Several medical studies have already been done that proves the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating epilepsy. Early diagnosis and acupuncture treatment in children patients have shown to bring about impressive outcomes. Some researchers have concluded that a period of two years of regular acupuncture treatment is needed to attain long-lasting treatment. Ear, body and scalp acupuncture are some of the different acupuncture techniques that can be used to treat epilepsy.  Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a very potent therapy that can address many kinds of diseases with outstanding success western conventional medicine cannot treat. Epileptic seizure of unknown origins can be addressed and even cured using TCM modalities. A lot of these kinds of seizures cannot be resolved using allopathic medicine. However, TCM does not cure epilepsy in a relatively quick manner. It uses acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal remedies to overcome this condition on a long term basis.

Clinical studies done in the Medical College of Ohio revealed that acupuncture has the ability to affect biochemical changes in the central nervous system of animals as well as cause biochemical changes in them.  The studies suggest that there is a correlation in the changes with the betterment of the paralysis, paresis and seizures treated with acupuncture. Neurotransmitter alterations and the stimulation of the vagal nerve are the effects of acupuncture on the brain to help treat epilepsy.

The vagus nerve can be activated by stimulating certain acupuncture points on the lower extremities, scalp, ear, face, ear, face and body. The stimulation generates reflexes in centers that receive several neural inputs within the brain stem. Most acupuncturists select those points for the treatment of epilepsy.

One acupuncture point called the Shen Men point is situated on the ear and is a very useful point in addressing several kinds of conditions.  It is specifically found on the pinna where several branches of the vagus nerve endings are located.  The Shen Men point can be treated with electro-acupuncture for the treatment of epilepsy. Ear or auricular electro-acupuncture therapy help lessen epileptic attacks in the cortex of the brain. It likewise lowers the excitatory neurotransmitter levels in the hippocampus and enhances inhibitory chemicals levels. The combination of Chinese herbal formulas and acupuncture are the most potent combination in the stopping or reduction of seizures.  Before taking any medications or any recreational drugs, you need first to talk with your doctor about the hazards and side effects of these substances as their intake may lead to seizures in certain individuals.

Acupuncture points located in the extremities also teem with vagus nerve endings. Using electro-acupuncture on these points can have the same effect on the brain as auricular acupuncture.  The intake of taurine-rich foods and herbs can better the results of electro-acupuncture and prevent the rise of induced seizures.

A study done on rats suffering from epilepsy caused by high pilocarpine levels treated with electro-acupuncture resulted in a significant reduction of the epilepsy attacks of the rats. Other studies have even showed that electro-acupuncture and acupuncture can likely reverse mental decline and signs of brain aging in some people.

Cindy Chamberlain is a licensed acupuncturist of Eastern Healing Solutions, LLC in Overland Park, KS.