A study has confirmed the benefits of receiving acupuncture as palliative care in the treatment of xerostomia following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. A controlled trial including 50 patients in a clinical setting was conducted, resulting in 70% of the patients experiencing pain relief after receiving acupuncture.

The number of treatments ranged from two to 15, with a median of five. Out of the 50 participating patients, no adverse responses or reactions to the acupuncture treatment were reported. While 26% of patients in the study showed continued benefits more than three months post-trial, the researchers recommend a maintenance program of three to four weekly acupuncture treatments, followed by monthly maintenance sessions.

Former controlled clinical trials have also shown positive results for patients who have received acupuncture as palliative medicine. A similar trial with long-term follow up has shown that, at the three year point, patients who continue to receive acupuncture have increased saliva flow when compared to patients who did not continue acupuncture.

Xerostomia is the medical term for a painful form of dry mouth caused by a lack of saliva. Xerostomia can cause discomfort, halitosis and increased cavities, as well as difficulty speaking and eating.

Acupuncture and other forms of Chinese medicine continue to grow in popularity as controlled clinical trials continue to reaffirm their practicality and usefulness as complementary therapies in the treatment of a variety of symptoms, conditions and diseases.