Facial Paralysis Treated with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs

50 Cases of Facial Paralysis Treated with the Combination of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
　　Objective: 50 cases of facial paralysis were treated with the combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine with quite good therapeutic result.
Methods: (l) Acupuncture: Dicang (ST 4), penetrating needling from Taiyang (EX-HN5) to Jiache (ST 6), Sibai (ST 2), penetrating needling from Renzhong (GV 26) to Dicang (ST 4), from Yangbai (GB 14) to Cuanzhu (BL 2), Sizhukong (TE 23), Yifeng (TE 17), Fengchi (GB 20), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiting (ST 44), Taichong (LR 3) etc. For recent attack, points are punctured with reducing method on the healthy side; for chronic case, pelf its are punctured on both sides combined with moxibustion. One course consists of 7-10 days of treatment; (2) Bleeding therapy: use a three-edged needle to prick the buccal mucosa of the affected side where the second molar tooth is located. To bleed for a few drops of blood in each treatment. Treatment is given once every three days; (3) Treatment based on differentiation of syndromes: Obstruction of wind-Phlegm in the meridians: This syndrome is marked by chills and fever, headache, contracture of the limbs, joint aching, thin, white tongue coating, and superficial rolling pulse. Formulae used are Da Qinjiao Tang (Major Gentian Decoction), and Qianzheng San (Powder for Treating Wry-mouth). Qi deficiency and blood stagnation: This syndrome is present in aged or weak people who received treatment for long time, but did not respond well. Manifestations: pale complexion, dislike to speaking, reduced appetite, spontaneous sweating, general lassitude, slightly white tongue coating, dark tongue, slow rolling pulse. Formulae used: Buyang Huanwu Tang (Decoction Invigorating Yang for Recuperation) and Qianzheng San (Powder for Treating Wry-mouth). Hyperactivity of liver yang: manifestations: dizziness and vertigo, tinnitus with an
　　audible sound of a cicada shouting, redness of the face, irritability, red tongue with scaly coating, string-taut, long and forceful pulse. Formulae: Tianma Gouteng Yin (Decoction of Gastrodia and Uncaria) and Qianzheng San (Powder for Treating Wry-mouth).
Results: 45 cases were cured, accounting for 90%, 4 cases were treated effectively, accounting for 8%, 1 case failed to be treated, accounting for 2%, the total effective rate was 98%.
Conclusion: It is significant to improve the therapeutic effect by using penetrating needling techniques in acupuncture with proper manipulation of reinforcing and reducing methods and Chinese herbal medicine based on differentiation of syndromes.