4/23/2025

Acupuncture in the Treatment of Facial Paralysis – Global Trends and Research Directions

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Facial nerve paralysis, including Bell's palsy, can significantly impact patients' quality of life, leading to difficulties with facial expressions, speech, and even essential functions such as eating and blinking. In response to these challenges, increasing attention is being given to methods supporting nerve regeneration – including acupuncture, one of the oldest forms of traditional Chinese medicine therapy.

In an article published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, researchers analyzed global trends in research on the use of acupuncture in the treatment of facial paralysis based on data from 2013–2022.

"Understanding research trends in acupuncture can help develop better, integrated therapy methods for patients with facial paralysis."

Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study was to:

• Assess global scientific activity related to acupuncture in the treatment of facial paralysis.
• Identify the most important authors, institutions, countries, and topics.
• Analyze international collaboration and the development of research over time.

Bibliometric tools were used for the analysis, including VOSviewer and the Web of Science database.

Key Findings from the Analysis

China’s Dominance in Publications

China is the undisputed leader in this field – accounting for the largest number of scientific publications, due in part to the long-standing tradition of Chinese medicine and systematic support for acupuncture research.

• Most publications came from institutions such as Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
• Chinese researchers also most frequently collaborated with foreign centers.

Growing International Collaboration

Although China leads in the number of studies, an increasing number of publications are being created in cooperation with centers from South Korea, the United States, Germany, and Japan. This is a promising sign for future international projects.

Most Common Research Topics

Research most often focused on:

• The effectiveness of acupuncture in treating Bell’s palsy
• Mechanisms of action – how point stimulation affects the nerves
• Comparisons with other methods (e.g., pharmacotherapy)
• Impact on neuroplasticity and nerve regeneration

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Acupuncture may serve as a complementary form of therapy, especially in cases where other methods yield limited results. It can support:

• improved blood circulation in the facial area,
• reduction of muscle tension,
• nerve regeneration through its effects on the nervous and immune systems.
  

Note: The use of acupuncture should always be consulted with a physician. It is a supportive therapy, not a replacement.

What Requires Further Research?

The Need for Better Clinical Studies

Many authors emphasize that although the results are promising, there is a lack of well-designed studies with double-blind methodology and large control groups.

Standardization of Therapeutic Protocols

There are currently no standardized acupuncture protocols for facial paralysis – differences in points, frequency, and session duration make it difficult to compare results.

Neurobiological Mechanisms

Further research is needed on how exactly acupuncture influences nerve regeneration and neuroplasticity – the brain’s adaptive process after injury.

Summary

The study shows that acupuncture is the subject of growing scientific interest as a supportive treatment for facial nerve paralysis. Although many studies originate from China, international collaboration and new analytical technologies are helping to develop the field.

At the same time, the authors emphasize: high-quality further research is needed for acupuncture to be fully integrated into modern evidence-based medicine.


Source: ScienceDirect – Bibliometric and visualized analysis of acupuncture for facial paralysis