What is Neuropuncture?
Neuropuncture is a system of acupuncture developed by Dr. Michael Corradino that combines ancient acupuncture techniques with modern neuroscience. Neuropuncture uses a set of points that target nerve rich regions of the body for the purpose of modulating, regulating, and rehabilitating the nervous system. By targeting these structures, we are able to stimulate regions of the brain for specific neuropeptide release and interrupt dysfunctional autonomic nervous reflexes in the body.
Neuropuncture harnesses 5 fundamental mechanisms of acupuncture. The first is the local effect, that is the mechanism by which a biochemical soup is released locally consisting of red blood cells, white blood cells, nerve growh factor, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and others. In short, all of the building blocks needed for healing on a local level. This can be applied for the treatment of muscle injuries to facilitate healing the muscles and speeding up recovery time and for the treatment of inflammatory disorders like arthritis of various joints.
The second mechanism utilizes spinal segmental stimulation that has an effect on both nociceptive nerves from the periphery, but also on the somatic and afferent visceral innervation. This mechanism looks to down-regulate pain signals ascending the spinal column for the treatment of pain. It can also stimulate the relaxation of smooth muscle around internal organs to improve blood flow and organ function. This mechanism is often used for the treatment of pain, but can be utilized for the treatment of internal disorders such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
The third mechanism engages the body’s natural pain killers, the endorphins. Research shows that proper needle placement and stimulation releases beta-endorphins from the hypothalamus into the brain’s pain center, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). This has a down-regulating effect on all pain signals entering the PAG and reducing the sensation of pain as a result.
The fourth mechanism of Neuropuncture targets the central nervous system. When a needle is inserted, a sensation is felt that is often described as a sore, achy, heavy sensation. In order to feel that sensation, nerves need to take that stimulation from its location on the body, up the spinal tract, and into the brain. In the case of pain, stimulation of the hypothalamus can rehabilitate beta-endorphin receptor sites that have reduced functionality as a result of chronic pain or opioid medication use. Some nerve pathways have been shown on functional MRI to also affect different regions of the brain like the pituitary gland, an important structure for the manufacture and regulation of your body’s hormones.
The fifth and final mechanism of Neuropuncture is the neuromuscular mechanism that pertains to the healing and rehabilitation of skeletal tissue injuries. Neuropuncture works on a local level to heal muscle damage and to “reset” a muscle holding static tension. In more common terms, this is the mechanism that is the primary driver behind Myofascial Triggerpoint Therapy.
Neuropuncture is a system of acupuncture developed by Dr. Michael Corradino that combines ancient acupuncture techniques with modern neuroscience. Neuropuncture uses a set of points that target nerve rich regions of the body for the purpose of modulating, regulating, and rehabilitating the nervous system. By targeting these structures, we are able to stimulate regions of the brain for specific neuropeptide release and interrupt dysfunctional autonomic nervous reflexes in the body.
Neuropuncture harnesses 5 fundamental mechanisms of acupuncture. The first is the local effect, that is the mechanism by which a biochemical soup is released locally consisting of red blood cells, white blood cells, nerve growh factor, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and others. In short, all of the building blocks needed for healing on a local level. This can be applied for the treatment of muscle injuries to facilitate healing the muscles and speeding up recovery time and for the treatment of inflammatory disorders like arthritis of various joints.
The second mechanism utilizes spinal segmental stimulation that has an effect on both nociceptive nerves from the periphery, but also on the somatic and afferent visceral innervation. This mechanism looks to down-regulate pain signals ascending the spinal column for the treatment of pain. It can also stimulate the relaxation of smooth muscle around internal organs to improve blood flow and organ function. This mechanism is often used for the treatment of pain, but can be utilized for the treatment of internal disorders such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
The third mechanism engages the body’s natural pain killers, the endorphins. Research shows that proper needle placement and stimulation releases beta-endorphins from the hypothalamus into the brain’s pain center, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). This has a down-regulating effect on all pain signals entering the PAG and reducing the sensation of pain as a result.
The fourth mechanism of Neuropuncture targets the central nervous system. When a needle is inserted, a sensation is felt that is often described as a sore, achy, heavy sensation. In order to feel that sensation, nerves need to take that stimulation from its location on the body, up the spinal tract, and into the brain. In the case of pain, stimulation of the hypothalamus can rehabilitate beta-endorphin receptor sites that have reduced functionality as a result of chronic pain or opioid medication use. Some nerve pathways have been shown on functional MRI to also affect different regions of the brain like the pituitary gland, an important structure for the manufacture and regulation of your body’s hormones.
The fifth and final mechanism of Neuropuncture is the neuromuscular mechanism that pertains to the healing and rehabilitation of skeletal tissue injuries. Neuropuncture works on a local level to heal muscle damage and to “reset” a muscle holding static tension. In more common terms, this is the mechanism that is the primary driver behind Myofascial Triggerpoint Therapy.