Several clinical trial studies have been done verifying the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating epilepsy. Early diagnosis of epilepsy in kids and its early treatment using acupuncture almost always turn out outstanding results. Also, indications abound that for long term relief of symptoms of epilepsy, a two year acupuncture treatment done on a regular basis is needed. Ear (auricular), body, and scalp acupuncture can be very effective therapies for epilepsy. Specific acupuncture points are treated in order to treat the seizure symptoms and the condition itself. Chinese medicine is an effective medical approach for several disorders and diseases that Western medicine cannot successfully resolve. There are certain kinds of seizures that have no known origin which can be cured or treated with TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). A lot of these seizures have slim chances of resolution when they are addressed with allopathic medicine. However, it is important to note that epilepsy is not a condition that can be resolved overnight. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas are utilized on a long term basis for optimal results.
A study done by doctors at the Medical College of Ohio proved acupuncture’s ability to elicit autonomic biochemical changes in the central nervous system of animals. The study suggested that these changes are linked to the improvement in paralysis, paresis, and seizures caused by acupuncture. Neurotransmitter changes and Vagal nerve stimulation relate to the effects of acupuncture on the epileptic brain. Acupuncture needles inserted in points on the lower extremities, scalp, ear, face, and body stimulate the vagus nerve via reflex actions occurring in nerve endings that receive several converging inputs within the brain stem. In the treatment of epilepsy, these points are usually targeted for treatment.
One very important acupuncture point in the body is the Shen Men point. It is situated on the ear along the concave surface of the pinna and is where the auricular branch of the vagus nerve is located. Ear acupuncture augmented by electro-acupuncture can be used to lessen the epileptic activity in the brain’s cerebral cortex. Electro-acupuncture is able to enhance the inhibitory neurotransmitter levels of GABA, taurine, and glycine and lower the excitatory levels of neurotransmitters found in the hippocampus.
Activation of the acupoints located on the extremities help stimulate the vagus nerve system (VNS). Electro-acupuncture produces anti-epileptic effects in the VNS. Supplementation of taurine is seen to enhance the positive effects of electro-acupuncture and helps protect the person from induced seizures. Certain Chinese herbal remedies used for epilepsy treatment actually are rich in taurine which explains their extreme efficacy when used for epilepsy treatment. Rats that have epilepsy induced by pilocarpine were treated with electro-acupuncture applied on specific acupoints helped lessen the epileptiform discharges improving cognition and preventing the shrinking of certain parts of the limbic system of these animals. Electro-acupuncture is seen to be a form of protection of the vagus nervous system. Electro-acupuncture and body acupuncture have also proven to help reverse the signs of mental decline and aging of the brain in the rats.
Davis Acupuncture Clinic
2043 Anderson Rd
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 400-1239
https://www.davisacupuncturist.com/