A Multifaceted Approach to the Acupuncture Treatment of Neuromuscular Facial Conditions

Conditions such as Bell's palsy, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome and trigeminal neuralgia can have a major impact on the neuromuscular function of the face. These conditions can involve symptoms such as ptosis of the eyelid, loss of facial muscle function, pain, neuropathy and allodynia. Using a multifaceted approach to treating these conditions can yield more effective treatments and longer lasting results than a singular approach. This article focuses on three conditions: Bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia and TMJ syndrome to illustrate how scalp acupuncture, motor points, transverse sub-muscular needling, facial cupping and full-body acupuncture can treat the underlying condition, restore function and relieve pain.