The effect of auricular acupuncture on olfactory acuity.

The modulation of olfactory thresholds by auricular acupuncture at a specific auricular acupuncture point was examined. The Lung Point, supplied by the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, was employed in a controlled single blind study of a randomized population of 23 healthy volunteers. Two odorous substances, beta-Phenyl ethyl alcohol and Methyl cyclopentenolone were used to evaluate the modulation of olfactory thresholds after acupuncture. A significant decrease in the olfactory recognition threshold by acupuncture in comparison with controls (P < 0.05) for two standard odors was observed. Our findings suggest that auricular acupuncture stimulation can decrease the recognition threshold of olfactory sensitivity.