Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

Xerostomia or dry mouth is a common condition and can be a consequence of radiotherapy or medication and it can cause a great deal of distress both physically and emotionally.

There have been reports that acupuncture treatment can reduce the severity of xerostomia and now a randomised controlled trial, funded by Cancer Research UK and run by the Brighton and Sussex Medical school, is looking into whether this can improve the evidence base for acupuncture treatment specifically in cases of radiation-induced xerostomia.

I have been an acupuncturist on one of the ongoing studies running at Mount Vernon Cancer Hospital in Middlesex. The treatment involves needling 3 auricular (ear) points (Salivary Gland 2, Modified Point Zero, Shenmen) together with LI-20 and an extra point near LI-1. The needles are retained for 20 minutes and the treatment repeated weekly for 8 weeks.

 

References

Johnstone, P.A.S., Niemtzow, R.C., & Rifflenburgh, R.H. (2002) Acupuncture for Xerostomia. Cancer, 94:1151-1156.

Morganstein W. M. (2005) Auricular Acupuncture in The Treatment of Xerostomia. Journal of Chinese Medicine, 79:5-8.