Objective: To treat 42 cases of peripheral facial paralysis with acupuncture followed by massage.

Methods: (l) Selection of points: Yangbai (GB 14), Cuanzhu (BL 2) Yuyao (Ex-HN 4), Sizhukong (TE 23), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Sibai (ST 2) Touwei (ST 8), Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Quanliao (SI 18), Xiaguan (ST 7), Yifeng (TE 17), Daying (ST 5), Hegu (Li 4) Zusanli (ST 36), Taichong (LR 3); (2) Manipulation: A supine posture of the patient is recommended; 3-4 points are selected on the affected eye and facial regions, and 2-3 points are selected on the healthy side. The points are selected alternately and punctured shallowly 0.2-0.5 cun. If the course of the disease is within one week, lifting, thrusting, twirling and rotating techniques shouldn't be applied if the course of the disease is above one week, twirl and rotate the needles with small amplitude gently and skillfully. While puncturing points around the eye, ask the patient to look forward. The tip of the needle is directed to the pupil and against the paralysis. While Puncturing distal points, reducing method is used for a course within one week; even reinforcing and reducing method is used for a course above one week; Hegu (LI 4) is simply punctured for children. According to the individual case, points on the affected side are punctured for two days, points on the healthy side are punctured for one day. Manipulate needles once every to minutes. Retain the needles for 20 minutes. Treatment is given once daily. One course of treatment consists of 12 times with an interval of two days between two courses; (3) Massage techniques: Use the tips of the index, middle finger, and ring finger to tap repeatedly for 3-5 times on Sibai (ST 2) Dicang (ST 4) Chengjiang (CV 24) Jiache(ST 6) Touwei (ST 8) on the orbital region along the stomach meridian of Foot Yangming with rolling, Pressing and kneading techniques with palm along the above mentioned running course. Rub the two hands till warm and then rub both affected and healthy facial regions and finally push to the nape, press and knead the sternocleidomastoideus. For a case with a course within one week, gentle manipulation is required; above one week, Stronger manipulation is recommended within the tolerance of the patient. For a persistent condition, massage is given till the local skin areas become slightly red. The whole manipulation lasts 10-15 minutes, for adults, 5 minutes for children.

Results: Of the 42 patients, 34 cases were cured, accounting for 51 %; 7 cases were effectively improved, accounting for 16.6%; one case failed to be treated, accounting for 2.4%.

Conclusion: The method introduced in this article can promote the circulation in the meridians and collaterals without hurting tissues, improve the blood circulation in the affected facial region for anti-inflammation, and restore the nerve functions.

By Feng Guoxiang & Cheng Yumei