The modulation of olfactory thresholds by auricular acupuncture at a specif
ic auricular acupuncture point was examined. The Lung Point, supplied by th
e auricular branch of the vagus nerve, was employed in a controlled single
blind study of a randomized population of 23 healthy volunteers. Two odorou
s substances, beta-Phenyl ethyl alcohol and Methyl cyclopentenolone were us
ed 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. O
ur findings suggest that auricular acupuncture stimulation can decrease the
recognition threshold of olfactory sensitivity.