The Necessity of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Facial Paralysis: A Multidimensional Approach to Rehabilitation

Facial paralysis not only causes dysfunction in facial muscle movement but can also lead to psychological stress, loss of self-esteem, and social difficulties. Although modern medicine uses corticosteroids and antiviral drugs to rapidly control the condition in the acute phase, many patients still face incomplete recovery or long-term sequelae during rehabilitation. Acupuncture, as a unique and traditional therapy in Chinese medicine, plays an irreplaceable role in treating facial paralysis. Its necessity can be seen from several key perspectives:

1. Complementing the Limitations of Modern Medicine

• Prevention of Sequelae and Synkinesis:
  Modern medicine primarily focuses on controlling inflammation and protecting nerves during the acute phase, but it has certain limitations in long-term rehabilitation and in preventing abnormal nerve regeneration (such as synkinesis). Acupuncture, by providing continuous stimulation to specific acupoints, improves local blood circulation and promotes the release of neurotrophic factors. This helps nerve regeneration and reduces the incidence of sequelae.

• Personalized Holistic Regulation:
  Modern treatment protocols tend to follow standardized, process-based approaches. In contrast, TCM's principle of syndrome differentiation allows acupuncture to be precisely adjusted according to the patient's individual condition. This approach not only restores local function but also regulates the overall state of the body, enhancing overall rehabilitation outcomes.

2. Minimal Side Effects and High Safety

As a non-pharmacological therapy, acupuncture generally exhibits minimal side effects and high safety. For patients who are unsuitable for corticosteroids or have drug contraindications, acupuncture offers a gentle alternative. The side effects associated with acupuncture, such as mild local soreness or temporary bruising, typically resolve on their own, while modern medications may lead to systemic adverse effects, making acupuncture particularly suitable for long-term rehabilitation and daily regulation.

3. Promotion of Nerve Regeneration and Functional Recovery

• Activation of Neural Plasticity:
  Research indicates that acupuncture can promote the expression and release of neurotrophic factors like nerve growth factor (NGF), which are crucial for repairing and regenerating damaged nerves. Continuous acupuncture treatment not only improves local microcirculation but also facilitates the reorganization of neural networks, thereby restoring coordination and natural facial expressions.

• Balancing Neuromuscular Coordination:
  Facial paralysis often leads to imbalances between nerve and muscle functions. Acupuncture can regulate nerve conduction and help re-establish effective neuromuscular connections, resulting in improved facial movement and a more harmonious recovery.

4. Psychological Regulation and Overall Rehabilitation

Facial paralysis can impose a heavy psychological burden on patients, with visible facial changes leading to anxiety, low self-esteem, and social difficulties. Acupuncture has been shown to modulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, reducing stress hormone levels and alleviating anxiety. Moreover, the unique “de qi” sensation experienced during acupuncture provides a relaxing and positive experience, helping patients build confidence and improve their overall quality of life.

5. A Key Component in Integrated Treatment Strategies

In modern integrative rehabilitation, acupuncture is often used as an adjunct to other treatments such as corticosteroids, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. Numerous clinical practices and randomized controlled trials have shown that combining TCM with modern medicine can accelerate nerve recovery and reduce the incidence of long-term complications, leading to better overall treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

In summary, acupuncture plays a crucial role in the treatment of facial paralysis for several reasons. It compensates for the limitations of modern medicine in long-term rehabilitation and personalized regulation, offers high safety with minimal side effects, and uniquely promotes nerve regeneration while also addressing psychological well-being. In the future, as part of a comprehensive treatment system, acupuncture is expected to continue playing a key role in enhancing recovery and improving patients’ quality of life.