Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Peripheral facial paralysis, also known as Bell's palsy, is characterized by acute dysfunction of the facial nerve. Standard treatments like corticosteroids and antiviral agents don't always lead to full recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Yin-Yang Harmony Acupuncture Therapy (YYHAT) in improving facial muscle function and resting state facial appearance in affected patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 202 patients with peripheral facial paralysis who received either conventional acupuncture or YYHAT in conjunction with standard medical treatments. Clinical outcomes were assessed using surface electromyography (sEMG) for muscle latency and amplitude, facial vascular hemodynamics (via Doppler ultrasound), modified Portmann scores, anxiety and depression scales, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Compared to the conventional group, the YYHAT group demonstrated significantly better improvements in sEMG latency and amplitude for key facial muscles (P < 0.05). Doppler ultrasound revealed increased diastolic end velocity and systolic peak velocity of the facial artery in the YYHAT group (P < 0.05). The YYHAT group also achieved better modified Portmann scores in both facial motor function and resting state appearance. Additionally, patients in the YYHAT group showed greater reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms (P < 0.05) and higher satisfaction with treatment efficacy (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Yin-Yang Harmony Acupuncture Therapy significantly enhances both physiological and psychological recovery in patients with peripheral facial paralysis compared to conventional acupuncture.