Effects of Thread Embedding Therapy on Complete Facial Palsy

Objectives : The aim of this study was to observe the effect of Embedding therapy on complete facial palsy after primary treatment. Methods : 11 patients with complete facial palsy were treated with Embedding therapy. It was performed once a day, every two weeks. 15~20 Embedding threads were used in each Embedding therapy treatment. The total number of Embedding therapy treatments was 4 or 8. Frontalis muscles (including the Yangbaek (GB14)), Orbicularis oculi muscle, Levator labii superioris muscle, Zygomatic major muscle, Zygomatic minor muscle (including the Georyo (ST3) and Jichang (ST4)), Masseter muscle, Buccinator muscle (including the Hyeopgeo (ST6)) and Orbicularis Oris muscle were selected. Yanagihara's score and House-Brackmann scale were compared for before and after treatment to evaluate the effect of Embedding therapy. Results : Yanagihara's score increased significantly (p=0.003). House-Brackmann Scale decreased significantly (p=0.005). Three patients were extremely satisfied, six patients were satisfied, and two patients responded neutrally in regards to Embedding therapy. Conclusions : Embedding therapy can be effective in improving symptoms of complete facial palsy.