Which areas are needled in facial nerve acupuncture?

Acupuncture points for facial nerves are typically selected locally on the face, with commonly used points including Yangbai (GB14), Jingming (BL1), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Jiache (ST6), Dicang (ST4), and Xiaguan (ST7). The selection of points varies according to syndrome differentiation and disease stage—acute phase, recovery phase, and sequelae phase—and treatment should be performed under the guidance of trained professionals. Specific details are as follows:

Acupuncture can be applied throughout all stages of facial nerve disorders, but the choice of points and needling techniques differ depending on the stage, reflecting the TCM principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment. During the first week—the acute phase—the condition is relatively superficial; therefore, fewer facial points should be used, and gentle needling techniques are recommended. Clinically, the main focus is often on points in the neck, nape, and limbs, and sometimes healthy-side facial points are selected. During the recovery phase (7–30 days after onset), the number of facial points may be moderately increased, and penetrating needling techniques (trans-acupoint insertion) are commonly employed. At this stage, points on the affected side are primarily used, such as Yangbai, Sibai (ST2), Dicang penetrating toward Jiache, while Hegu (LI4) is usually selected on the healthy side and Taichong (LR3) bilaterally.

In clinical practice, various methods are used. Practitioners generally select points based on their experience, either following meridians or according to syndrome differentiation, and apply appropriate points and treatments as deemed suitable.