Effects of Jingjin Acupuncture Combined with Rood-Based Facial Rehabilitation on Peripheral Facial Paralysis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Observation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects and safety of Jingjin acupuncture combined with Rood-based facial rehabilitation in patients with peripheral facial paralysis. Methods: Sixty patients with peripheral facial paralysis were allocated in a 1:1 ratio to an observation group or a control group using a random number table. Both groups received Rood-based facial rehabilitation. The observation group received Jingjin acupuncture, whereas the control group received conventional acupuncture. Treatment was administered once daily, 6 sessions per week, for 2 consecutive weeks. Outcomes included the House-Brackmann (H-B) facial nerve grading system, a self-comparison symptom score between the affected and unaffected sides, the Facial Disability Index (FDI), clinical response category, and adverse events. Results: After 2 weeks of treatment, the distribution of clinical response categories differed significantly between groups (P=0.034), with a higher proportion of markedly effective responses in the observation group. The post-treatment H-B grade distribution favored the observation group (Mann-Whitney U=305.5, P=0.021). The self-comparison symptom score decreased in both groups and was lower in the observation group after treatment (16.98±2.23 vs. 19.36±1.56, P<0.001). The post-treatment FDI score was higher in the observation group than in the control group (28.97±1.35 vs. 25.36±1.52, P<0.001). No serious adverse events were observed. Mild subcutaneous hematoma occurred in 2 patients in the observation group and 3 patients in the control group and resolved after compression. Conclusion: Jingjin acupuncture combined with Rood-based facial rehabilitation may improve facial nerve function, facial symptoms, and patient-reported facial disability in peripheral facial paralysis more effectively than conventional acupuncture combined with the same rehabilitation program. Because this was a single-center study with a small sample size and short follow-up, larger randomized controlled trials with blinded assessment and longer follow-up are warranted.