Patient's question:
Symptom Description: How to treat facial paralysis? I've had it for several years and it hasn't been cured no matter what I do. Past Treatment and Effect: I've had it for several years and it hasn't been cured. Help I Need: How to treat facial paralysis?Doctor's answer:
1 Early detection, early treatment. Timely treatment of facial paralysis is crucial; early intervention can better control the condition and prevent its progression or transformation. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that this condition is often caused by empty meridians and the invasion of wind pathogens, classified as a syndrome of deficiency in origin and excess in manifestation. When using herbal medicine for treatment, it is important to avoid excessive dryness and warmth to prevent the consumption of yin blood and the nourishment of tendons and nerves, which may lead to facial muscle spasms.2 Local treatment. Clinical combination with physical therapy is also an effective method. During the acute phase, applying warm compresses near the stylomastoid foramen and stimulating acupoints such as Yangbai, Sibai, and Jiache can improve local blood circulation, reduce edema, and alleviate pain. This is one of the initial treatment methods for facial paralysis.
3 Acupuncture treatment. This is also an initial treatment method for facial paralysis but should follow these principles: In the early stages of the condition, shallow and gentle needling is recommended, with the technique strictly avoiding excessive or overly stimulating manipulation. If strong stimulation is applied too early, it may lead to facial muscle spasms, prolonging the recovery process. In the pre-recovery phase, electrical stimulation should not be used to prevent localized facial muscle spasms or twitching.