ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the optimal time for treating facial paralysis with acupuncture therapy. Methods: Eighty-six patients with facial paralysis in different disease durations were treated with same needling technique. Patients of the treatment group at the developing stage were dealt with moderate stimulation, and at the stationary stage and the recovery stage with strong stimulation. Patients of the control group at the developing stage were treated with drugs improving micro-circulation and nerve functions, and glucocorticoids, at the stationary stage and the recovery stage with the same methods as in the treatment group.Results: The cure rate in the treatment group and the control group were 88.1% and 68.2%respectively, and the former has shorter treatment course. Conclusion: Acupuncture therapy has better effect on facial paralysis than routine Westem medicine, and shorter treatment course.