Objective: To observe the clinical effect of the treatment of facial spasm by puncturing Houxi (SI 3) and compare the result with that of the control group treated by point injection on the same point.

Methods: (l) Puncture Houxi (SI 3) on the affected side. If it is not effective, puncture Houxi (SI 3) on the other side as well. Puncture the point quickly towards Laogong (PC 8), one cun in depth perpendicularly. Then manipulate the needle by lifting, thrusting, twirling and rotating. When there is arrival of qi, rotate the needle at a large amplitude 2-3 times, lift and thrust the needle 4-6 times to promote strong needling sensation. Repeat this technique once every 4-6 minutes. When the symptom is relieved, retain the needle for 30 minutes. In case the symptom is not relieved 10 minutes after the insertion of the needle, puncture Houxi (SI 3) on the other side again. Apply the same manipulation simultaneously on both points. Treatment is given once every day. 7 sessions constitute one course of treatment; (2) Selection of points in control group: Sibai (ST 2) is selected for spasm around the eye; Dicang (ST 4) is selected for spasm around the mouth; Taichong (LR 3) and Yifeng (TE 17) are selected for spasm of the eye and face. Use a l ml syringe, and No. 5 syringe needle and draw lml VitB12, inject 0.5ml of the medicine into each point slowly. Point injection is given once every 5-7 days. 7 sessions constitute one course of treatment.

Results: The case is cured if facial spasm disappears. The case is effective, if the seventy, lasting time and frequency of the attack are reduced obviously. The case is improved if spasm is reduced. The case fails if there are no changes after 1 course of treatment. Of 175 cases in treatment group, 112 cases were cured, 38 cases were effective, 23 cases were improved, 2 cases failed. The total effective rate was 98.8%. Of 45 cases in the control group, 12 cases were cured, 10 cases were effective, 12 cases were improved, 11 cases failed. The total effective rate was 75.6%. The difference compared in the two groups is of great significance (p<0.0l). In addition, in 15 years follow-up, in the treatment group, 11 cases had recurrence, accounting for 6.3%; in the control group, 23 cases had recurrence, accounting for 5l.l%. The recurrence rate of the treatment group was much lower than that of the control group.

Conclusion: Facial spasm is treated by puncturing Houxi (SI 3) to reduce and clear heart fire, tranquilize wind and relieve spasm. The therapeutic effect is satisfactory, the recurrence rate low.

By Li Youtian, Bo Yuping & Fu Qi.