Open AccessEvaluation of the effects of acupuncture on P6 and anti-gagging acupoints on the gag reflex
Author(s) -
Abbas Haghighat,
Nasser Kaviani,
Saman Jokar,
Parisa Soltani,
Ali Ahmadi
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
dental hypotheses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.164
H-Index - 10
ISSN - 2155-8213
DOI - 10.4103/2155-8213.150866
Subject(s) - acupuncture , pharyngeal reflex , medicine , reflex , tongue , physical therapy , significant difference , anesthesia , dentistry , alternative medicine , pathology
Hyperactive gag reflex can make dental treatment procedures intolerable for some patients; so, it is highly important for the dentist to control it. Acupuncture is a technique used to control this phenomenon. In this study, the effects of two acupoints, anti-gagging and P6, on the gag r eflex control were analyzed. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, a total number of 100 healthy people were classified into four groups. Acupuncture and psuedo-acupuncture procedures were performed on anti-gagging and P6 points based on the group. Before and after acupuncture or pseudo-acupuncture, gag reflex severity was measured via stimulation of the soft palate, tonsils, and root of the tongue. Obtained data was analyzed using statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) 22 statistical software. Results: Acupuncture reduced gag reflex at both points, but psuedo-acupuncture did not reduce the gag reflex. Moreover, no significant difference was observed between acupuncture on P6 and anti-gagging points. Conclusion: Acupuncture on anti-gagging and P6 points can be effective in controlling the gag reflex during routine dental procedures