The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC), a walnut-sized area of the brain has been shown to change in patients with chronic pain-it becomes thinner. MRI follow-up imaging shows us that once pain has been resolved the thickness of the cortex in this area of the brain increases, thus resembling the DLPFC of healthy individuals.

DLPFC also shows changes in association with emotional and psychological reactions-specifically anxiety, fear and depression. The area of the scalp directly over the DLPFC contains a number of acupuncture points. This course explores the clinical significance of including these acupuncture points in cases of chronic pain, Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, and several digestive disorders including IBS. Sympathetic dominance patterns can also benefit from using these acupuncture points.