Chuan Niu Xi Radix Cyathulae 9 g
Shan Zhi Zi Fructus Gardeniae jasminoidis 6 g
Huang Qin Radix Scutellariae baicalensis 9 g
Yi Mu Cao Herba Leonori heterophylli 9 g
Ye Jiao Teng Caulis Polygoni multiflori 9 g
Fu Shen Sclerotium Poriae cocos 6 gExplanation
This formula has already been explained in the chapter on Headaches (Chapter 1).
Facial Paralysis
The facial paralysis following a stroke is called central facial paralysis in Western medicine as it
arises from the central nervous system. Peripheral facial paralysis occurring without a stroke is
due to injury of the peripheral nerves alone. In facial paralysis following Wind-stroke the nerves
above the eyes are not affected, i.e. the movement of the eyebrows and furrowing of the forehead
are normal. In peripheral facial paralysis the patient will only be able to move one eyebrow when
trying to frown and furrowing of the forehead will not occur on the paralysed side. In other
words, the two most prominent signs in facial paralysis following a stroke are deviation of an
eye and the mouth.
Although the aetiology of central and peripheral facial paralysis is different, treatment with
Chinese medicine is similar for both. Thus, the treatment recommended here for facial paralysis
following a stroke applies also to peripheral facial paralysis (Bell's palsy). From a Chinese
perspective, facial paralysis following a stroke is due to internal Wind, whilst Bell's palsy is due
to external Wind.
Acupuncture
On examination, one should ask the patient to close the eyes, bulge the cheeks, grin and whistle
in order for the site and extent of paralysis to be ascertained. The eye on the paralysed side will
not close completely, the mouth will deviate towards the unaffected side, and the lips on the
paralysed side will not move on attempting to grin. This will also provide a guideline for the
selection of local points (Figure 27.2(519)).
The treatment of facial paralysis is based on distal and local points. The distal points are needled
with reducing method if the paralysis is of less than one month's duration and even method if it
has persisted longer. For very prolonged cases moxa with small cones may be used and also
cupping on the cheek with small cups.
Only one distal point and three to five local ones on the paralysed side are normally selected.