Professor Liu Zhenhuan’s “Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Head Acupuncture Therapy”
Innovative Practice and Exploration of Inheritance Models

Hou Taifu¹, Gong Shaoqing¹, Liu Zhenhuan²^*
1 Luohe Medical College, Luohe City, Henan Province, China, 462002;

           2 Nanhai Maternity and Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China, 528247

Corresponding author: Liu Zhenhuan [email protected] 

Abstract: Professor Liu Zhenhuan’s “Scalp Acupuncture Therapy for Pediatric Neurological Rehabilitation” represents an innovative integration of modern neuroscience and traditional acupuncture, which has been widely adopted worldwide. This therapeutic method has successfully provided comprehensive rehabilitation programs for a range of pediatric neurological and developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy, intellectual developmental disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders. The therapy has demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy and meets advanced international standards. Additionally, Professor Liu has established a sustainable talent development model through the “Master Clinician Inheritance Studio + Apprenticeship Training Base”, tailored to China’s national conditions. This model has cultivated a new generation of highly skilled professionals with solid theoretical foundations, strong clinical competencies, and excellent academic skills, thereby benefiting a broader patient population. His work provides valuable experience and a practical pathway for the inheritance and innovative development of traditional Chinese medicine, offering insights for future research and clinical applications.

Keywords: acupuncture; scalp acupuncture; pediatric neurological rehabilitation scalp acupuncture; pediatric rehabilitation; Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) inheritance

With over 40 years of dedication to clinical practice and scientific research, Professor Liu has developed an integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine rehabilitation program centered on his “Pediatric Neurological Rehabilitation Scalp Acupuncture Therapy”, yielding breakthrough outcomes in rehabilitating pediatric neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders that meet advanced international standards.  As an active promoter of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture globally, Professor Liu has given lectures in over 20 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain. Serving as a lifelong member of multiple international academic organizations, he continues to advance the clinical application and scholarly exchange of acupuncture techniques worldwide. His ongoing efforts further drive the inheritance and innovation of technologies in the field of pediatric neurological rehabilitation.

1. Theoretical Foundations and Technical Development

Currently, acupuncture has gained acceptance in 183 countries and regions worldwide due to its safety, efficacy, convenience, and cost-effectiveness ^[3]. Since 1985, Professor Liu Zhenhuan has applied scalp acupuncture techniques in the clinical treatment of pediatric encephalopathy. By referencing the scalp acupuncture standards outlined in the Channel Theory Basis for the International Standard Proposal of Scalp Acupuncture Point Names ^[4] and integrating the experience of traditional schools such as Jiao’s Scalp Acupuncture, Lin’s Acupuncture, and Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture, he has gradually developed the Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Scalp Acupuncture Therapy. This therapy is an innovative technique that systematically applied scalp acupuncture to pediatric encephalopathies (e.g., intellectual disability and cerebral palsy) at an early stage in China. Through 40 years of clinical practice, this therapy has been used to treat a cumulative total of over 40,000 cases of children with cerebral palsy and intellectual developmental delay from more than 20 countries globally, accumulating a robust body of evidence-based medical data ^[5].

Compared with traditional scalp acupuncture, Professor Liu Zhenhuan’s Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Scalp Acupuncture Therapy boasts 3 core advantages. First, it features flexible pattern identification and acupuncture point selection. In alignment with the neurodevelopmental patterns of children (e.g., critical periods for motor, language, and cognitive development), acupuncture point selection is dynamically adjusted based on individual symptoms, embodying the holistic concept of TCM—balancing local stimulation with overall regulation. Second, it offers precise, scientifically grounded localization. By integrating modern neuroanatomy (e.g., Brodmann’s functional areas and Von Economo’s brain functional localization) with the traditional system of channels, network vessels, and acupuncture points, it achieves dual-dimensional localization of “functional areas + acupuncture points”. For instance, in children with delayed language development, simultaneous needling of Broca’s area (Brodmann areas 44/45) and Wernicke’s area (Brodmann area 22) is employed to promote compensation of language centers. Third, it uses a safe and painless needling technique. A rapid needling method with a small angle (15–30°) and shallow depth is used to avoid piercing the periosteum, ensuring minimal discomfort for children. This approach fosters a calm and cooperative rehabilitation environment, enhancing treatment compliance and interactive engagement.

2. International Recognition Grounded in Evidence-Based Medicine

Studies have confirmed that the Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Scalp Acupuncture Therapy, when combined with rehabilitation training (physical therapy [PT], occupational therapy [OT], and speech therapy [ST]), yields significant efficacy in pediatric neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders. For instance, 59.5% of children with cerebral palsy showed improvement in cerebral dysplasia as indicated in cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, a rate significantly higher than the 11% observed in the group receiving only motor training ^[6]. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) revealed that the brain function recovery rate in the treatment group (81.25%) was markedly higher than that in the control group (20.68%) ^[7]. Systematic meta-analyses further demonstrated that by promoting brain cell repair and neural network remodeling, this therapy effectively improves outcomes in intelligence tests (e.g., the Gesell Developmental Schedule) and language expression abilities (e.g., the S-S Language Assessment) ^[8-9]. For children with autism, the application of the “Arouse the Brain and Quiet the Mind Scalp Acupuncture Therapy”, targeting the inferior frontal gyrus (Brodmann areas 11/47) and the temporal 3-needle points (Brodmann areas 20/22), significantly reduced stereotypical behaviors and improved social interaction ^[10].

At the same time, the research team pioneered the use of cranial imaging (MRI/CT) and functional imaging (PET/SPECT/fMRI/DTI) to evaluate the efficacy of scalp acupuncture, generating key data on improved cerebral blood flow and enhanced neuroplasticity ^[11-13]. Shallow acupuncture stimulation in the somatosensory cortex, motor cortex, and language areas (Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas) was shown to induce greater neural activation ^[14]. Retaining needles during concurrent PT, ST, or OT further enhanced the efficacy of scalp acupuncture ^[15]. Innovations such as rehabilitative motor scalp acupuncture therapy—integrating target-oriented and task-oriented training with scalp acupuncture—have demonstrated positive effects on language disorders, intellectual disabilities, and recovery of gross motor function. For example, combining upper limb paralysis treatment with music occupational therapy (MOT), including targeted music-oriented OT using New Orleans music and percussion instruments, has shown promising results ^[16]. These findings provide robust empirical support for the scientific validity of acupuncture medicine. Notably, key outcomes have been incorporated into the Chinese Guidelines for Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation, furthering the internationalization of acupuncture in medicine.

3. Multi-Target Regulatory Theory of Neurorepair

Previous studies have confirmed the remarkable clinical efficacy of scalp acupuncture in treating cerebral palsy, significantly improving children’s intellectual function ^[17]. Through 40 years of clinical practice, this therapy has treated over 40,000 cases of children with cerebral palsy and delayed intellectual development from more than 20 countries worldwide, accumulating extensive experience in pediatric neurorehabilitation through acupuncture^[18]. The Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Scalp Acupuncture Therapy ​stimulates specific acupuncture points and functional brain regions, which has been shown to increase local cerebral blood flow (CBF) ^[19], upregulate the expression of neurotrophic factors (e.g., BDNF, NGF), and enhance nerve growth-related proteins, providing a biological basis for neurorepair ^[20-21]. By activating Brodmann functional areas (e.g., the motor cortex [Area 4] and sensory cortex [Areas 3/1/2]) and neural networks (e.g., the corticospinal tract and arcuate fasciculus), it promotes compensatory reorganization of damaged brain regions. For example, synchronous stimulation of the Broca-Wernicke areas in children with delayed language development can reconstruct language transmission pathways. Aligned with the pediatric neurodevelopmental principle of proceeding “from head to toe and from gross to fine motor skills”, the therapy strategically selects target stimulation areas based on developmental stages. For instance, it prioritizes the motor cortex in children aged 0–1 year, strengthens the language cortex between ages 1 and 2, and focuses on the cognitive cortex by 2–3 years. This staged approach aligns with the neuroplasticity of critical developmental periods, maximizing functional compensation.

4. Inheritance and Development

To address the challenges of “inheritance gaps” and “insufficient innovation” in TCM, Professor Liu Zhenhuan has explored a dual-track model of “Master Clinician Inheritance Studio + Apprenticeship Training Base” based on the Chinese national context. Centered on a combination of “intensive training + supervised ward rounds”, 6 online and offline academic seminars are held annually, personally guided by Professor Liu Zhenhuan. These seminars focus on cultivating young talent with both a solid theoretical foundation and strong practical skills. Currently, over 30 inheritance bases have been established in more than 30 provinces and cities throughout China (e.g., Dongguan, Zhanjiang, and Kunming). Through a “3-year apprenticeship under master physicians + clinical practice assessment” framework, the program integrates TCM principles, including pattern identification and holistic treatment concepts, with modern neuroscience. This ensures that apprentices master the core techniques of scalp acupuncture, meet national postgraduate medical training standards, and develop capabilities for independent teaching and mentoring. To date, this model has trained 26 doctoral and graduate students, with a total of over 230 apprentices, covering most provinces in China and forming a communication network “rooted in local regions and radiating to surrounding areas”. As regional academic leaders, these apprentices have not only elevated local pediatric rehabilitation diagnosis and treatment standards, but also optimized the therapy through feedback from clinical practice, driving technological iteration (e.g., upgraded scalp acupuncture protocols integrating music therapy and smart devices).

5. Research-Driven Standardization and Internationalization of the Therapy

In 2022, Professor Liu Zhenhuan led the initiation of a multicenter research project titled “International (China-Singapore) tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) Combined with Scalp Acupuncture for Psychobehavioral Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)”. In China, this project is coordinated by Foshan Nanhai Maternity and Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and conducted collaboratively with inheritance bases of “Professor Liu Zhenhuan’s Master Clinician Inheritance Studio” (including those in Dongguan, Zhanjiang, Luoding, Meizhou, Guangzhou, Kunming, and other regions). Internationally, the project is overseen by the National University of Singapore. Professor Liu serves as the chief researcher for the Chinese region, exploring novel integrative Chinese-Western intervention approaches. This initiative not only marks his widespread recognition in the international academic community, but also propels the pediatric rehabilitation division of Nanhai Maternity and Children’s Hospital, along with its inheritance bases, into a new phase of development.

Preliminary findings from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on tPCS (transcranial pulsed current stimulation) targeting the prefrontal cerebellum in children with ASD aged 3 to 14 revealed that 20 sessions over 4 weeks significantly improved social functioning and sleep quality ^[22], indirectly validating the therapeutic mechanisms of the Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Scalp Acupuncture Therapy. In the same year, collaborations with institutions such as the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (Chinese Academy of Sciences) and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University further advanced the clinical application of Professor Liu’s patented product, the “Intelligent Scalp Acupuncture Therapeutic Device Based on Laser Acupuncture Technology”. This innovation addresses the historical reliance on experiential operation in traditional scalp acupuncture by integrating precise localization, dosage control, and efficacy monitoring, thereby driving the standardization and broader adoption of the Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Scalp Acupuncture Therapy.

5. Clinical Case Example

A male child, 4 years and 4 months of age, was admitted to the hospital on April 16, 2021, due to “delayed language development for over 2 years”. The child began to intentionally call out to others at 14 months of age, using reduplicated syllables and imitating instructions. By age 2, he stopped speaking, rarely responded to others, and could no longer imitate speech. He only called “Mama” when crying or seeking attention, with no other verbal communication. He rarely used gestures, required parental hand-leading to retrieve objects when in need, and could not point to objects or nod/shake his head to indicate yes/no. He showed no response to instructions or reaction to his name, had poor eye contact, preferred solitary play, and had not received prior systematic rehabilitation treatment. His birth and family histories were unremarkable.

Physical Examination: Vital signs: T 36.4°C, P 102 bpm, R 24 breaths/min; height 110 cm, weight 18.0 kg. He was alert with normal mental status and reactivity, no distinctive facial features, dull expression, pale tongue with white fur, and deep-fine pulse. No abnormalities were noted in the heart, lungs, or abdomen. Gait coordination was slightly impaired, and neurological signs were unremarkable.

Behavioral Observations: The patient exhibited eye contact lasting 2–3 seconds and poor sitting tolerance. He followed instructions at a 3/10 level, was cooperative during physical examination, and was slightly emotionally sensitive. He occasionally responded to his name, called “Mama” when crying, and could imitate 6–7-character phrases. He exhibited no stereotypical behaviors; he could identify facial features and body parts, but demonstrated no spontaneous speech. He often talked to himself. preferred solitary play, and was unable to engage in cooperative games. He showed attachment to family members, could feed himself, put on shoes independently, and manage self-care (e.g., toileting).

Auxiliary Examinations:

Parent Rating Scale for Childhood Autism (PARS): Total score 118.

Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS): 38, indicating “severe autistic symptoms” ^[23].

Language Function Assessment (S-S): Stage 3-1; language comprehension, expression, and operational tasks were significantly below age norms. During testing, the child showed average emotional state but poor cooperation and attention, requiring occasional prompts.

Gesell Developmental Schedule: Moderate developmental delay. Adaptive behavior DA: 26.6 months (DQ: 52); gross motor DA: 25.67 months (DQ: 51); fine motor DA: 31.97 months (DQ: 63, mild delay); language DA: 8.17 months (DQ: 16, severe delay); personal-social DA: 24.27 months (DQ: 48, moderate delay).

Infant-Junior High School Social Life Ability Scale: Total score 26, standard score 7, indicating “moderate impairment”.

Auditory behavioral responses were intact. Routine blood tests, biochemical tests, cranial CT, and EEG showed no abnormalities.

Diagnoses:

International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10): 1. Autism; 2. Moderate intellectual developmental delay.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Feeble-mindedness (liver and kidney depletion pattern).

Acupuncture Treatment: Professor Liu’s Pediatric Scalp Acupuncture was initiated in combination with structured social rehabilitation training. The protocol chosen was Professor Liu’s “Painless Pediatric Scalp Acupuncture Therapy”, targeting the following areas: 5 acupuncture points in the visual cortex area; Brodmann areas 17, 18, and 19 in the occipital lobe; 5 acupuncture points in Broca’s area (Brodmann area 45); and the “9 Acupuncture Points of Wisdom”. Treatment frequency was once every other day, with a 15-day break after 10 sessions (total 30 sessions per course of treatment). Since morning and daytime are considered “yang” while afternoon and nighttime are “yin”, sessions were scheduled in the morning to enhance the child’s “yang” energy, regulate yin-yang balance, and free the channels and network vessels. Needles were retained for approximately 1 hour before removal, with concurrent training during retention ^[24].

Outcome: After more than 6 months of treatment, the child’s eye contact improved to 4–5 seconds and instruction compliance reached 8/10. He responded to his name, spoke 6–9-word sentences spontaneously, answered simple questions, and distinguished colors, sizes, and shapes. He performed addition/subtraction up to 10 and engaged in significantly more social interactions. Efficacy was evaluated using the Gesell Developmental Schedule. Pre- and post-treatment assessments were conducted by the hospital’s Child Psychological Development Evaluation Room. Developmental age (DA) and developmental quotient (DQ) were calculated as: DQ = (DA / chronological age) × 100 ^[25]. A score ≥85 indicates normal development; 55–84: mild delay; 40–54: moderate delay; <40: severe delay (higher scores reflect better adaptive, language, and personal-social abilities) ^[24]. Other assessments used included S-S language assessment, Infant-Junior High School Social Life Ability Scale (SM; higher scores indicate better ability), Parent Rating Scale for Childhood Autism (ABC; lower scores indicate milder symptoms), and CARS (lower scores indicate improvement) ^[25]. Changes in pre- and post-treatment scores are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Comparison of Assessment Results on Scales Such as Gesell, S-S, SM, ABC, and CARS Before and After Treatment

Note: DQ = Developmental Quotient; Assessment Times (Before Treatment: April 2021; After Treatment: October 2021).

​Follow-up: After 2 years, the child had successfully integrated into society, enrolled in school, and performed at a mid-to-high academic level.

6. Conclusion

Professor Liu Zhenhuan’s Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Scalp Acupuncture Therapy, supported by evidence-based medicine and integrating traditional acupuncture with modern neuroscience, has provided an innovative solution for pediatric neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders. Its “Master Clinician Inheritance Studio + Apprenticeship Training Base” model has addressed the challenges in TCM inheritance, cultivating a cohort of interdisciplinary talent with both robust theoretical knowledge and strong practical skills.

Looking ahead, future efforts should focus on: (1) advancing international multicenter studies and academic exchanges to promote the inclusion of this therapy in clinical guidelines of more countries; (2) leveraging multi-omics technologies (genomics, proteomics) to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying scalp acupuncture’s regulation of neurodevelopment; and (3) integrating digital tools (e.g., virtual reality for simulated acupuncture) to enhance training efficiency and quality, thereby refining the inheritance system. These initiatives aim to nurture a new generation of TCM acupuncturists with solid theoretical foundations, top-tier clinical competence, and academic growth ^[26]. The successful implementation of this system offers a replicable “TCM role model” for the modern inheritance of traditional medicine, meriting broader promotion and application.

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