Drs Martin & Sue Allbright Traditional Acupuncture

'Blending an ancient medical approach of mind and body with modern health'

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17th May 2012

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We would like to share with you our personal view, beliefs and approach about the research that is presented on these pages.






We both value the research of modern science and the many developments that have been discovered.

We also value the depth of wisdom and knowledge of traditional and classical five element acupuncture, which integrates the many aspects of body and mind.

We acknowledge the information gained from research, and we endevaour to use it where appropriate when meeting the needs of an individual who is suffering in health.

We hope later to share more information on the five elements of acupuncture.

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Acupuncture for Dry Mouth Secretions - Xerostomia

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided in this site is accurate. It is not the intention to mislead or misinform anyone.


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This information is extracted from an original paper and a commentary, Both from Acupuncture in Medicine Dec 2010 Volume 28 Issue 4 pages 167-8 and 191-199

Firstly we need to remember that xerostomia as a result of radiotherapy may improve through recovery of minor salivary glands within the first year following its application.


Dry mouth is a very common complaint affecting 10-29% of the general population. Many cases of a dry mouth are drug related, there are over 400 common drugs used that cause dry mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth is much more prevalent with ageing, people on mutliple medications and who have multiple conditions, as well as those who have received radiotherapy to the head and neck.


A persons subjective perception of a dry mouth does not necessarily correlate with objective measurements of salivary gland dysfunction.

1. Original paper. A systematic review of the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of irradiation - induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer. EM O'Sullivan, J Higginson.

'Summary points.


and

2. Commentary: Acupuncture and Xerostomia. Richard Simcock, Valerie Jenkins

Subjective benefit was reported in two studies.


Cho JH, Chung WK, Kang W, et al. Manual acupuncture improved quality of life in cancer patients with radiation-induced xerostomia. J Altern Complemtn Med 2008; 14:523-6.


Pfister DG, Cassileth BR, Deng GE, et al. Acupuncture for pain and dysfunction after neck dissection: results of a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Oncol 2010;28:2565-70


3. Acupuncture for the prevention of radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer. Braxz. Oral. Res. Braga Fdo P., et al


Small (n=24) controlled trial, patients were treated before and during radiotherapy,  twice weekly ,16-20 sessions. Alll patients exhibited some degree of impairment in salivary gland functioning after radiotherapy (RT), but all  patients treated with acupuncture showed objectively improved salivary flow rates and decreased xerostomia related symptoms.


Acupuncture can be a useful approach in preventative therapy in the management of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing RT. We do not know what the long term results are.


(29 points were stimulated de qi obtained and needles left in for 20 mins, XI 3,4,5,6,7, VII 2, II 19, VI 21, distal X 4, X 11, VIII 3, XI 36, IV 3, IV 5, GV 20 plus auricular points aswell)

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Dry mouth, salivary gland dysfunction, hyposalivation, hyposiali, salivary gland hypofunction and acupuncture treatment, chronic xerostomia, oral infections, candidiasis, caries, periodontitis, sialadenitis, cheilitis, taste disorders, sore throat, hoarseness, dry crusted nasal passage, sleep disruption, fatigue and social isolation.

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