Observation on the therapeutic effect of time-oriented points opening of Linggui Bafa for Bell's palsy

ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of time-oriented points opening of Linggui Bafa for Bell's palsy and provide a new idea for the clinical treatment of this problem.MethodsFifty-four cases included in the study were randomized into two groups, and the treatment group was treated with the routine acupuncture combined with time-oriented points opening of Linggui Bafa. The control group was treated with the routine acupuncture only, Hégû ( LI 4), Kūnlún ( BL 60), Jiáchē ( ST 6), Dìcāng ( ST 4), Xiàguān ( ST 7), Cuánzhú ( BL 2), Yángbái ( GB 14), and Quánliáo ( SI 18) were selected as the main points. The manipulation and time of retaining needles were as same as the treatment group. Both groups were treated once a day, 5 days made one session and 4 sessions were required in all. Modified Portmann's scale, Horse-Brackmann grading scale (H-B), FDIP and FDIS were used to assess the therapeutic effect after the treatment.ResultsThe curative and improvement rate in the treatment group was 80.8% (22/26), and that in the control group was 66.7% (16/24), with the statistically significant difference (P<0.05), the comparison of scores of Portmann's scale, H-B, FDIP and FDIS in the same group and between the two groups before and after the treatment also had statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).ConclusionThe method of time-oriented points opening of Linggui Bafa for Bell's palsy is better than the routine acupuncture for Bell's palsy.