Facial paralysis is a condition characterized by the drooping of the mouth and eye to one side. This condition can occur at any age, but is more common in the winter and summer seasons. The onset is rapid, and it usually affects one side of the face.
This condition corresponds to peripheral facial nerve paralysis in Western medicine, most commonly Bell's palsy. It is believed that local exposure to wind or cold stimulation, peripheral inflammation, causes inflammation, ischemia, and edema of the facial nerve canal and surrounding tissues, or autonomic nerve dysfunction, local blood vessel spasm, leading to tissue edema and compression of the facial nerve, resulting in inflammatory changes.
Facial paralysis falls under the category of "suspension wind" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is believed that the body's vital energy is insufficient, the blood vessels are empty, the defense is not solid, wind-cold or wind-heat takes advantage of the deficiency to invade the facial meridians, causing blockage of qi and blood, and dysfunction of the meridians and muscles.
The following acupoints are for moxibustion during the acute and recovery phases, many of which can be applied simultaneously with the AiYiSheng 360 moxibustion device; moxibustion points for the sequela phase can be found in the later section on additional moxibustion based on syndrome differentiation.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course.
(If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)
1. Engage in more facial functional exercises, such as: raising eyebrows, puffing out cheeks, tightly closing eyes, and opening mouth wide.
2. Perform mild acupoint massage daily.
3. Dietary therapy recipes:
(1) Eel Porridge. Eel, ginseng, shredded carrots, and shredded ginger in appropriate amounts, cooked together, and consumed after cooking.
(2) Goji Berry and Lamb Kidney Porridge. 30 grams of goji berries, 1 lamb kidney, 50 grams of mutton, 50 grams of millet, and an appropriate amount of scallions and five-spice powder. Boil the lamb kidney and mutton slices with goji berries and seasonings for 20 minutes, then add rice and cook into porridge. Consume as breakfast in the morning to benefit qi and replenish deficiency, promote circulation, and assist in the treatment of long-standing facial paralysis.