xerostomia and acupuncture at LI-2

Abstract
Background: Clinical studies suggest that acupuncture can stimulate saliva production
and reduce xerostomia (dry mouth). We were interested in exploring the neuronal
substrates involved in such responses.
Methods: In a randomized, sham acupuncture controlled, subject blinded trial, twenty
healthy volunteers received true and sham acupuncture in random order. Cortical regions
that were activated or deactivated during the interventions were evaluated by functional
magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Saliva production was also measured.
Results: Unilateral manual acupuncture stimulation at LI-2, a point commonly used in
clinical practice to treat xerostomia, was associated with bilateral activation of the insula
and adjacent operculum. Sham acupuncture at an adjacent site induced neither activation
nor deactivation. True acupuncture induced more saliva production than sham
acupuncture.
Conclusion: Acupuncture at LI-2 was associated with neuronal activations absent during
sham acupuncture stimulation. Neuroimaging signal changes appear correlated to saliva
production.

full article attached below

Lorne Brown Dr. TCM, FABORM
www.prodseminars.com
www.acubalance.ca