Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32461/
Modified and translated by CFJA
Facial Nerve Paralysis Should Be Treated with AcuMoxa as Early as Possible
If you notice any difficulty in facial movement, based on clinical experience, I strongly recommend starting treatment as soon as possible—every minute and second counts. The Japan Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Society recommends initiating treatment within three days of onset❺.
When facial nerve paralysis occurs on one side due to “wind” as an external factor, it is a condition with a very high likelihood of improvement with AcuMoxa treatment.
Based on approximately 45 years of clinical experience, when treated with AcuMoxa alone (without medication), the general pattern observed is:
- Treatment on Day 1 → improvement within 1 day
- Treatment starting on Day 3 → improvement within 3 days
- Treatment starting on Day 5 → improvement within 5 days
- Treatment starting on Day 7 → improvement within 7 days
- Treatment starting on Day 10 → improvement in about 10 days
- Treatment starting on Day 14 → improvement in about 14 days
When AcuMoxa treatment is initiated within two weeks of onset, improvement tends to occur over a period roughly equal to the number of days since onset. If treatment begins about one month after onset, recovery generally takes a similar duration; beyond that, more time is typically required.
The likelihood of recovery remains high within the first three months after onset. After this period, it is thought that degeneration of the nerve cells may occur, and some cases may not fully recover. When more than three months have passed, recovery may take over a year.
For those who are able to attend treatment, I strongly recommend starting AcuMoxa therapy as early as possible.
AcuMoxa and Blood Stasis Therapy Are Optimal for Improving Facial Nerve Paralysis
Facial nerve paralysis may occur as a sequela of conditions such as cerebral infarction (stroke) or intracranial hemorrhage. There are also many cases in which it develops approximately five weeks after the onset of herpes zoster (shingles). Even when there is an underlying condition, the day paralysis appears should be considered Day 1, and early AcuMoxa treatment (internal–external therapy) is strongly recommended.
This approach is not limited to facial nerve paralysis; it also applies to radial nerve palsy, ulnar nerve palsy, median nerve palsy, and peroneal nerve palsy.
In general, acupuncture is effective for conditions arising from internal factors, while moxibustion is effective for conditions caused by external factors. When there is impaired blood circulation or fluid metabolism, blood stasis therapy is considered optimal.
For individuals who develop facial nerve paralysis after undergoing pharmacological treatment (internal medicine) or surgical intervention (surgical treatment), AcuMoxa therapy—which works from the exterior of the body to influence internal organ function—can be beneficial. Please consult a licensed acupuncturist or a healthcare facility where acupuncture services are available.
For maintaining health and improving overall well-being, exercise and breathing practices are also effective. We encourage you to explore our blog on disease prevention and to incorporate self-care (yojo) practices based on East Asian medicine into your daily life.
References
❶ Japan Meteorological Agency – Seasonal Weather Column: “Haru Ichiban”
❷ Juntendo University Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery – “Facial Nerve Paralysis”
❸ Nikkei Medical – Outpatient Quick Reference: “Facial Nerve Paralysis”
❹ National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center – “Specialized Stroke Emergency Care Remains Important Even After 4.5 Hours”
❺ “What Is Facial Nerve Paralysis? Causes, Treatment, and Rehabilitation” – ENT / Head and Neck Surgery Resource
Is Facial Nerve Paralysis Triggered by a Cold? Can AcuMoxa Support Recovery? 01