How long does it take for acupuncture to cure mild facial paralysis?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Mild facial paralysis can be largely restored after 1–2 courses of acupuncture treatment. Mild facial paralysis is mostly caused by invasion of wind-cold and nerve edema, with mild symptoms and no severe nerve damage. Acupuncture can quickly unblock meridians and improve local blood circulation. After one course of treatment, most people gradually regain facial muscle movement, and symptoms such as mouth deviation and difficulty closing the eyes are significantly relieved.

Mild facial paralysis can generally be largely restored after 1–2 courses of acupuncture treatment, with each course lasting 10–14 days, depending on the severity of nerve damage. If in doubt, early standardized treatment is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Mild facial paralysis is mostly caused by invasion of wind-cold and nerve edema, presenting mild symptoms without severe nerve damage. Acupuncture can quickly unblock meridians and improve local blood circulation. Most patients gradually regain facial muscle movement after one course of treatment, with significant relief from symptoms such as mouth deviation and difficulty closing the eyes.

If no timely intervention is provided during the early stage of onset, or if underlying medical conditions are present, the recovery period may extend to two treatment courses. In such cases, consistent and regular treatment is required, along with supportive measures like facial massage and warm compresses, to promote faster nerve function recovery and prevent long-term complications.

During treatment, it's important to keep the face warm and avoid exposure to cold wind; maintain a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods; stay emotionally balanced and avoid excessive fatigue; strictly follow professional guidance and do not discontinue treatment prematurely to ensure optimal recovery outcomes.

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What are the TCM syndrome differentiation types and corresponding prescriptions for facial paralysis?

In traditional Chinese medicine, facial paralysis is generally classified into the following syndrome types: wind-cold attacking the channels, wind-heat attacking the channels, wind-phlegm obstructing the channels, qi deficiency with blood stasis, and liver fire ascending. Corresponding commonly used herbal formulas typically include Qianzheng San with modifications, Yin Qiao San combined with Qianzheng San with modifications, Ditan Tang combined with Qianzheng San with modifications, Buyang Huanwu Tang combined with Qianzheng San with modifications, and Long Dan Xie Gan Tang combined with Qianzheng San with modifications, respectively. A detailed analysis is as follows:

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What are the early symptoms of salivary duct carcinoma?

Early symptoms of salivary duct carcinoma may include a painless mass in the parotid region, mild swelling or discomfort in the parotid area, abnormal salivary secretion, facial numbness or mild facial paralysis, and abnormalities at the duct opening inside the mouth. These early symptoms are often subtle and easily overlooked. Any abnormalities should be evaluated promptly. If a persistent mass, pain, or facial changes occur in the parotid region, immediate medical consultation is necessary.