John Amaro, LAc, DC, Dipl. Ac.(NCCAOM), Dipl.Med.Ac.(IAMA)
Not that we would want to, but if DCs only saw one-half of one percent of the people who complained of frontal cephalalgia for whatever reason it was being produced, every chiropractor within sight of this column throughout the world would have a waiting list practice for up to several months if not longer. Think about it!
With this being the age of the specialist, it would be simple to limit a practice to just one area of the body and be extremely successful as well. Now before you go into a tizzy, I'm not suggesting it because of the extreme disservice we would be creating to the limitless numbers of patients with all of the other conditions we are so successful with.
The fact is, pain is what generally brings a patient into our offices. Eliminating that pain is the ultimate goal of the patient, regardless of what needs to be done to do so.
As chiropractors, we are collectively very successful in treating a host of conditions to include frontal cephalalgia. Even though it would be rare to see any two DCs approach the condition exactly the same, including vertebrae adjusted and technique used, nonetheless we all know chiropractic procedures are an extremely valuable adjunct in the treatment of headache.
Another procedure which has its roots firmly planted in history and is noted internationally for its incredible effect on headache is acupuncture, be it employed with invasive or the more socially accepted non-invasive techniques.
Should you elect to use the invasive procedure, I will only assume you know what you are doing and have been trained in the technique. Should you wish to use the non-invasive technique, you may generally do so without breaching individual state laws as long as you regard it as meridian therapy or physiotherapy in those states which disallow acupuncture. In any event, both the invasive and non-invasive procedure will produce similar results and of course the advantages of the non-invasive technique are quite obvious -- ease of application, quickness, predictable results, no risk of infection to either the patient or yourself, higher percentage of referrals due to the fear mechanism being eliminated, and acceptability within state or provincial law.
The following formulae is taken directly from my Personal Experience Points book. This formulae has proven itself in thousands of cases as reported by the multitude of doctors which use it on a daily basis besides myself.
Bear in mind, the formulae as shown only shows acupoints on one side of the body. For the best effect the points shown should be used bilaterally.
It makes no difference if you are a rank neophyte or an accomplished practitioner. These points speak for themselves especially when coupled with chiropractic procedure.
Don't worry about not being able to find the exact spot, as non-invasive technique is very forgiving as long as you are in the general vicinity. The best approach is to approximate the area and stimulate an area the size of an American 50 cent piece. This way you really can't miss.
Teishein (non-invasive mechanical stimulation device), Quartz/Piezo stimulator, laser, or Electronic may all be used. My personal favorite is the new hand-held Laser/Tens.
Try this formulae, along with your chiropractic adjustment you'll be impressed. Better yet, so will your patients.
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John A. Amaro, D.C., F.I.A.C.A., Dipl.Ac. Carefree, Arizona
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