Veterinary Scalp and Tail Acupuncture based on the Organ Representation Concept

Abstract

Veterinary Scalp and Tail Acupuncture is a new concept for treating animals with acupuncture. It is divided into two parts, i.e. Veterinary Scalp Acupuncture and Veterinary Tail Acupuncture. Veterinary Scalp Acupunctute is based on Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA), a new concept for treating human scalp with acupuncture, developed by Dr.Toshikatsu Yamamoto in the 1970’s. YNSA is quite a different system from Chinese Scalp Acupuncture, classified into the organ representation concept, such as Auriculotherapy on ears. A somatic representation on the body is named Somatotope in general.

Under the guidance of Dr. Toshikatsu Yamamoto, I started researching the YNSA system for canines and felines in 2000. After 5 years clinical study I recognized that canines and felines also had YNSA system. The concept of YNSA was useful and effective to treat canines and felines with musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders.

YNSA system was effective for treating the upper half of the body of canines and felines, however, regarding the lower half of the body, it was not enough and some other Somatotope was needed to complement it. Fortunately I could find another Somatotope around the tail and gluteal region, and named it Tail Acupuncture.

Veterinary Scalp and Tail Acupuncture are both based on the organ representation concept, that is, Somatotope. Because these two systems can complement each other, i.e. Scalp Acupuncture on the scalp and Tail Acupuncture around the tail, using both systems together results in more effective than single use.

Indications for Veterinary Scalp and Tail Acupuncture in canines and felines are as follows.

Musculoskeletal Disease: Arthriris, Atlantoaxial Instability, Degenerative Joint Disease, Hip Dysplasia, Intervertebral Disc Disease, Soft Tissue Injuries etc.

Neurological Disorders: Coma, Epilesy, Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome, Hydrocephalus, . Peripheral Neuropathy, Posterior Paralysis Syndromes, Spinal Cord Disorders, Trigeminal Neuralgia, etc.

Respiratory disease: Asthma, Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, Nasopharyngeal Stenosis etc.

Lymphadenopathy Around the Neck and Stomatitis etc.