Scared of the Drill? Try Needles…

According to a study published in the British Dental Journal, patients who are otherwise unable to undergo dental procedures may benefit from acupuncture.

Dr Janice Fiske of Kings College, London examined 10 patients who were unable to undergo dental work because they gagged during treatment.

Researchers identified a particular reflex point on the ear which may be a "specific, recognised anti-gagging" point.

According to the report "Ear acupuncture was successful in controlling the gag reflex...It is a safe, quick, inexpensive and relatively non-invasive technique".

Research at the University of Hong Kong also suggested last month that acupuncture may help improve the symptoms of autistic children.

Professor Virginia Wong used tongue acupuncture to stimulate brain function and imaging technology to study the brain's response. She reports "There was a significant improvement in the intellectual function and communication ability in some of these children".

Saturday, 30 June 2001