Scalp Acupuncture & Advanced Needling Techniques Flashcards
Which of the following is not a benefit of scalp acupuncture?
A. Pain management
B. Motor and sensory deficits treatment
C. Hypertension control
D. Bone fracture healing
D. Bone fracture healing
Incorrect: Scalp acupuncture does not have any direct benefit for bone fractures. Bone healing involves orthopedic and systemic interventions, not neurological stimulation.
Things scalp acupuncture does do
A. Pain management
Correct: Pain management is a benefit of scalp acupuncture, often used for neurological and sensory disorders.
B. Motor and sensory deficits treatment
Correct: Scalp acupuncture is specifically used for motor and sensory deficits, such as paralysis or sensory impairments.
C. Hypertension control
Correct: It can help regulate blood pressure and is indicated for hypertension management.
What is an absolute contraindication for scalp acupuncture?
A. Active seizure or epilepsy
B. Bleeding/clotting disorders
C. Neurotic patients
D. Pregnancy
D. Pregnancy
Correct: Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication because scalp acupuncture can potentially alter neuroendocrine signals, increasing the risk of spontaneous abortion or premature labor.
A. Active seizure or epilepsy
Incorrect: This is a relative contraindication because scalp acupuncture may provoke seizures but can sometimes be performed under controlled conditions.
B. Bleeding/clotting disorders
Incorrect: This is also a relative contraindication since bleeding risks can be mitigated if managed by a specialist.
C. Neurotic patients
Incorrect: This is another relative contraindication due to potential anxiety or intolerance, but not an absolute contraindication.
How is the Motor Line located?
A. By moving 1.5cm posterior to the upper point found along the anteroposterior midline of the skull.
B. By moving 0.5cm posterior to the upper point found along the anteroposterior midline of the skull and connecting it to the bottom point determined using the eyebrow-occipital line.
C. By connecting the midpoint of the eyebrow to the external occipital protuberance along the skull to determine the motor line.
D. By marking 3cm anterior and parallel to the anteroposterior midline of the skull.
B. By moving 0.5cm posterior to the upper point found along the anteroposterior midline of the skull and connecting it to the bottom point determined using the eyebrow-occipital line.
Correct: The motor line is located by marking 0.5cm posterior to the upper point on the anteroposterior midline and then connecting it to the bottom point, which is identified using the eyebrow-occipital line.
A. By moving 1.5cm posterior to the upper point found along the anteroposterior midline of the skull
Incorrect: This describes the sensory line, not the motor line.
C. By connecting the midpoint of the eyebrow to the external occipital protuberance along the skull to determine the motor line
Incorrect: This describes how to locate the eyebrow-occipital line, which helps determine the bottom point of the motor line but does not fully describe the process of locating the motor line itself.
D. By marking 3cm anterior and parallel to the anteroposterior midline of the skull
Incorrect: This describes the blood vessel dilation and constriction line, not the motor line.
What is the correct order of body regions from superior to inferior on the motor line?
A. Upper limbs → lower limbs → face/head
B. Face/head → lower limbs → upper limbs
C. Lower limbs → upper limbs → face/head
D. Upper limbs → face/head → lower limbs
C. Lower limbs → upper limbs → face/head
Correct: The cortical homunculus is organized so that the lower limbs are represented superiorly, followed by the upper limbs, and then the face/head.
A. Upper limbs → lower limbs → face/head
Incorrect: This reverses the correct order.
B. Face/head → lower limbs → upper limbs
Incorrect: This is not based on the cortical homunculus representation.
D. Upper limbs → face/head → lower limbs
Incorrect: This arrangement is inconsistent with the homunculus mapping.
What is the proper technique for needling during scalp acupuncture?
A. Insert the needle perpendicular to the scalp and twirl continuously in one direction.
B. Insert the needle horizontally/subcutaneously and twirl 2-3 times in one direction, then reverse.
C. Insert the needle deeply into the bone and stimulate with small twirls.
D. Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle and leave it stationary without rotation.
B. Insert the needle horizontally/subcutaneously and twirl 2-3 times in one direction, then reverse.
Correct: This is the correct method for stimulating scalp acupuncture points safely and effectively.
A. Insert the needle perpendicular to the scalp and twirl continuously in one direction.
Incorrect: The insertion should be subcutaneous, not perpendicular, and twirling should alternate directions.
C. Insert the needle deeply into the bone and stimulate with small twirls.
Incorrect: Needles should not reach the bone in scalp acupuncture.
D. Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle and leave it stationary without rotation.
Incorrect: Needles should be inserted subcutaneously and rotated for stimulation.
What is the correct location of the Vertigo and Hearing Line?
A. 3cm anterior to the motor line
B. 1.5cm superior to the apex of the ear, extending 2cm anteriorly and posteriorly
C. 1.5cm posterior and parallel to the motor line
D. 4cm posterior from the midpoint of the motor line
B. 1.5cm superior to the apex of the ear, extending 2cm anteriorly and posteriorly
Correct: This defines the specific location of the vertigo and hearing line.
A. 3cm anterior to the motor line
Incorrect: This describes the blood vessel dilation and constriction line, not the vertigo and hearing line.
C. 1.5cm posterior and parallel to the motor line
Incorrect: This is the sensory line, not the vertigo and hearing line.
D. 4cm posterior from the midpoint of the motor line
Incorrect: This describes Speech 3, not the vertigo and hearing line.
Which line is used to treat tremors and chorea?
A. Sensory line
B. Blood vessel dilation and constriction line
C. Chorea/Tremor line
D. Motor line
C. Chorea/Tremor line
Correct: This line is specifically designed to address movement disorders like tremors and chorea.
A. Sensory line
Incorrect: The sensory line is used for sensory deficits, not movement disorders.
B. Blood vessel dilation and constriction line
Incorrect: This line is used for vascular concerns, not tremors.
D. Motor line
Incorrect: The motor line focuses on motor deficits, not specifically on tremors.
How are scalp acupuncture treatments adjusted for a patient with a motor deficit in the right arm?
A. Treat ipsilateral to the affected limb.
B. Treat contralateral to the affected limb.
C. Treat bilaterally regardless of the affected limb.
D. Focus only on the lower limb region of the motor line.
B. Treat contralateral to the affected limb.
Correct: Treating the opposite side is the standard practice for limb motor deficits.
A. Treat ipsilateral to the affected limb.
Incorrect: Scalp acupuncture typically uses the contralateral side for motor deficits.
C. Treat bilaterally regardless of the affected limb.
Incorrect: Bilateral treatment is reserved for constitutional concerns, not localized motor issues.
D. Focus only on the lower limb region of the motor line.
Incorrect: The lower limb region would not target the arm.
Which of the following conditions is a relative contraindication for scalp acupuncture?
A. Hemophilia
B. Active epilepsy
C. Pregnancy in the first trimester
D. Neurotic patients
B. Active epilepsy
Incorrect: Active epilepsy is a relative contraindication only under specific circumstances, such as if the patient is trying to regain a driver’s license. Otherwise, it may be a more significant concern due to the potential to trigger seizures.
A. Hemophilia
Correct: Hemophilia and other clotting disorders are relative contraindications because scalp acupuncture may cause prolonged bleeding due to the vascularity of the area. However, if the condition is well-managed under the care of a specialist, treatment may proceed with caution.
C. Pregnancy in the first trimester
Incorrect: Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication, particularly in the first trimester, due to the high risk of triggering neuroendocrine changes that could result in miscarriage or premature labor.
D. Neurotic patients
Correct: Neurotic patients are a relative contraindication because their mental state might make the procedure more challenging, but treatment may still proceed with appropriate precautions.
What is the recommended duration for scalp acupuncture treatments?
A. 2-5 minutes
B. 5-15 minutes
C. 20-30 minutes
D. 45 minutes
B. 5-15 minutes
Correct: This is the optimal duration to achieve therapeutic effects without overstimulation.
A. 2-5 minutes
Incorrect: This is too short for effective stimulation.
C. 20-30 minutes
Incorrect: This duration may lead to overstimulation or patient discomfort.
D. 45 minutes
Incorrect: Treatments this long are not typically recommended for scalp acupuncture.
Which of the following techniques is most appropriate for tonifying Qi?
A. Insert needle on inhale, withdraw on exhale
B. Insert needle on exhale, withdraw on inhale
C. Lift greater than thrust
D. Counter-clockwise rotation greater than clockwise
Correct Answer: B. Insert needle on exhale, withdraw on inhale
Explanation: B. Insert needle on exhale, withdraw on inhale: Correct. Exhale corresponds to the body’s releasing and descending phase, which aligns with Qi tonification.
A. Insert needle on inhale, withdraw on exhale: This is a sedation technique because it follows the principle of calming the body’s Qi flow.
C. Lift greater than thrust: This is a sedation technique since lifting disperses energy rather than consolidating it.
D. Counter-clockwise rotation greater than clockwise: Counter-clockwise manipulation sedates rather than tonifies.
What is the key principle behind “Burning the Mountain”?
A. Sedation through lifting and reducing
B. Cooling the body quickly by decreasing Qi
C. Increasing Qi by thrusting at different levels
D. Inserting the needle against the channel flow
Correct Answer: C. Increasing Qi by thrusting at different levels
Explanation: C. Increasing Qi by thrusting at different levels: Correct. The method involves thrusting at superficial, middle, and deep levels to build and move Qi.
A. Sedation through lifting and reducing: This describes the “Cooling the Sky” technique.
B. Cooling the body quickly by decreasing Qi: This is the opposite of “Burning the Mountain,” which warms and tonifies.
D. Inserting the needle against the channel flow: This is used for sedation, not tonification.
Which of the following best describes “Surrounding the Dragon”?
A. Inserting needles directly into a lesion to release Qi
B. Using clockwise rotation around a scar to tonify
C. Placing needles around a lesion without inserting into it
D. Sedating Qi at specific points to alleviate scar tissue
Correct Answer: C. Placing needles around a lesion without inserting into it
Explanation:
C. Placing needles around a lesion without inserting into it: Correct. The technique is used for softening and addressing areas like scars or masses.
A. Inserting needles directly into a lesion to release Qi: Needles are placed around, not into, the lesion to avoid further irritation.
B. Using clockwise rotation around a scar to tonify: Surrounding the Dragon is not about rotation or tonification but about placement.
D. Sedating Qi at specific points to alleviate scar tissue: The focus here is not sedation but balancing Qi flow around the lesion.
Which method involves lifting more than thrusting at various levels of insertion?
A. Burning the Mountain
B. Cooling the Sky
C. Yin Hidden in Yang
D. Surrounding the Dragon
Correct Answer: B. Cooling the Sky
Explanation: B. Cooling the Sky: Correct. The lifting motion dominates to reduce Qi and cool the area.
A. Burning the Mountain: This involves thrusting more than lifting to warm the area.
C. Yin Hidden in Yang: This technique combines superficial thrusting and deep lifting for mixed syndromes.
D. Surrounding the Dragon: This is a placement strategy, not a lifting or thrusting technique.
Which of the following describes a technique used for mixed syndromes (deficiency and excess)?
A. Cooling the Sky
B. Yin Hidden in Yang
C. Burning the Mountain
D. Surrounding the Dragon
Correct Answer: B. Yin Hidden in Yang
Explanation:
B. Yin Hidden in Yang: Correct. This technique addresses mixed conditions by alternating thrusting and lifting motions at different depths.
A. Cooling the Sky: This is for cooling and reducing excess Qi.
C. Burning the Mountain: This is for rapidly increasing Qi and warming.
D. Surrounding the Dragon: This focuses on Qi flow around lesions, not mixed syndromes.
