ACC Acupuncture for Pain Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In treating headache with acupuncture, GB 20 (Fengchi) is selected primarily because it:
- Is the meeting point of all Yang meridians at the vertex
- Dispels wind, clears the head, and benefits the eyes and neck (Correct answer)
- Tonifies the Kidney and nourishes the Brain
- Regulates the Chong vessel and controls blood flow
Correct answer: Dispels wind, clears the head, and benefits the eyes and neck
GB 20 dispels wind, clears the head, and relieves pain in the occiput, neck, and eyes, making it essential for headache treatment.
Question 2: A patient reports sciatic pain radiating down the posterior thigh and leg. Which combination of points best addresses this presentation?
- BL 23, BL 25, BL 36, BL 40, BL 57 (Correct answer)
- ST 36, SP 6, LV 3, KD 3, GB 41
- GB 30, GB 31, GB 34, BL 60, GV 4
- SI 3, BL 62, GV 14, BL 10, GB 21
Correct answer: BL 23, BL 25, BL 36, BL 40, BL 57
The Bladder meridian runs along the posterior leg, and BL 23, 25, 36, 40, and 57 collectively address lumbar-origin sciatic pain along its full course.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'de qi' and its role in pain management?
- A sensation of numbness, distension, or aching at the needle site indicating therapeutic needle contact (Correct answer)
- The visual redness of skin after needle insertion
- The sound made by needles during electroacupuncture
- A Doppler-measured increase in blood flow only
Correct answer: A sensation of numbness, distension, or aching at the needle site indicating therapeutic needle contact
De qi is the subjective sensation of aching, distension, numbness, or heaviness at the needling site, and its elicitation correlates with better clinical outcomes for pain.
Question 4: Electroacupuncture at 2 Hz primarily promotes release of which neuropeptide?
- Dynorphin
- Beta-endorphin and enkephalin (Correct answer)
- Substance P
- Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)
Correct answer: Beta-endorphin and enkephalin
Low-frequency (2 Hz) electroacupuncture preferentially stimulates release of beta-endorphin and enkephalin, producing longer-lasting analgesia.
Question 5: A chiropractor treating a patient with tension-type headache selects Yintang (EX-HN 3). What is the primary rationale?
- It clears the mind, calms the spirit, and relieves frontal headache (Correct answer)
- It regulates the Large Intestine meridian
- It strengthens the Spleen and resolves Dampness
- It nourishes Liver Blood and extinguishes Wind
Correct answer: It clears the mind, calms the spirit, and relieves frontal headache
Yintang is located between the eyebrows and is used to calm the mind and relieve frontal headache and sinus pressure.
Question 6: When treating chronic pain with acupuncture, the recommended initial treatment frequency is generally:
- Once per month until improvement
- 2-3 times per week for 4-6 weeks before reassessment (Correct answer)
- Daily treatment for 3 months without reassessment
- A single session followed by a 6-week wait
Correct answer: 2-3 times per week for 4-6 weeks before reassessment
Evidence-based acupuncture protocols for chronic pain typically recommend 2-3 sessions per week for 4-6 weeks to build cumulative effect before outcomes are assessed.
Question 7: Which acupuncture point is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its strong descending and moving action?
- ST 36 (Zusanli)
- LI 4 (Hegu) (Correct answer)
- LU 7 (Lieque)
- HT 7 (Shenmen)
Correct answer: LI 4 (Hegu)
LI 4 has a strong descending and moving action and is contraindicated during pregnancy due to risk of inducing uterine contractions.
ACC Acupuncture for Pain Management 3
In treating headache with acupuncture, GB 20 (Fengchi) is selected primarily because it: