Ginger-insulated moxibustion for nonacute Bell’s palsy: a case report

Abstract

Peripheral facial paralysis could cause significant incompetence in the sensation and motion of face. With facial paralysis, a long time for the patient could suffer from depression, anxiety, hopelessness. However, in this case we found that ginger-separated moxibustion could cure nonacute peripheral facial paralysis with a short treatment course. A 55-year-old female with disappeared left forehead wrinkles and nasolabial groove, and hypophasis for more than 3 months. For further treatment, she was admitted to the acupuncture department. And, she was eventually cured after two weeks treatment. Based on the thorough history, physical examination, and the electromyography. Ginger-separated moxibustion was performed during the admission period (five times a week for two weeks). The following clinical improvements were detected: facial paralysis symptoms were improved (forehead wrinkles and left nasolabial groove were appeared, less numbness, normal movement of the eyelid); the latency of motor nerve conduction velocity was short and the amplitude of motor evoked potential was significantly improved in electromyography. Patients with nonacute peripheral facial paralysis might be cured by ginger-insulated moxibustion.