[Comparison and development of different scalp needling schools]

The literature and relevant books on the scalp needling schools were retrieved to collect the main scalp needling schools and compare the point location principles and needling techniques so as to optimize the scalp needling scheme. Currently there are ten major schools of scalp acupuncture, representing for example by JIAO Shunfa, FANG Yunpeng and YU Zhishun, etc. The principles of stimulating localization are different among the schools, in which, YU Changde's skull line localization is mainly for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, ZHANG Mingjiu prefers the penetrating technique for the treatment of pain and mental disorders according to traditional meridian theory, and the other schools take the cortical functions into account for the stimulating localization. Regarding needling techniques, FANG Yunpeng stresses on the deep puncture to the periosteum, and the rest school masters puncture beneath the bonnet aponeurosis. The quick rotation of needle is required in JIAO Shunfa's scalp needling, YU Changde's skull needle, International Scalp Points Standardization and the needling technique for opening brain and promotion collateral. The long-term needle retaining is required in YU Zhishun's scalp needling and ZHU Mingqing's scalp needling. It is believed that the stimulating localization principles are not standardized, the theoretic evidences are not clear and the needling depth is different among the schools. There are no standard criteria on needling angle, depth, direction, rotating speed and needle retaining time. The evidence-based medicine is recommended. Through strict scientific design, based on the clinical and experimental evidences, it is required to determine the theoretic scientific evidence of scalp acupuncture, the specificity of stimulating areas, the effective stimulating areas and quantify the needling manipulations and clarify the optimal scheme of scalp needling.