Preface

Acupuncture may have about 4000 years of history, but it has only been clinically accepted in the West for some 40 years. Acupuncture receives both praise from its users and skepticism from its critics. High-quality scientific studies have advanced, but the technique in health services has stagnated. In this current scenario of contrasts, *Acupuncture–Resolving Old Controversies and Pointing New Pathways* intends to be a modern reference for scholars, without totally exhausting the subject. The editors expect this work to assist with the advancement of the scientific understanding and clinical usage of acupuncture. The authors are well versed in the subject and, along with literature reviews, are able to add their own impressions.

In this book, some traditional fundamentals of ancient Asian medicine are translated into the current scientific knowledge of neurophysiology and mechanisms of action. Specific variations of acupuncture, such as the scalp microsystem technique, are discussed and explained. Practical aspects, such as education on acupuncture, are enriched with descriptions of novel treatments. The therapeutic use of acupuncture and related techniques is explored regarding their incorporation into a comprehensive integrative medicine approach.

The chapter "Acupuncture—What Controversies? What Pathways?" (by the editors) introduces the reader to the nature and purpose of the book, as well as the significance of its contents for readers. The editors describe the clash between strengths and weaknesses (the controversies) of acupuncture as if it were a game. At the same time, they discuss the strategies (pathways) to keep this game going.

The chapter "Functional Imaging and Physiological Modulation with Acupuncture in Parkinson's Disease and Nonhuman Primate Models of Dopamine Dysfunction" (Zhiming M. Zhang, Jorge E. Quintero, and Yi-Ning Yin) explores the neuropathology of Parkinson's disease and physiological modulation with acupuncture in a model in rhesus monkeys. It is a source of in-depth knowledge about the neuropathology of Parkinson's disease, a description of findings in animal models with this disease, and a documentary of effects of acupuncture on this condition. The unprecedented information makes this manuscript unique and the high level of detail has the potential to advance the treatment of this disease with acupuncture.

The chapter "Fu's Subcutaneous Needling: A Novel Therapeutic Proposal" (Zhonghua Fu and Dejian Lu) reports on an acupuncture system developed and tested by the authors for more than 22 years. The text is well detailed, covering all the complexities of the system: its peculiar terminology, the specially developed needle, the needling and manipulation technique, and the clinical indications. All this is presented in an objective topical format, with very informative figures.

The chapter "Scalp Acupuncture and Mental Disorders" (Chuen Heung Yau and Cheuk Long Ip) is a very comprehensive review of the scientific literature on scalp acupuncture in the treatment of mental diseases. The text covers the history of the procedure, the modern direction for mental disorders, the assumed mechanisms of action, and the limitations of current knowledge due to the paucity of research.

In addition, clinical utility is explored with a description of procedure routines, strategic planning with acupoint selection, indications for which mental disorders may benefit, and contraindications of the procedure.

The chapter "Ultrasound Detection Acupuncture Needling Training: Description of the Method" (Mark C. Hou and Ying-Ling Chen) describes a training method for acupuncture point needling with ultrasound guidance. The method is detailed in a scientifically correct manner, in addition to the evaluation of the training stages. The clinical relevance of this matter is the potential to reduce adverse effects and to inspire other services to adopt such routines.

As editors, we thank the contributing authors for their exquisite work, and we congratulate IntechOpen for its efforts in book production. For you, the readers, we hope to match the trust you put in this work, and we hope you find it useful.

> **Marcelo Saad, MD, PhD** Director Member at the Spiritist Medical Association, S. Paulo (SP), Brazil
