The effects of stimulation of ear acupuncture points on the body's pain threshold

Am J Chin Med. 1979 Autumn;7(3):241-52. doi: 10.1142/s0192415x79000209.

Abstract

Six ear acupuncture points, one non-acupuncture ear point, and the body locus Ho-Ku (LI-4) were electrically stimulated in order to compare the effects of stimulation on the body's pain threshold at selected loci on various points on the body by measurement with a radiation heat-type Pain Meter on 5 subjects. The ear points, with the exception of the non-acupuncture ear point, were found to be effective even in peripheral body regions in varying degrees. Ear stimulation did not increase the threshold as rapidly as Ho-Ku. In all cases where the pain threshold was raised, the effect persisted after electrical stimulation had stopped.

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy / methods*
  • Adult
  • Differential Threshold
  • Ear*
  • Electronarcosis / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pain*