Comparison of treatment for 153 cases of circumferential facial paralysis by low-power laser and galvan acupuncture

摘要

Abstract: Seventy-six patients were treated by low power He-Ne laser irradiation on Yangbai, Sibai, and other related acupoints. The other 77 cases were treated by Galvan-acupuncture with infrared radiation on the same acupoints. There was little difference between the therapeutic effects of these two groups (P $GRT 0.05). However, the laser group had a much shorter treatment time than the other group. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, circumferential facial paralysis is caused by exposure to cold which blocks the channel of vital energy resulting in the damage of bodily function. Acupuncture and moxibustion on certain acupoints can warm up the channels and remove the stasis allowing vital energy to pass through their passages to regulate bodily functions. Laser can do the same effectively with much less time. The laser therapy also features painlessness, safeness, and is free of bacteria. Circumferential facial paralysis is a common disease, which is clinically treated by acupuncture with reliable results. However, acupuncture is not fit for children who are not cooperative and those patients who are afraid of the pain accompanied with acupuncture. So we applied low power laser irradiation in the treatment of circumferential facial paralysis starting in 1985. The results were favorable. And the treatment time was shortened. The treatment procedures are reported. !1