Occipital Neuralgia

Miniscalpel-needles feature fine blades at their tips, allowing them to separate fascial and ligament adhesions and resolve fibrotic tissue surrounding nerves through minimal skin incisions. When applied to occipital neuralgia, the primary targets are: ① adhesions at the muscle-tendon junctions of the semispinalis capitis and longissimus capitis muscles; ② ligament tension around the C1–C2 posterior facet joints; and ③ pressure points at the passage of the greater occipital nerve (suboccipital triangle). Recently, the introduction of ultrasound-guided miniscalpel-needles has enhanced both safety and efficacy by enabling precise procedures while monitoring nerves and blood vessels in real-time. From the perspective of a Korean medicine clinic, the micro-blade needle is a tool that physically resolves adhesions and stagnation in the pathways of Qi and blood, serving as an extension of traditional acupuncture theory. This aligns with the principle in Korean medicine of releasing tight knots formed in tendons and muscle lines to allow Qi and blood to flow freely again. At Dongjedang, we employ a three-step approach: precisely separating adhesions using micro-blade needles under ultrasound guidance, reducing local inflammation with bee extract pharmacopuncture, and completing the replenishment of Qi and blood and organ recovery with herbal medicine tailored to the individual's condition. The sequence of structural correction, inflammation removal, and Qi and blood restoration is the key to lasting effects.