How many acupuncture sessions are generally needed to see results for facial paralysis?

Dec 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

In general, the effectiveness of acupuncture for facial paralysis is significantly influenced by the duration and severity of the condition. Patients with mild acute cases may see noticeable improvement after 3–5 sessions, while those with moderate to severe symptoms or longer disease duration may require 10–15 sessions. Some chronic patients might need even more treatments. Timely and standardized therapy can shorten the time to response. During treatment, it is essential to keep the face warm, avoid exposure to cold wind, and refrain from washing the face with cold water.

Generally, the effectiveness of acupuncture for facial paralysis depends significantly on the duration and severity of the condition. Patients with mild acute cases may begin to see noticeable improvement after 3–5 sessions, while those with moderate to severe symptoms or longer disease duration may require 10–15 sessions. Some chronic patients might need even more treatments. Timely and standardized therapy can help shorten the time to response. Specific details are as follows:

For mild cases in the acute phase within one week of onset—characterized only by slight mouth deviation, incomplete eyelid closure, or facial numbness—acupuncture is typically administered once daily for about 30 minutes per session. After 3–5 treatments, most patients experience reduced facial stiffness, improved mouth alignment, and some may also notice enhanced eyelid closure.

If the condition has lasted longer than one week or presents with severe symptoms such as complete loss of forehead wrinkles, inability to puff cheeks or show teeth, or even facial muscle twitching, the treatment course should be extended. Usually, 10–15 acupuncture sessions constitute one therapeutic cycle, after which significant improvement is commonly observed.

During treatment, it is essential to keep the face warm, avoid exposure to cold winds, refrain from washing the face with cold water, and minimize late nights and emotional fluctuations. These precautions can support and enhance the efficacy of acupuncture, promoting faster recovery.

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Where are the acupuncture points for facial paralysis (crooked mouth)?

Under normal circumstances, acupuncture for facial paralysis typically targets key acupoints on the face and related meridians, commonly including Dicang (ST4), Jiache (ST6), Hegu (LI4), Yangbai (GB14), and Taiyang (EX-HN5). During acupuncture treatment, contraindications and precautions must be carefully observed. The procedure should be strictly performed by qualified medical professionals with precise localization of acupoints to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

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

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.

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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.