Bell’s palsy occurs as the result of an inflammation of the nerve that controls facial muscles, making one side of the face feel stiff and appear to droop. Research has shown that acupuncture may help to alleviate Bell’s palsy, even in patients who have not responded to other medical treatments. The acupuncture points used to treat Bell’s palsy will be chosen by the practitioner based on the patient’s needs, but several points are common in treating the condition. Always consult your doctor before using alternative medical treatments like acupuncture.
ST 4 - Dicang
The point known as “dicang” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is referred to in modern acupuncture practice as “ST 4,” because it is the fourth point on the stomach meridian, a pathway through which energy flows in the body. The Chinese name translates to “Earth Granary.” ST 4 is in line with the corner of the mouth, directly below the pupil, and treats several other conditions in addition to Bell’s palsy, including paralysis, toothaches, and symptoms of strokes.
ST 7 - Xiaguan
ST 7’s Chinese name, “xiaguan,” translates to “below the joint” in English. Like ST 4, ST 7 is located on the stomach meridian. Commonly used to treat issues occurring in the face and ears, ST 7 is located at the depression where the cheekbone and the jaw meet. Stimulation of this acupuncture point is thought to improve ear pain and infections, tinnitus, deafness, jaw pain, and lower jaw toothaches.
LI 20 - Ying Xiang
Located in the nasolabial crease — also known as the smile line — near the side of the nostril, LI 20’s Chinese name of “ying xiang” means “welcome fragrance.” It is point number 20 on the large intestine meridian, and is often used along with other nearby points on the meridian to treat a variety of ailments. Along with Bell’s palsy, LI 20 may treat sinusitis, allergies, and other nose and sinus issues.
GB 14 - Yang Bai
Another common point to treat Bell’s palsy, GB 14, is on the forehead in line with the pupil, roughly one finger’s width above the eyebrow. This point’s Chinese name is “yang bai,” which translates as “yang white.” It is located on the gall bladder meridian, and may be used to treat frontal and temporal headaches. In addition, acupuncturists often use GB 14 to alleviate issues with the eyes, including twitching, redness, itchiness, and swelling.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Bell’s Palsy
- “The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine”; Effect of Acupuncture in a Patient With 7-Year History of Bell’s Palsy; Wong C.L., et al., September 2008
- Yin Yang House: ST 4 Acupuncture Point - Di Cang - Stomach Meridian
- Yin Yang House: ST 7 Acupuncture Point - Xia Guan - Stomach Meridian
- Yin Yang House: LI 20 Acupuncture Point - Ying Xiang - Large Intestine Meridian
- Yin Yang House: ST 4 Acupuncture Point - GB 14 Acupuncture Point - Yang Bai - Gall Bladder Meridian
