Single-Needle Acupuncture Alleviates Gag Reflex During Transesophageal Echocardiography: A Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial

Abstract

Acupuncture of CV24 is an easy to apply and effective method to reduce gag reflex during TEE.

The use of acupuncture in controlling the gag reflex in patients requiring an upper alginate impression: an audit

“…The current audit shows that acupuncture of point CV-24 just before taking an upper alginate impression had a substantial controlling effect on the gag refl ex. These fi ndings mirror those of Rösler et al, 8 who compared the effect of acupuncture given in CV-24 against superfi cial needling on the chin and an untreated control during a transoesophageal echocardiography. Rösler et al reported a statistically signifi cant effect (p = 0.037) in the acupuncture group compared with the superfi cial needling group and the untreated control group.…”

“…In an uncontrolled study by Fiske and Dickinson in 2001, 3 it was demonstrated that ear acupuncture was able to control the severe gag refl ex of 10 patients suffi ciently well to allow dental treatment to be carried out. Finally, in 2003, Rösler et al 8 showed in a controlled study that acupuncture at Conception Vessel 24 (CV-24), located on the chin, could control the gag refl ex in patients having transoesophageal echocardiography.…”

Exploring alternative methods of gag reflex control Part 2: Acupuncture

“…Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences, with the acupuncture group experiencing considerably less gagging than the sham group (p = 0.037), and even less so than the non-acupuncture group (p = 0.013). 13 Similarly an audit of dental patients found that acupuncture to CV-24 enhanced tolerance to treatment with an average mean improvement of 53% (p <0.0001) between GSI and GPI scores. Although no controls were implemented in this study, the methodology was robust and all participants underwent the same dental treatment of three stage maxillary impressions.…”

“…11 Yin and Yang are a balance which define health and are complementary representations of dynamic equilibrium: Yin provides qualities such as tranquillity and rest whereas Yang is responsible for activation and transformation. 13 If applying this theory to heightened gag reflexes it is reasonable to presume that Yin is insufficient thus making the patient gag, yet stimulation to acupoints will restore balance, consequently relieving gagging. Therapeutic application to acupoints has evolved to encompass needling, pressure and massage amongst others.…”

“…12 Acupuncture can be defined as the insertion of a solid needle into specific body parts for therapy and health maintenance. 13 Acupressure, alternatively, is a variation of acupuncture involving constant pressure on acupoints without puncture of the skin. 3 The acupoints of interest for the relief of gag reflex are outlined in Table 1.…”