Objective: Observation on acupuncture treatment of acute peripheral facial paralysis.

Methods: Two groups of points are selected: (l) Main points: Yangbai (GB 14), Xiaguan (ST 7), Jiache (ST 6), Daying (ST 5) are punctured on the affected side. Fengchi (GB 20), Zusanli (ST 36) are punctured bilaterally. Secondary points are Yifeng (TE 17), Tongziliao (GB l), Chengjiang (CV 24) on the affected side; (2) Main points are sibai (ST 12), Quanliao (SI 18), Dicang (ST 4), Yingxiang (LI 20) on the affected side. Hegu (LI 4) is punctured bilaterally. Renzhong (GV 26) is selected as a combination. For each treatment, only one group of points is selected. The two groups of points are used alternately. 10 sessions constitute one treatment course. Treatment process is divided into three stages: (l) acute stage (attack within one week). In this stage, points are punctured shallowly with mild stimulation. No penetrating needling is required; (2) recovery stage (within half year after the acute attack). In the recovery stage, penetrating needling technique is used. For instance: penetrating needling from Yangbai (GB 14) to Yuyao (EXHN 4), from Jiache (ST 6) to Quanliao (SI 18), from Daying (ST 5) to Dicang (ST 4) from Renying (ST 9) to Juliao (ST 3), from Chengjiang (CV 24) to Daying (ST 5), etc. Sequela stage (attack after half year), the treatment is as the same as the one in the recovery stage. Meanwhile, a couple of points on the face is selected and connected with G-6805 11 A type of electric acupuncture stimulator, continuous wave is conducted for 30 min; SY-301 type of electric moxibustion apparatus is added above the affected facial region for 30 min. In addition, Qianzheng Tang decoction for Treating Wry mouth) is administered orally.

Results: Of the 200 cases, the shortest course of disease was 1 day, the longest 17 years. After 2-3 sessions of treatment, 176 cases were cured, accounting for 88.0%; 15 cases were treated effectively, accounting for 7.5%; 9 cases improved, accounting for 4.5%. The total effective rate was 100%.

Conclusion: the therapeutic effect of the combination of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the treatment of peripheral facial paralysis is good. A prompt treatment with mild stimulation at the early stage is of clinical significance. In the recovery and sequela stage, acupuncture stimulation amount could be increased properly. In case there is facial spasm; stop using electric acupuncture stimulator.

Luo Heping.