Facial Paralysisaccording to TCM

What is Facial Paralysis?

Facial paralysis, commonly known as Bell's palsy, is a condition characterized by the sudden onset of muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. This medical issue can affect a person's facial expressions, leading to difficulties with blinking, smiling, and other facial movements.

The exact cause of facial paralysis can vary, but it often involves damage to or inflammation of the facial nerve, which controls muscles on one side of the face. While the condition can affect anyone, it typically occurs spontaneously and may improve over time with or without treatment.

How does TCM View Facial Paralysis?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches facial paralysis from a holistic perspective, attributing its onset to the invasion of external Wind and the subsequent imbalance of Qi and Blood within the Channels that traverse the facial region.

TCM emphasizes that symptoms can arise from various patterns of disharmony, making it crucial to identify the specific pattern affecting each individual. This diagnostic process allows practitioners to tailor treatments that address the root cause of the condition, rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

Root Causes of Facial Paralysis in TCM

In TCM, facial paralysis is often linked to the invasion of Exterior Wind, which disrupts the flow of Qi and Blood in the Channels in face area. This disruption can stem from exposure to Cold Winds or a Deficiency in the body's Defensive Qi, making it vulnerable to external pathogenic factors.

Among the patterns associated with facial paralysis, Exterior Wind is a common culprit, presenting symptoms like aversion to cold, fever, and headaches, alongside the characteristic unilateral facial weakness. Treatment focuses on expelling Wind, invigorating Blood, and restoring the harmonious flow of Qi to alleviate symptoms.

Explore below more details about what might cause Facial paralysis according to TCM.

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Facial Paralysis

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Exterior Wind	Facial paralysis, Aversion to cold, Fever, Headaches, Anemophobia, Nasal discharge, Clear sputum, Itchy throat, Sneezing, Coughing, Muscle pain, Itchy skin... see more	Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Facial Paralysis

To combat facial paralysis, TCM prescribes specific formulas aimed at addressing the underlying patterns of disharmony. One such formula is Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, which contains Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) and is categorized under Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind.

This formula is particularly effective for patterns involving Exterior Wind, as it works to invigorate the Blood and dispel Wind, thus relieving symptoms associated with facial paralysis. By targeting the root cause of the condition, these herbal remedies seek to restore balance and promote recovery.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address facial paralysis, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Wind:
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause facial paralysis, such as Exterior Wind

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Acupoints for Facial Paralysis

Acupuncture plays a pivotal role in the TCM treatment of facial paralysis, with specific acupoints selected to expel Wind, stimulate the circulation of Qi and Blood, and alleviate symptoms. Points such as Dicang ST-4 and Juliao ST-3 on the Stomach Channel, and Hegu LI-4 on the Large Intestine Channel, are often utilized for their effectiveness in removing obstructions from the channels and expelling Exterior Wind.

These acupoints, along with others like Chengjiang REN-24 and Haiquan EX-HN-11, are strategically chosen to target the disharmony patterns identified in the patient, offering a nuanced approach to treatment that aims for a holistic restoration of health.

Explore below some acupoints used to address facial paralysis, organized by meridian.

Juliao ST-3

Directly below Sibai ST-2, at the level of the lower border of ala nasi.

Dicang ST-4

Lateral to the corner of the mouth, directly below Juliao ST-3.

Neiting ST-44

Between the 2nd and the 3rd toes, proximal to the interdigital fold.

Hegu LI-4

Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

Yingxiang LI-20

In the nasolabrial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of ala nasi.

Zanzhu BL-2

On the medial extremity of the eyebrow, or on the supraorbital notch.

Tongtian BL-7

1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 4 cun within the anterior hairline.

Chengjiang REN-24

On the midline, in the center of the mentolabial groove.

Quanliao SI-18

Directly below the outer canthus, in the depression on the lower border of zygoma.

Yangbai GB-14

On the forehead, 1 cun above the midpoint of the eyebrow, approximately at the junction of the upper two-thirds and lower third of the vertical line draw from the anterior hairline to the eyebrow.

Yifeng TB-17

Posterior to the lobule of the ear, in the depression between the mandible and mastoid process.