The Treatment of Dental Phobia and Stress by Acupuncture
Kritidou Thalia DDS,Dip.Ac
Acupuncture is a method of therapy which started 5.000 years ago in many countries of the world but the science was developed in China. In Acupuncture the diseases are treated by inserting needles in specific points of the body, the head and the limbs.
The therapeutic action of acupuncture can be attributed to various neurophysiological and biochemical mechanisms. Acupuncture causes the natural secretion of several endogenous substances in the human organism, depending on the specific needs. These substances can be:
1. ENDOGENOUS OPIATE
a. Endorphins á, â, ã.
b. Encephalins (Leucine , Methionine)
c. Dynorphine
2. NEUROTRANSMITTERS
a. Catecholamines (Adrenaline (Adr), Noradrenaline, Dopamine (DA))
b. Acetyl-choline (Ach)
c. Serotonin (S-Ht)
d. GABA
3. HORMONES
a. Androgen (testosterone - testicles)
b. Oestrogen (ovaries)
c. Cotrizole-Cortizone
d. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
e. Prostaglandin (A, D, E, F)
The subject of this presentation is particularly concerned with the catecholamines - which are the neurotransmitters of the Sympathetic Nervous System, noradrenaline in particular, and the acetyl-choline - which is the neurotransmitter of the Parasympathetic Nervous System. The normal performance of these two competitive poles of the Phytic Nervous System, i.e. of the Sympathetic and the Parasympathetic ensures the normal functioning of the organism.
According to the traditional Chinese Medicine: The Sympathetic system is represented by Yang(+) and the Parasympathetic by Inn(-). The Chinese say that when these two equal and opposing forces, the Inn and the Yang, i.e. the negative and the positive loads of the body, are in harmonic balance, then the organism is in health. When this harmony is interrupted, then diseases occur.
The attitude of dental phobia and its stress is a typical case of disruption of this balance that appears by several bodily and phytic reactions.
Because phobia and stress are accompanied by an increase in the sympathetic tone (in various intensities per case) which results in the secretion of equivalent quantity of catecholamines and Cortisole/Cortisone (suprarenal glands) and ACTH (hypophysis).
Some of the results caused by Catecholamines are:
Acupuncture is a therapeutic system that brings balance to every disharmony of the organism. In the present case, by acupuncturing the right points of the body the receptors of the Parasympathetic are stimulated which results into the secretion of Acetyl-choline which opposes noradrenaline. As a result we have an increase in the tone of the Parasympathetic which creates the opposite symptoms:
Acetyl-choline causes
At the same time there is an endorphin-encephalin secretion with relevant sedative action, euphoria, etc.Thus the pain threshold rises. Finally the feeling of phobia and stress is lifted, the patient becomes calm and relaxed, he co-operates and leaves the dentist completely contented.
Phobia, stress and possibly an accompanying dental pain can create a vicious circle. If we eliminate one or more elements of this vicious circle we have a complete reversal of its power with positive results both for the patient and the dentist.
A typical treatment of such cases is through tranquillisers, and mild handling together with psychological support. But we all know the difficulties involved in the subject cases, particularly when children are concerned. Tranquillisers last as long as the chemical effect producing also the familiar side effects, which constitute the most significant disadvantage of the pharmaceutical treatment.
With acupuncture we can treat these problems very efficiently during every session, and in more severe cases we can proceed to a more radical cure, depending on the causes, the extent and the intensity of the problem.
The advantages of the method are:
The Treatment Procedure by acupuncture is as follows:
The patient is examined according to the Eastern Medical thought, the exact reason for his problem is located and its extension is evaluated. The therapeutic form is chosen according to the relevant findings. The therapeutic forms may vary from the point of view of the needle insertion position points, the needle stimulation practice, the needle total number and the number of the sessions required. In a ordinary case of stress and muscular constriction, 1 - 2 sessions are adequate and the number of needles varies from 8 to 10. In serious cases of phobia 5 to 10 sessions are required so that both a good co-operation with the patient and a radical treatment of the problem can be achieved. Even after the first session we can get a positive result.
PHYSIOPATHOLOGY
According to Eastern Medicine phobia and stress create a disorder of the energy system H-K which is known to belong to the Chao-Inn level. Phobia and stress in general are due to Deficiency-shortage of these two organs. This shortage can be caused by:
a) Blood deficiency-shortage resulting in reduced energy feeding to H.
Symptoms: extrasystoles, sweating.
b) K-Inn shortage.
When there is shortage of the Inn root of the Kidney, the H water is insufficient to put off the H fire (in the catastrophe cycle of the 5 elements) as a result the H fire rises.
Symptoms: Palpitation, vertigo, tinnitus
c) H-Yang shortage.
When there is shortage in the Yang of the H, the K water stops the K (internal cycle of the 5 elements) and we get wet phenomena in the «Fire» area of the organism.
Symptoms: Uneasiness, palpitation, thirst, chest constriction.
d) Emotional shock
An intense fear or injury can harm the GB and according to the law of the 5 elements (productive cycle) they can also harm the H.
Symptoms: Shivers, uneasiness, nightmares.
TREATMENT
We use the points Shu-Mu H-K-GB and the Meridian points P, H.
34 GB = Specific muscle and tendon point for muscle relaxation.
Apart Body-Acupuncture we can also apply Ear-Acupuncture.
In Ear Acupuncture we can use regular needles or hypodermic small needles (small tacks) or magnetotherapy (small magnets). Hypodermic needles and magnets remain on the chosen points for 1 - 2 weeks, depending on the case.
The otic points are as follows:
The therapeutic action of acupuncture can be attributed to various neurophysiological and biochemical mechanisms. Acupuncture causes the natural secretion of several endogenous substances in the human organism, depending on the specific needs. These substances can be:
1. ENDOGENOUS OPIATE
a. Endorphins á, â, ã.
b. Encephalins (Leucine , Methionine)
c. Dynorphine
2. NEUROTRANSMITTERS
a. Catecholamines (Adrenaline (Adr), Noradrenaline, Dopamine (DA))
b. Acetyl-choline (Ach)
c. Serotonin (S-Ht)
d. GABA
3. HORMONES
a. Androgen (testosterone - testicles)
b. Oestrogen (ovaries)
c. Cotrizole-Cortizone
d. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
e. Prostaglandin (A, D, E, F)
The subject of this presentation is particularly concerned with the catecholamines - which are the neurotransmitters of the Sympathetic Nervous System, noradrenaline in particular, and the acetyl-choline - which is the neurotransmitter of the Parasympathetic Nervous System. The normal performance of these two competitive poles of the Phytic Nervous System, i.e. of the Sympathetic and the Parasympathetic ensures the normal functioning of the organism.
According to the traditional Chinese Medicine: The Sympathetic system is represented by Yang(+) and the Parasympathetic by Inn(-). The Chinese say that when these two equal and opposing forces, the Inn and the Yang, i.e. the negative and the positive loads of the body, are in harmonic balance, then the organism is in health. When this harmony is interrupted, then diseases occur.
The attitude of dental phobia and its stress is a typical case of disruption of this balance that appears by several bodily and phytic reactions.
Because phobia and stress are accompanied by an increase in the sympathetic tone (in various intensities per case) which results in the secretion of equivalent quantity of catecholamines and Cortisole/Cortisone (suprarenal glands) and ACTH (hypophysis).
Some of the results caused by Catecholamines are:
- Tachycardia.
Constriction of the skin blood vessels (terror paleness)
Constriction of the muscle blood vessels resulting in spasms of the muscles.
Deceleration of the of the St mobility accompanied by St constriction.
Limited mucous saliva secretion.
Dyspnoea, sense of pressure on the chest.
Constriction of the encephalic blood vessels resulting in lipothymia in the most acute cases.
Acupuncture is a therapeutic system that brings balance to every disharmony of the organism. In the present case, by acupuncturing the right points of the body the receptors of the Parasympathetic are stimulated which results into the secretion of Acetyl-choline which opposes noradrenaline. As a result we have an increase in the tone of the Parasympathetic which creates the opposite symptoms:
Acetyl-choline causes
- Bradycardia
Dilatation of the skin blood vessels.
Dilatation of the muscle blood vessels accompanied by muscle laxity.
Acceleration of the St mobility.
Profuse fine saliva secretion.
Calmness and relaxation
At the same time there is an endorphin-encephalin secretion with relevant sedative action, euphoria, etc.Thus the pain threshold rises. Finally the feeling of phobia and stress is lifted, the patient becomes calm and relaxed, he co-operates and leaves the dentist completely contented.
Phobia, stress and possibly an accompanying dental pain can create a vicious circle. If we eliminate one or more elements of this vicious circle we have a complete reversal of its power with positive results both for the patient and the dentist.
A typical treatment of such cases is through tranquillisers, and mild handling together with psychological support. But we all know the difficulties involved in the subject cases, particularly when children are concerned. Tranquillisers last as long as the chemical effect producing also the familiar side effects, which constitute the most significant disadvantage of the pharmaceutical treatment.
With acupuncture we can treat these problems very efficiently during every session, and in more severe cases we can proceed to a more radical cure, depending on the causes, the extent and the intensity of the problem.
The advantages of the method are:
- 1) Absolute lack of side effects.
2) Long duration of the results.
3) Radical cure potentiality.
The Treatment Procedure by acupuncture is as follows:
The patient is examined according to the Eastern Medical thought, the exact reason for his problem is located and its extension is evaluated. The therapeutic form is chosen according to the relevant findings. The therapeutic forms may vary from the point of view of the needle insertion position points, the needle stimulation practice, the needle total number and the number of the sessions required. In a ordinary case of stress and muscular constriction, 1 - 2 sessions are adequate and the number of needles varies from 8 to 10. In serious cases of phobia 5 to 10 sessions are required so that both a good co-operation with the patient and a radical treatment of the problem can be achieved. Even after the first session we can get a positive result.
PHYSIOPATHOLOGY
According to Eastern Medicine phobia and stress create a disorder of the energy system H-K which is known to belong to the Chao-Inn level. Phobia and stress in general are due to Deficiency-shortage of these two organs. This shortage can be caused by:
a) Blood deficiency-shortage resulting in reduced energy feeding to H.
Symptoms: extrasystoles, sweating.
b) K-Inn shortage.
When there is shortage of the Inn root of the Kidney, the H water is insufficient to put off the H fire (in the catastrophe cycle of the 5 elements) as a result the H fire rises.
Symptoms: Palpitation, vertigo, tinnitus
c) H-Yang shortage.
When there is shortage in the Yang of the H, the K water stops the K (internal cycle of the 5 elements) and we get wet phenomena in the «Fire» area of the organism.
Symptoms: Uneasiness, palpitation, thirst, chest constriction.
d) Emotional shock
An intense fear or injury can harm the GB and according to the law of the 5 elements (productive cycle) they can also harm the H.
Symptoms: Shivers, uneasiness, nightmares.
TREATMENT
We use the points Shu-Mu H-K-GB and the Meridian points P, H.
- 15 UB = Shu H
14 JM = Mu H
23 UB = Shu K
25 GB = Mu K
19 UB = Shu GB
3, 7 K (for K stimulation)
7 K
6 P(extrasystoles,tachycardia)
4 JM (emotional shock)
17 JM
General tranquilising points
Inn-Trunc
20 UB = Shu Sp (for wetness at H)
21 UB = Shu S
34 GB = Specific muscle and tendon point for muscle relaxation.
Apart Body-Acupuncture we can also apply Ear-Acupuncture.
In Ear Acupuncture we can use regular needles or hypodermic small needles (small tacks) or magnetotherapy (small magnets). Hypodermic needles and magnets remain on the chosen points for 1 - 2 weeks, depending on the case.
The otic points are as follows:
Main points according to the Chinese
Lobe point (antifear)
Cortisole points
K
H
Sp
GB
Shen-Menn
Auxiliary points according to Nogier
3rd jaw point
1 eye
24 Allergy
4 L
26 Synthesis
6 S
17 Aggressiveness
9 Sp
19 skin
O zero
Lobe point (antifear)
Cortisole points
K
H
Sp
GB
Shen-Menn
Auxiliary points according to Nogier
3rd jaw point
1 eye
24 Allergy
4 L
26 Synthesis
6 S
17 Aggressiveness
9 Sp
19 skin
O zero
For children instead of needles we can use MOXA, Magnetotherapy or Laser (Soft Laser He-Ne gas 632 nM, power 1,5 mW, intensity 3 A or Laser Ga-As semiconductors 910 Nm, power 5 mW, intensity 3 A. They are absolutely safe to use.
If Phobia and stress are accompanied by dental pain we add also specific or general tranquillising points such as : 4 LI, 11 LI ,36 S ,44 S ,6 or 7 S
There is absolutely no risk for AIDS or any other infection. The needles are disposable and there is no pain.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
GREEK BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Einstein Albert: « How I view the world»
Translation by Mina Zografou, Athens 1952.
2. Rossis F.P. «Hoang Ti-Nei King-So-Ouen»
Kastaniotis Editions, Athens 1983 (3 volumes)
3. Skokljev A. «Acupuncture» Translation by G. Karavis MD
Georgiadis Editions, Athens 1985.
4. Kritidou Thalia «Biophysical Applications of the Laser Rays and their appliance in Acupuncture» Thessaloniki 1990.
5. Valnefer H., Rotauer A. «Chinese Popular Medicine and Acupuncture»
Translation by Andreas Tsakalis, Pyrinos Kosmos, Athens 1978.
6. Hippocrates Centre of Greece, International Post-graduate Centre of Acupuncture
«Notes of the 1st & 2nd School Year»
7. Jacques Lavier «Chinese Acupuncture»
Translation by Stylianoudis, Pyrinos Kosmos
8. Ol. Tsiambiri, C. Pappas «Physiology» Thessaloniki 1984
9, Mic. Apostolakis «Rudiments of the Human Physiology - Nervous System» Thessaloniki 1995
FOREIGN BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. "Selections from Article Abstracts on Acupuncture and Moxibution"
China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibution.
2. Shang Xianmin "Clinical Experiences" Practical Traditional Chinese Medicine & Pharmacology.
3. Bai Xinghua "Chinese Auricular Therapy"
4. Siao Shun-fa "Head Acupuncture"
5. P.M.F. Nogier "Auriculotherapy"
6. Essentials of Contemporary Chinese Acupuncturists' Clinical Experiences.
7. Mann Felix: "The treatment of Disease by Acupuncture"
William Heinemann Books, London 1974.
8. Mann Felix: "Acupuncture, cure of many diseases" Pan Books LTP, London 1974.
9. Mann Felix "Scientific Aspects of Acupuncture". William Heinemann Medical Books, London 1977.
10. Nghi Nguyen Van: "Pathogenie et Pathologie Energetiques en Medicine Chinoise" Don Bosco, Marseilles 1977.
11. Togushi M. "The complete guide to Acupuncture" Fredericke Fell, New York 1974.
12. Warren Z. Frank "Handbook of Medical Acupuncture"
Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York 1976.
13. Ader R. (1981) "Psychoneuroimmunology" Academic Press, New York.
14. Tan L.-Tan M.- Veith I. "Acupuncture Therapy" Routledge and Kegan Paule, London 1973
15. Nemerof "Clinical experience with acupuncture" J. Am. Osteopath. Ass. 71, 866-873 June 1972.
16. Thomas, O.L. "The Autonomous Plexus: possible Acupuncture Receptors" Am. J. Acupuncture, 9:139-144, 1981.
17. Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1975 "An Outline of Chinese Acupuncture"
18. AM Dental Association, 1973 "Dental Application of Acupuncture"
19. Berger Joel, 1976 "The Use of Acupuncture in Dentistry"
20. Lewith T. George, 1985 "Modern Chinese Acupuncture"
21. Nogier Paul, 1969 "Treatise of Auriculotherapy"
Announced at 1st Balkan Dentist Convention Thessaloniki - Greece , 28 - 31 March 1996
If Phobia and stress are accompanied by dental pain we add also specific or general tranquillising points such as : 4 LI, 11 LI ,36 S ,44 S ,6 or 7 S
There is absolutely no risk for AIDS or any other infection. The needles are disposable and there is no pain.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
GREEK BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Einstein Albert: « How I view the world»
Translation by Mina Zografou, Athens 1952.
2. Rossis F.P. «Hoang Ti-Nei King-So-Ouen»
Kastaniotis Editions, Athens 1983 (3 volumes)
3. Skokljev A. «Acupuncture» Translation by G. Karavis MD
Georgiadis Editions, Athens 1985.
4. Kritidou Thalia «Biophysical Applications of the Laser Rays and their appliance in Acupuncture» Thessaloniki 1990.
5. Valnefer H., Rotauer A. «Chinese Popular Medicine and Acupuncture»
Translation by Andreas Tsakalis, Pyrinos Kosmos, Athens 1978.
6. Hippocrates Centre of Greece, International Post-graduate Centre of Acupuncture
«Notes of the 1st & 2nd School Year»
7. Jacques Lavier «Chinese Acupuncture»
Translation by Stylianoudis, Pyrinos Kosmos
8. Ol. Tsiambiri, C. Pappas «Physiology» Thessaloniki 1984
9, Mic. Apostolakis «Rudiments of the Human Physiology - Nervous System» Thessaloniki 1995
FOREIGN BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. "Selections from Article Abstracts on Acupuncture and Moxibution"
China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibution.
2. Shang Xianmin "Clinical Experiences" Practical Traditional Chinese Medicine & Pharmacology.
3. Bai Xinghua "Chinese Auricular Therapy"
4. Siao Shun-fa "Head Acupuncture"
5. P.M.F. Nogier "Auriculotherapy"
6. Essentials of Contemporary Chinese Acupuncturists' Clinical Experiences.
7. Mann Felix: "The treatment of Disease by Acupuncture"
William Heinemann Books, London 1974.
8. Mann Felix: "Acupuncture, cure of many diseases" Pan Books LTP, London 1974.
9. Mann Felix "Scientific Aspects of Acupuncture". William Heinemann Medical Books, London 1977.
10. Nghi Nguyen Van: "Pathogenie et Pathologie Energetiques en Medicine Chinoise" Don Bosco, Marseilles 1977.
11. Togushi M. "The complete guide to Acupuncture" Fredericke Fell, New York 1974.
12. Warren Z. Frank "Handbook of Medical Acupuncture"
Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York 1976.
13. Ader R. (1981) "Psychoneuroimmunology" Academic Press, New York.
14. Tan L.-Tan M.- Veith I. "Acupuncture Therapy" Routledge and Kegan Paule, London 1973
15. Nemerof "Clinical experience with acupuncture" J. Am. Osteopath. Ass. 71, 866-873 June 1972.
16. Thomas, O.L. "The Autonomous Plexus: possible Acupuncture Receptors" Am. J. Acupuncture, 9:139-144, 1981.
17. Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1975 "An Outline of Chinese Acupuncture"
18. AM Dental Association, 1973 "Dental Application of Acupuncture"
19. Berger Joel, 1976 "The Use of Acupuncture in Dentistry"
20. Lewith T. George, 1985 "Modern Chinese Acupuncture"
21. Nogier Paul, 1969 "Treatise of Auriculotherapy"
Announced at 1st Balkan Dentist Convention Thessaloniki - Greece , 28 - 31 March 1996
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