain.
Herniated nucleus prolapse (HNP) with radiating pain	HTJJ C5–SRNP: EA	Attach one lead to the HTJJ points and the other lead to the distal neuropuncture point.	EA: 25 Hz microcurrent, for 25 minutes.	Cervical, C5, HNP with radiating pain into the thumb and index fingers.
	HTJJ C6–MNP: EA		EA: 25 Hz microcurrent, for 25 minutes.	Cervical, C6, HNP with radiating pain into the middle finger and palm.
	HTJJ L4/L5–CPNP: EA		EA: 25 Hz microcurrent, for 25 minutes.	Lumbar, L4/5, HNP with radiating pain into the leg and lateral aspect of calf.
Herniated nucleus prolapse (hnp) with radiculopathy	C-spine/L-spine HNP: HTJJ level of HNP-Neuropuncture NP: EA	Here you use one lead to attach the HTJJ; if needling several HTJJs you should still use one alligator clip to grip them together, then connect to a distal Neuropuncture point on the affected neural pathway, using the same lead. Your focus here is to target the pathological exiting nerve. So, for a C5 HNP, needle the HTJJ points level with C4/5/6 and attach them to SRNP and EA.	EA: Begin with 25 Hz microcurrent for 25 minutes. In subsequent sessions, increase to 2 Hz millicurrent, then to “mixed” stimulation at 2–15 Hz millicurrent, then to 2–100 Hz millicurrent. (See Chapter 5.)	Be sure to needle deep into the HTJJ points. It is okay if you tap the bone with the tip of the needle. Just use firm, gentle pressure when needling. Always be careful of underlying anatomical structures, especially viscera.
Hypertension	MNP–PC5: EA, ST36–37(B): EA	Use one lead for each side and each protocol: •Use one lead to connect the right MNP (PC6) to PC5. •Use another lead to attach the left MNP (PC6) to PC5. •Use another lead to attach the right ST36 to the right ST37. •Attach the last lead to attach the left ST36 to the left ST37. All leads are inserted into the millicurrent plug-ins and switched to “mixed” frequency with the timer set for 30 minutes.	EA: 2–5 Hz millicurrent for 30 minutes. 2 times per week for 4–6 weeks.	I have seen this particular study (from UC, Irvine) twice recently. It is important to remember that diet, herbs, and stress management are also very important. What I like to do is treat a patient following a herbs, diet, and lifestyle regime, for 4–6 weeks, 2 times a week, and monitor.
Immune support	ST36(B): EA, REN4–DU20: EA	Use one lead to attach the right ST36 to the left ST36. Then use another lead to attach REN4 to DU20 (Pai Hui).	EA: 4 Hz millicurrent for 30 minutes.	Aside from the obvious immune-challenged patients who can benefit from this protocol, I also use it on patients undergoing chemotherapy. I treat them on the same day as they receive chemotherapy, and continue throughout their course of chemotherapy.
Infertility (dimished ovarian reserve)	Zi Gong Xue–TNP(B): EA	Use one lead to attach Zi Gong Xue to TNP on the same side. Repeat on the other side. When needling Zi Gong Xue, be sure to needle into the abdominal muscles. On thin patients use “serin blues.”	EA: 2–15 Hz millicurrent for 12 weeks (5 times a week for 4 weeks, followed by 3 times a week for 8 weeks).	This has been shown to be effective for diminished ovarian reserve infertility.
Migraine/headache	SRNP–GANP: EA, TNP–DPNP: EA	Here you use one lead to connect the right SRNP (LI4) to GANP, and then another lead to connect the left SRNP (LI4) to GANP. Use another lead to connect the right TNP (SP6) to DPNP (LV3), and the last lead to connect the left TNP (SP6) to DPNP (LV3). (Use 4 leads altogether.)	EA: 25 Hz microcurrent for 25 minutes. After 2 sessions, switch to 2 Hz millicurrent for the remainder of the sessions. 2 times a week for 4–6 weeks.	It is also a great idea to needle the HTJJ acupuncture points of the cervical spine and the Neuropuncture acupoints GOCNP/LOCNP/TRAPMP. You can switch between protocols for the first week.
Pain
Chronic pain			Milli-stages of frequencies accordingly.	When it comes to pain there are several different approaches. Target a specific receptor with a specific frequency. Polarize a specific neural pathway. Interrupt pain signaling at a specific spinal segment.
Acute pain	Local ahshi points: EA through the injury.		EA: 25 Hz microcurrent to reduce inflammation and begin tissue repair.
Knee pain	ST36–VMMP: EA, Xiyan-Dubi: EA With medial meniscus injuries, add LV8– SNP (SP9).	Use one lead to attach ST36 to vastus medialis motor point (VMMP), then another lead to attach Xiyan to Dubi.	EA: 2 Hz millicurrent. Begin with 2–3 treatments per week (1 week may suffice, depending on the condition).
Parkinson’s disease	GB34–LV3(DPNP): EA SP6(TNP)–ST36: EA	There is a simple self-explanatory protocol for Parkinson’s disease. Simply use one lead to attach GB34 to LV3 on the same side.	SP6(TNP)–ST36: EA @ 100 Hz neuroprotective effect. GB43–LV3(DPNP): EA @ 4 HZ tyrosine hydroxylase. All millicurrent.	The protocol has been shown to affect tyrosine hydroxylase and increase the production of dopamine. Other research on long-term high-frequency EA shows that it not only halts the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, but also upregulates the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) mRNA in the subfields of the ventral midbrain, and stimulates the regeneration of the injured dopaminergic neurons (Jiang, 2009). I like to combine this with the Neuropuncture Alzheimer’s/Dementia protocol to add the neuroprotective properties.
Tinnitus/hearing loss	SRNP–GANP: EA, TRIFNP–APNP: EA	Here you use one lead to attach SRNP to GANP, on the same side. Then use one lead to attach TRIFNP to APNP on the same side. Repeat on the other side if there are bi-lateral symptoms. This protocol runs current directly through the ear and along nerves that innervate the ear itself.	EA: 25 Hz microcurrent for 25 minutes. 2 times a week for 6 weeks = 12 sessions. 3 times a week for 4 weeks = 12 sessions.	This is a protocol that I designed myself to specifically target the neurology of the ear and tinnitus. The idea is that by stimulating SRNP and GANP you are stimulating the cervical and brachial plexi together. By stimulating the TRIFNP and ACNP you are running the microcurrent directly through the ear. In combination it has a powerful effect on tinnitus and hearing loss. Again, though tinnitus is a tricky condition to treat, I have had some excellent results with this protocol.