A total of 20 patients (17 cancer patients) in late-stage palliative care reporting dryness of mouth and associated problems were treated for 5 weeks with 10 acupuncture treatments. Ten patients were also evaluated for speech problems (articulation) and dysphagia caused by xerostomia. Subjective assessments used Visual Analog Scales (VAS). Acupuncture had a dramatic effect on xerostomia and, subsequently, on dysphagia and articulation, with subjects showing definite improvement after 5 treatments. Release of neuropeptides that stimulate the salivary glands and increased blood flow are possible explanations for the effects.
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Rydholm et al. (1999) studied this question.
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