Fiske J, Dickinson C
Department of Sedation and Special Care Dentistry, London.
Br Dent J. 2001 Jun 9;190(11):611-3. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.4801053.
The gagging reflex is a physiological reaction which safeguards the airway from foreign bodies. In some people this response is exaggerated to the extent that the acceptance/provision of dental treatment is not possible. The aim of this paper is to review the role of acupuncture in controlling gagging as a safe, cheap, quick and relatively non-invasive technique.
Ten people agreed to try ear acupuncture to control gagging during dental treatment. Prior to treatment the severity of gagging was assessed. Acupuncture needles were inserted into a specific anti-gagging point on each ear, manipulated briefly and left in situ. Dental treatment was then carried out and the effectiveness of the acupuncture in preventing gagging was assessed. After treatment, the needles were removed and the patient discharged. All acupuncture was carried out by a dentist trained in its use.
Four people had a severe gag reflex which made treatment impossible and six had a very severe reflex which made treatment impossible and affected their dental attendance. Ear acupuncture completely controlled the gag reflex in eight cases (23 treatment episodes) and partially controlled the reflex in two cases (two treatment episodes). Dental treatment could be carried out in all cases and at all visits. The cost of materials was 0.2 pounds per person per visit. Additional clinical time was in the order of 2-3 minutes. There were no adverse reactions to the technique and, on all occasions, patients were fit to leave the surgery and travel home unaccompanied.
Ear acupuncture was successful in controlling the gag reflex. It is a safe, quick, inexpensive and relatively noninvasive technique. A controlled clinical trial is required to investigate any placebo effect.
咽反射是一种保护气道免受异物侵害的生理反应。在一些人身上，这种反应会过度夸张，以至于无法接受/进行牙科治疗。本文的目的是综述针刺作为一种安全、廉价、快速且相对无创的技术在控制咽反射方面的作用。
10人同意在牙科治疗期间尝试耳针疗法来控制咽反射。在治疗前评估咽反射的严重程度。将针灸针插入每只耳朵上特定的抗咽反射穴位，短暂操作后留在原位。然后进行牙科治疗，并评估针刺在预防咽反射方面的有效性。治疗后，取出针并让患者出院。所有针刺操作均由经过该技术培训的牙医进行。
4人有严重的咽反射，导致治疗无法进行，6人有非常严重的咽反射，不仅使治疗无法进行，还影响了他们看牙。耳针疗法在8例（23次治疗过程）中完全控制了咽反射，在2例（2次治疗过程）中部分控制了咽反射。所有病例在每次就诊时都能进行牙科治疗。材料成本为每人每次就诊0.2英镑。额外的临床时间约为2 - 3分钟。该技术没有不良反应，在所有情况下，患者都适合离开诊所并独自回家。
耳针疗法成功地控制了咽反射。它是一种安全、快速、廉价且相对无创的技术。需要进行对照临床试验来研究任何安慰剂效应。
