Skin Surface's Temperature Change When Auricular Acupuncture at Jaw Point and Tooth Point

Survey on Skin Surface's Temperature Change When Auricular Acupuncture at Jaw Point (LO1) and Tooth Point (LO3) on Heatlhy Volunteer: a Pilot Study

Auricular acupuncture is a method for diagnosing and treating physical and psychosomatic dysfunctions by stimulating a specific point in the ear. Some studies prove that the acupoints on the pinna have a corresponding relationship to the areas of the body. Some research also show that acupuncture acupoints on the body can change the temperature of the corresponding area. In our study, we survey the skin surface's temperature change when using auricular acupuncture at jaw point and tooth point in each side of the ear in heatlhy people.

Participants and Methods: A crossover study is conducted by comparing the in skin surface's temperature change before and after applying auricular acupuncture at Jaw point (LO1) and Tooth point (LO3) in each side of the ear in heatlhy volunteer. A total of 70 participants were randomly assigned to 2 group (A and B) and the allocation was 1:1. In group A: participants received auricular acupuncture at tooth point (LO1) three times: Left ear, Right ear and Sham accupunture. Similarly, LO1 point was replaced by LO3 point (Jaw point) for participants in group B. The primary outcome was change temperature of skin surface at the pinna and lower jaw when using auricular acupuncture at points: LO1 and LO3 in each side of the ear. This trial will be performed as 2-arm crossover design, randomized, controlled.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy volunteer with normal vital signs
• Volunteers who agree to participate and sign the Informed Consent Form, following a detailed explanation of clinical trials
• DASS 21 score within normal limits
• BMI: 18.5 - 23 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inappropriate condition for auricular acupuncture due to skin disease (the skin of the acupuncture point is swollen, hot and red)
• Pregnant woman or breastfeeding woman or woman in period
• Other diseases that could affect or interfere with outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, thyroid disorder, facial disease.
• Taking vasodilators or sunscreen in the examined skin areas
• Taking stimulant (alcohol, beer, coffee, tobacco) within 24h
• Massage or cupping therapy or acupuncture in facial area within 24h
• Playing sport within 2h