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THERAPIES & TRADITIONS · GUIDE

Scalp Acupuncture: What It Is and What Research Shows

Scalp acupuncture uses points and lines on the head, mostly studied after stroke. Here is what reviews found, how weak the comparisons are, and the safety cautions.

Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.

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What it is

Scalp acupuncture is described in the research as a newer acupuncture method that connects points on the head with lines the papers call "aculines." [1] It is a style of acupuncture, so the general facts, risks and training rules on What Is Acupuncture? and Acupuncture Methods apply. This page does not describe how needles are placed. That is a matter for trained, licensed practitioners.

Traditional idea versus what was tested

We did not read a source that establishes how scalp acupuncture might work, so we do not offer a mechanism. Any explanation you hear about the head "mapping" the body should be treated as a traditional or proposed idea, not a finding. What research can show is whether people improved on measured outcomes, so that is what the sections below report.

What reviews found, by condition

Almost all the research we found is on nervous-system conditions, and almost all of it comes from Chinese, Korean and international databases. Evidence labels: promising but limited, insufficient evidence.
6 findings · 4 supported · 2 limited or unclearThe colour follows the evidence label on each card.

  1. Spasticity after stroke

    Promising but limited

    16 randomized trials. Scalp acupuncture plus rehabilitation did better than rehabilitation alone on a spasticity scale, a motor scale and a daily-living scale. [2]

  2. Thinking problems after stroke

    Promising but limited

    28 studies, 1,995 people. Combined scalp acupuncture did better than single treatments, but most studies had methodological problems and results varied widely between trials. [3]

  3. Depression after stroke

    Promising but limited

    14 trials. Higher effective rate than Western medicine, with fewer adverse events, but the authors said the number and quality of studies were limited. [4]

  4. Migraine

    Insufficient to promising

    8 trials, 874 people. Better than ordinary acupuncture and than medicines on the reported measures, but the authors said the evidence was not robust. [5]

  5. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

    Promising but limited

    20 studies, 1,430 people. Higher effective rate than control treatments. Certainty ranged from moderate to low. [6]

  6. Insomnia

    Insufficient evidence

    21 studies, 1,606 people. Better than drugs or no treatment on a sleep score, but no difference from other acupuncture. [7]

What these comparisons can and cannot show

In these reviews the comparison groups were usual rehabilitation, medicines, no treatment or other acupuncture. They were not described as sham (pretend) acupuncture. People knew which treatment they were getting, and expecting to improve can change how pain, mood and sleep are reported. So the results do not show that the scalp placement itself matters. Several reviews also pooled trials that were very different from each other, and one on thinking problems reported high variation in its results. [3] Do not read one condition's result as applying to another.

Frequently asked questions

What is scalp acupuncture?

It is an acupuncture method that connects points and lines on the head, and it is mostly studied in people recovering from stroke. [1]

Does scalp acupuncture help after a stroke?

Reviews of trials report better scores for spasticity and thinking problems when it was added to usual rehabilitation, but the studies had methodological problems and varied a lot. The label is promising but limited. [2][3]

Is scalp acupuncture good for migraine?

A review of 8 trials found better results than ordinary acupuncture or medicines, but the authors said the evidence was not robust. [5]

Is it safe?

Trials reported few adverse events, but acupuncture can cause infections, organ puncture and nervous-system injury when not delivered properly, so use a licensed practitioner. [8]

Can it replace my regular treatment?

No. The trials added it to, or compared it with, usual care. Keep following your care team's advice and discuss any new treatment with them. [2]

More details: evidence, limits and cautions

The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.

Side effects and safety
The migraine review found no adverse events reported. [5] The post-stroke thinking review noted one withdrawal from a study related to an adverse event. [3] The depression review found fewer adverse events than with medicines. [4] Reporting of side effects in trials is often thin, so these are reassuring but not proof of safety.

Acupuncture in general can cause serious problems when not delivered properly, including infections, punctured organs and injury to the central nervous system, and the FDA requires acupuncture needles to be sterile and single-use. [8] See Acupuncture Side Effects and Precautions. Needles near the head are a reason to choose a properly licensed practitioner, and never to try this on yourself. At-home kits are covered in At-Home Acupuncture Kits and "Acupuncture Pens".

Who should check first
Stroke recovery, migraine, depression and tinnitus all need medical assessment. If you think someone is having a stroke or another emergency, call 911 in the US. Scalp acupuncture should not replace rehabilitation, medicines or follow-up your care team recommends. Tell the practitioner about blood thinners and any bleeding problems. Our general stroke-recovery page is Acupuncture for Stroke Recovery.
Practitioners and regulation
We did not find, in the sources we read, any separate license for scalp acupuncture. Licensing for acupuncture as a whole differs by country and state; see Acupuncture Practitioner Licensing and Training by Jurisdiction for how to check credentials. We do not list or recommend practitioners.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.