Research Shows Acupuncture Helps Spasmodic Dysphonia

August 7, 2002

Dr. Steven Scheer and other researchers have successfully treated several adductor spasmodic dysphonia patients with acupuncture. They were awarded a national award from the Medical Acupuncture Research Foundation.

Steven Scheer, M.D., is a physician acupuncturist and medical director of The St. Luke Hospitals Sleep Disorders Centers in Kentucky. Researchers who also contributed to this study included Linda Lee, Ph.D., University of Cincinnati; Joseph C. Stemple, Ph.D., Blaine Block Institute for Voice Analysis and Rehabilitation in Dayton, Ohio; Samantha Daughton, M.A., University of Cincinnati; Barbara Weinrich, Ph.D., Miami University; Tracy Miller-Seiler, M.A., Miami University; Scott Goeller, M.D., Sure Care Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio; and Linda Levin, Ph.D., Center for Biostatistical Services at the University of Cincinnati.

The research is due to be published in an upcoming issue of the "Journal of Voice", with Linda Lee, PhD as lead author. Dr. Lee said "I can tell you that 7 of 10 patients were happy with the results of their treatment (once per week for 8 weeks) and that 6 out of those 7 patients were Dr. Scheer's (he had a success rate of 100%)." She continued "You might want to mention that we used the Lung-Large Intestine Distinct Meridian and later added the French and Chinese auricular acupoints. Patients found the most success with the auricular points, in fact, a number of patients followed up with purchased self-stimulators of those points. The most successful type seemed to be the Pointer Plus. Some patients are continuing to use these stimulators, and seem very happy with them. Patients also reported success when electrical stimulation was applied to the needles during treatment."

Dr. Scheer explained " We used the Lung/Large Intestine distinct meridian (well known to any
physicians who studied acupuncture under Joe Helms at UCLA) for 25-30 minutes at 15 or 80 Hz frequency) and we used ear acupuncture on the French and Chinese "larynx" points. Patients learned to stimulate their own ears on these larynx points with a "pointer plus" ear stimulator, available from a national vendor (OMS in Boston, 800-323-1839) for $75.

"If you want to find physicians who trained at UCLA, the website to use is "http://www.medicalacupuncture.org". If you need further details from me, or your chosen acupuncturist needs details, either contact my office (859-572-3453) or E-mail your question (drscheer@yahoo.com). I hope this has helped. Good luck!! "

Both Dr. Scheer and Dr. Lee have been willing to share the technique. Dr. Scheer's email is drscheer@yahoo.com. Dr. Lee's email is Linda.Lee@uc.edu.

(Information compiled and written by Micki Nellis)