Acupuntura Aplicada na Paralisia Facial de Bell com Base nas Ramificações do Nervo Facial

Background: The obstruction in the movement of energy and blood by exogenous factors, a characteristic of the Bell’s facial palsy, results in malnutrition of the muscle tissues and motor impairment. Objective: To evaluate the effects of acupuncture on the branches of the facial nerve using electromyography (EMG) and facial expression images. Methodology: A 27-year-old man diagnosed with Bell’s facial palsy on the left side one week previously participated in this study. In electromyography, the electrodes were positioned on the frontal, orbicularis oris and sternocleidomastoid muscles; facial expression images were taken prior to and after acunpuncture inserted into the following points:E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, IG20, ID18, VB14, Chengjiang and Ashi along the facial nerve branches. Rehabilitation consisted of 8 sessions , twice a week, using Tsing needles stimulated anticlockwise for 20 minutes. Results: The EMG values obtained after the acupuncture sessions showed a decrease in the action potential of the muscles evaluated at rest; a decrease in the action potential of the muscles during beak, lip projection and cervical flexion; and an increase in the action potential of the muscles while blinking and raising the eyebrows. Conclusion: The results showed that acupuncture applied to the branches of the facial nerve can reestablish the energy balance as well as provide an appropriate nutrition in the tissues of the left hemiface, promoting an evolution of the functional movement and contributing to facial symmetry.