Clinical study of usual acupuncture methods and cross insertion for peripheral facial paralysis / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

We proved that acupuncture insertion at a 45 degree angle to the path of the gastrocnemius muscle tissue of animals serves to relieve muscle fatigue. This was done as preparatory research to determine whether good results could be obtained using this insertion method in the treatment of peripheral facial nerve paralysis. Acupuncture points used were GB-14, TAIYO, SI-18, ST-4, ST-6, ST-5 and TE-17 on the face and GB-20, GB-21, BL-38 and LI-11. Stationary insertion was administered for a period of 15 minutes using 50mm No. 20 stainless steel needles.<br>No results were obtained with acupuncture therapy in 2 cases in which the symptoms were the after-affects of surgery, however results were obtained in 80% of Bell's Palsy cases and 70% of Hunt Syndrome cases. Fewer treatments were required in Bell's Palsy cases. Moreover a comparison of results in a former acupuncture therapy methods group in which insertion was performed without considering the muscle path, and the cross-insertion group, showed cure in 5 Bell's Palsy cases or 42% in the former group and 8 cases or 62% in the cross-insertion group. From the fact that results were obtained in the cross-insertion group with significantly fewer treatments it was indicated that the direction of acupuncture insertion is extremely important.