About Neuroacupuncture
by Mateo Bernal
“Neuroacupuncture is a contemporary acupuncture technique integrating traditional Chinese needling methods and Scalp Acupuncture with Western medical knowledge of neurology, neuroscience and neurological rehabilitation.”
Neuroacupuncture is an advanced skill, most effective in the treatment of acute and chronic central nervous system disorders, often producing remarkable results with just a few needles.
There are now excellent treatment options and hope for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, Bell’s Palsy and other paralysis, as well as a wide range of neurological conditions causing pain. You can see more, including inspiring testimonials and videos, at the Neuro-Acupuncture Institute’s website.
Mateo Bernal is the only certified acupuncturist in the region who specializes in using acupuncture to treat neurological conditions and central nervous system disorders. He has completed study with the world-renowned Dr. Daniel Keown, a doctor of emergency medicine as well as an acupuncturist, who founded the the School of Scientific Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture (SSOMA). At the very highest level, SSOMA bridges the ancient art of Chinese Medicine into the 21st century through grounded understanding of anatomy, physiology, and embryology. Through this program, Mateo has developed a powerful combination of his gentle, intuitive practice of ancient medicine with the most modern science.
Because of the constant interaction between doctor and patient during each treatment, neuroacupuncture treatments have a higher pricing structure than regular acupuncture treatments.
FAQ’s About Scalp / Neuroacupuncture
How is Scalp acupuncture different from the classical acupuncture points on the head?
Scalp acupuncture is a contemporary acupuncture method. While it has a close connection with fundamental theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine, its clinical application is based on the modern knowledge of Western biomedical anatomy and physiology of the brain.
Is this a style of acupuncture that you created?
We are grateful to have received our professional training directly from Jiao Shun-fa, the founder of Chinese scalp acupuncture, and Sun Shen-tian and Yu Zhi-shun, the famous professors of the research and development of scalp acupuncture. Our contributions to the field include expanding treatment protocols for many nervous system disorders including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, phantom pains, residual limb pain, RLS and complex regional pain.
How does scalp acupuncture work?
Through the central nervous and endocrine systems, the structural, metabolic, hormonal and energetic functions of the brain are accessible at specific areas of the scalp surface. By stimulating these reflex areas within the scalp, through special manipulation, we can regulate and harmonize the functional activities of the brain and body.
How many treatments should I expect before I see results?
Most patients are responsive to the initial treatment and show some improvement with the first session or at least within three treatments. In our practice, about 80% of our patients have a good response and even major improvement early on. The likelihood of experiencing a positive response following the initial treatment is dependent on the nature and duration of the disease, the patient’s constitutional condition, and his/her motivation to improve. A therapeutic course of treatment consists of 10 treatments at intervals between visits of from 5 to 7 days.
What can I expect to experience during and after a scalp acupuncture treatment?
During or after scalp acupuncture, you may occasionally experience some sensations in the affected part of the body. You may also feel heaviness, electrical sensation, a sensation of water or energy moving. It is a good prognostic sign if you do feel something during stimulation; however, it is not necessary for recovery.
Most patients do not experience abnormal feeling at the conclusion of their treatment. However, it is recommended that you rest in the clinic for about 10-30 minutes if you feel at all lightheaded or disoriented.
How long is each treatment?
Most treatments last 30-45 minutes. The needles are stimulated for approximately 2-3 minutes and re-stimulated at 10 minute intervals over the course of treatment.
Do you use special needles for scalp acupuncture?
The needles we use are no different from acupuncture needles used by any qualified, licensed acupuncturist. We use sterile, stainless steel, single-use only needles that range in length from 1 to 1.5 inches.
How deep are the needles inserted?
Once we have quickly entered the loose tissue layer of the scalp we will thread the needle for the entire 1-1.5 of the needle shaft. This ensures proper stimulation of the underlying area we are targeting.
Does it hurt?
For experienced practitioners needle insertion is quick and painless.
Do you use different needles for children?
Yes. The gauges of the needles we use in the clinic vary from as large as #32 (.25mm) to as thin as #36 (.20mm). With children we always use our thinnest and shortest needles.
How safe is scalp acupuncture?
Acupuncture in the scalp is very safe when performed by a qualified professional. Though the scalp is uniquely innervated and highly vascularized there is no risk of heavy bleeding. We use sterile, single-use needles and always follow antiseptic protocols so there is limited risk of infection.
How long should we wait following a stroke before scheduling an appointment?
Whether it is an ischemic (clot) or a hemorrhagic (bleed inside the brain), the sooner you begin treatment following the acute stage the better we can minimize the extent of residual damage and promote recovery.
When is scalp acupuncture not recommended?
Scalp acupuncture is contraindicated for those with very high blood pressure (220/120), infection and post-operative scars in the acupuncture area, some cases of pregnancy (mainly habitual miscarriage), persons who are extremely nervous, and infants whose fontanels have not closed.
Dr. Mateo has changed my life. I've had alpha gal disease for 5 years with many complications because of it. I was not eating very much everything made me sick. After treatment with Dr Mateo I can eat anything I want. He is truly an answered pray for me. I continue treatment to get even better results.I highly recommend this treatment for anyone with alpha gal disease.
I have been going to Mateo for quite awhile and he continues to provide excellent treatment and insight at every appointment. He is extremely kind and caring and one of the most knowledgeable practitioners I've ever met. Acupuncture has been a key part of my health journey and healing and I am quite grateful for Mateo and his clinic.
After years of struggling with my health I am on the road to recovery. Dr Mateo was a godsend for me. He made me feel comfortable, is knowledgeable, caring, thorough and sincere! I have nothing negative to say and highly recommend him!
Mateo is so wonderful. He has helped heal my mold allergies, gluten allergies, all autoimmunity and MCAS. His level of intelligence and knowledge is above par compared to other Accupuncture around us. He is constantly increasing his knowledge and level of skill in all areas. He has so much compassion, empathy and intuition in what he does. He truly cares about his patients and genuinely wants to see you heal. I wouldn’t go anywhere else, if you have health conditions you can’t get to the bottom of, please go see them!
I had actually came here to see what I had written about their review and found out I never have reviewed CSAcu.Its crazy because I've been going here for years. 90% of the time I'm having injuries treated, I've also have had Thyroid treatment. Mateo is caring, Mateo is thoughtful, and probably most important, he listens.I have been in and out of his office for years and he has always treated me with respect and more importantly and individual and an equal. Mateo provides a comfortable, safe environment for you to feel at ease with your treatment. I was definitely worried about the needles, but with Mateos expertise, he show and explains the procedure to you and demonstrates in a way that puts me(and hopefully you too) at ease.CSAcu is an essential supplement to you everyday wellbeing. I can't recommend him enough.
