Acupuncture is gaining momentum and adherents as a valid intervention in palliative medicine. Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and involves lightly inserting needles into specific points on the body to restore energy balance and remove blockages and stagnation. Acupuncture is done in two phases:
Phase 1: A sterile needle (Seiren Laser L Type, gauge 3, length 30 mm), is inserted bilaterally in both index fingers in an area on the Large Intestine (LI) meridian slightly proximal to LI 1. This area is designated LI 29. In addition, auriculotherapy points Point Zero, Shen Men, and an area designated Salivary Gland 29 are needled bilaterally (Figure 1). This allows salivary gland stimulation and production of saliva.
FIGURE 1
Phase 2: After 20 minutes if no saliva secretion is apparent, phase 2 is initiated and the needles at salivary glands (C) II are removed. Electro-stimulation of salivary gland (C) II points at 40 mA at 10 Hz with an electro-auriculotherapy stimulator (40A or 400A Stem-Flex, manufactured by Electro Therapy Association, Tulsa, Oklahoma), for 30 seconds bilaterally is performed. Also, salivary gland (F) I at 40 mA at 10 Hz for 30 seconds bilaterally is stimulated. Salivary glands (C) II are re-needled. Stimulate LI 4 bilaterally for 10 seconds using a piezoelectric stimulator
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