ACC Clinical Treatment Protocols 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In treating cervicogenic headache with acupuncture, which Extraordinary Vessel is most relevant because it traverses the occiput and cervical spine?
- Chong Mai
- Dai Mai
- Du Mai (Governing Vessel) (Correct answer)
- Yin Qiao Mai
Correct answer: Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
The Du Mai runs along the posterior spine and over the vertex, making it the primary extraordinary vessel for cervicogenic and posterior headaches.
Question 2: Which acupuncture protocol is considered most evidence-based for chemotherapy-induced nausea in integrative oncology settings?
- Needling LI 4 and ST 44
- Needling PC 6 (Neiguan) with or without ST 36 (Correct answer)
- Needling CV 12 and BL 20
- Needling SP 4 and CV 10
Correct answer: Needling PC 6 (Neiguan) with or without ST 36
PC 6 has the strongest clinical evidence for anti-emetic effects and is the standard point in oncology acupuncture protocols for nausea.
Question 3: When using the Balance Method (Dr. Tan's approach) for right wrist pain, which contralateral mirror area would be treated?
- Right ankle
- Left ankle (Correct answer)
- Left wrist
- Right knee
Correct answer: Left ankle
The Balance Method treats the contralateral mirror—right wrist pain is treated at the left ankle (wrist mirrors ankle in the imaging system).
Question 4: A patient with fibromyalgia tender points at the lateral epicondyle benefits most from which needling technique to reduce local myofascial pain?
- Superficial needling along meridians only
- Dry needling trigger point technique into the extensor digitorum (Correct answer)
- Auricular acupuncture shen men point only
- Periosteal pecking at the radial head
Correct answer: Dry needling trigger point technique into the extensor digitorum
Dry needling the trigger point within the extensor digitorum muscle directly targets the taut band responsible for lateral epicondyle tenderness.
Question 5: For insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep with excessive thinking, which combination reflects the TCM pattern of Heart-Spleen deficiency?
- HT 7, SP 6, PC 6, BL 15, BL 20 (Correct answer)
- KD 3, BL 23, GV 4, CV 4
- LV 3, GB 34, TH 5, GB 41
- ST 40, CV 12, SP 9, LI 11
Correct answer: HT 7, SP 6, PC 6, BL 15, BL 20
HT 7 calms the Heart shen, SP 6 strengthens Spleen and nourishes Blood, PC 6 settles the mind, and back-shu points BL 15 and BL 20 tonify Heart and Spleen directly.
Question 6: In a sports medicine context, which acupuncture approach is most appropriate immediately post-competition for muscle recovery?
- Strong reducing technique with prolonged needle retention
- Gentle tonification with moxa and short retention (Correct answer)
- Electroacupuncture at 100 Hz for 30 minutes
- No acupuncture—wait 48 hours post-exertion
Correct answer: Gentle tonification with moxa and short retention
Post-competition, gentle tonification with moxa supports qi and blood circulation for recovery without over-stimulating fatigued tissues.
Question 7: Which needling angle is recommended when inserting at GV 20 (Baihui) to avoid the sagittal sinus?
- Perpendicular (90°)
- Oblique (45°) or horizontal (15°) along the scalp (Correct answer)
- Transverse insertion toward the occiput
- Perpendicular with guide tube only
Correct answer: Oblique (45°) or horizontal (15°) along the scalp
GV 20 is needled obliquely or horizontally along the scalp to avoid the sagittal venous sinus lying beneath the pericranium.
ACC Clinical Treatment Protocols 3
In treating cervicogenic headache with acupuncture, which Extraordinary Vessel is most relevant because it traverses the occiput and cervical spine?