Observation on the therapeutic effect of facial acupuncture combined with scalp Gua Sha in the treatment of facial paralysis

Abstract

Facial paralysis is a common neurological disorder that can result from various central or peripheral nervous system diseases, impairing facial expression and significantly affecting the quality of life. Traditional Chinese external therapies, including facial acupuncture and scalp Gua Sha, have shown promise in rehabilitation. However, clinical evaluations of their combined application remain limited. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of facial acupuncture combined with scalp Gua Sha in treating facial paralysis. This retrospective controlled study analyzed 132 patients with facial paralysis treated at our hospital between January 2023 and January 2025. Patients were assigned to a combined treatment group (facial acupuncture + scalp Gua Sha, n = 68) or a control group (facial acupuncture alone, n = 64). Both groups underwent 4 weeks of treatment. Outcomes included House-Brackmann facial nerve grading, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, onset time of symptom relief, facial muscle electromyography recovery, adverse events, and patient satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. After 4 weeks, the proportion of patients reaching House-Brackmann grade I-II was higher in the combined group (82.4%) than in the control group (64.1%) (P = .015). TCM syndrome scores decreased significantly in both groups, with a higher effectiveness rate in the combined group (91.2% vs 76.6%, P = .018). The combined group showed faster symptom relief (5.2 ± 1.3 vs 7.6 ± 2.1 days, P < .001) and better electromyography recovery rates (79.4% vs 61.5%, P = .042). No serious adverse events occurred in either group; mild reactions were similar (P = .382). Patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the combined group (4.6 ± 0.5 vs 4.2 ± 0.6, P = .009). Facial acupuncture combined with scalp Gua Sha significantly improves facial nerve function and TCM syndromes, accelerates symptom relief, and enhances patient satisfaction. With high safety and patient compliance, this integrative approach offers notable clinical benefits and warrants broader application in facial paralysis rehabilitation.

Keywords: electromyography; facial acupuncture; facial paralysis; patient satisfaction; scalp Gua Sha; traditional Chinese external therapy.

Figure 1.

Distribution of HB grades after 4 weeks of treatment. HB = House-Brackmann.

Figure 2.

Changes in TCM syndrome scores before and after treatment. TCM = Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Figure 3.

Comparison of symptom onset time between groups.

Figure 4.

EMG recovery rate of facial muscles. EMG = electromyography.