James R Little, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, MC, SFS
Richard C Niemtzow, Colonel, USAF, MC, FS
ABSTRACT
Auricular electrotherapy may offer an effective, drug-free alternative or
complementary treatment for circadian desynchronosis (jet lag). During operational flight
missions, 5 aircrew members were treated for circadian desynchronosis using a Pointer Plus
device. All members reported restful, restorative sleep without side effects. All
participants expressed future preference for auricular therapy over pharmacotherapy for
circadian desynchronosis.
KEY WORDS
Circadian Desynchronosis, Jet Lag, Reflex Somatotopic System, Auricular
Acupuncture, Electro-Auriculotherapy, Sedative-Hypnotics, Pharmacotherapy, Aircrew,
Aeromedical Implications, Alternative Medicine, Complementary Medicine
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INTRODUCTION
Auricular acupuncture is based on a reflex somatotopic system organized on the
surface of the external ear. Auricular acupuncture is known to augment and prolong the
efficacy of regular acupuncture therapy, especially in the areas of traumatic pain
management, as well as other organic and functional problems. Currently, the United States
Air Force (USAF) authorizes the controlled use of certain sedative-hypnotics during
military operations for circadian desynchronosis (jet lag). As in the civilian sector,
military members seek drug-free, alternative forms of therapy. If proven effective, the
use of auricular electrotherapy is an appealing alternative and/or complement to jet lag
management. An opportunity to evaluate this treatment modality availed itself in the
military flying population, which is described herein.
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REPORT OF CASES
Auricular electrotherapy1 was performed on 5 USAF aircrew members
suffering from circadian desynchronosis during flight operations into Southwest and/or
Southeast Asia. The treatment group desired a drug-free treatment for jet lag and declined
the usual pharmacotherapy regimen as authorized by the USAF. Consent was obtained from all
participants. Auriculotherapy was not performed within 12 hours of expected flight duty
operations.
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TREATMENT
A Pointer Plus device was used to treat ear points. Ear points were Shen Men,
Point Zero, Sleep Disorder 1 and 2, as well as the Pineal Gland. The Pointer Plus is an
electronic ear stimulator and point detector with the following output: a frequency of 10
Hz, a pulse width of 220 microseconds, and a pulse shape of an asymmetric biphasic square
wave. Each point was treated for approximately 20 to 30 seconds.
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RESULTS
Five aircrew members suffering from circadian desynchronosis during flight
operations reported restful, restorative sleep with auricular electrotherapy. The
somnifacient-inducing effects of auricular therapy were noted within 1 to 3 minutes of
treatment. The average sleep period for the group was 6 hours. No significant adverse
effects were noted or reported by aircrew members. Aircrew members reported satisfaction
at the efficacy and effectiveness of auriculotherapy vs. pharmacotherapy. Participants
expressed future preference for auriculotherapy over pharmacotherapy for jet lag
management.
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DISCUSSION
Further evaluation comparing sedative-hypnotics, auriculotherapy, and placebo,
as well as studying a larger population, is indicated. Only physicians properly trained in
auriculotherapy are encouraged to use this modality. Improper auricular stimulation may
adversely affect aircrew health, flying safety, and/or mission accomplishment.
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CONCLUSION
Based on this very small case series, it is believed that auricular electrotherapy may
be a promising, effective and drug-free alternative treatment modality for jet lag
management.
REFERENCES
- Oleson, Terry, PhD, Auriculotherapy manual: Chinese and Western systems of ear
acupuncture, 2nd edition, Los Angeles: Health Care Alternatives, Inc.,
1996:176-177, 180, 194.
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AUTHORS' INFORMATION
Dr James Little is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force Medical Corps,
and is the Deputy Chief of Aerospace Medicine Branch for Headquarters, Air Education and
Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Dr Little is residency-trained in Family
Practice, Aerospace Medicine, and Occupational Medicine with a Master's Degree in Public
Health, Harvard School of Public Health.
James R Little, MD, MPH
Lt Col, USAF, MC, SFS
HQ AETC/SGPA
63 Main Circle, Suite 3
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4549
Phone: 210-652-3536 Fax: 210-652-8968
E-mail: jim.little@randolph.af.mil
Dr Richard Niemtzow is a Colonel in the United States Air Force, on special assignment
with the United States Navy. Dr Niemtzow practices acupuncture full-time with oncology
patients at the Navy Medical Center, San Diego, California.
Richard C Niemtzow, MD, MPH, PhD
1835 East Main Street
El Cajon, CA 92021-5255
Phone: 619-447-6806 Fax: 619-447-6881
E-mail: N5ev@aol.com
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