tcm/elements/Disease Detail

Description

Cause lies in nervous system (Kidney), but effect is on motor function (Liver/Wood). Treatment should commence as soon as safely possible — the longer the delay, the poorer the results.

Differential Diagnosis

Treatment

Facial paralysis (Bell's palsy)

Through-and-through needling with intermittent frequency electrical stimulationGB 14 towards Ex 3 (mid-eyebrow)St 3 towards LI 20St 7 towards SI 18St 6 towards St 4GB 20 (wind-elimination tonification)LI 4 (Distal)GB 39 (Influential — nerve marrow)Plum-blossom tapping on upper and lower eyelids at end

Peroneus nerve palsy (foot drop)

Electrical stimulation with intermittent frequency to make foot-raising movementSt 36, GB 34 (electrical stimulation, 20 min)St 38 (aquapuncture on two points at a time)UB 58

Lower motor neurone paralysis

Local and proximal pointsProlonged stimulation and electrical stimulation with intermittent frequencyProximal points: Ex 21 (Hua Tuo Jia Ji), Back-Shu points at height of lesionAcupuncture points in larger muscles (arms: LI 14, LI 11, TW 14, 13, 5, GB 21; legs: St 31, 32, 36, UB 37, 57, GB 34, 31)GB 39 and GB 34 as Influential pointsAquapuncture with vitamin B12 (cobalamin) — two points per treatment

Upper motor neurone paralysis

Best therapy: scalp acupuncture on motor area of contralateral side (2/weekly)Local points on arm and leg with strong stimulation (sedation)Electrical stimulation with continuous frequency to relax musclesLiv 5 with GB 40 sedation (Luo of Liver and Yuan of GB)GB 39 and GB 34 (Influential points)Second course: points around wrists/fingers, ankles/toes (TW 4, LI 5, Lu 9, Ba Xie for hands; St 41, UB 60, K 3, Ba Feng for feet)Passive exercisesExtra meridians: K 6 (Yin Motility) on flaccid side, UB 62 (Yang Motility) on spastic side

Treatment Schedule

Facial: 2-12 sessions depending on rate of improvement. Lower motor neurone: 2-3/weekly alongside physiotherapy, progress each week. Upper motor neurone: 10-14 sessions per course, repeat after 10-day interval. Passive exercises recommended.

Point Prescription Builder

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Energy State

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Suggested Prescription

Liv 8Liv 14UB 18

Rationale

• Tonification (Mother) point — tonifies 90% house energy of Liver.

• Mu-Front point — tonifies cooling/calming Yin of Liver.

• Back-Shu point — tonifies functional Yang of Liver.

• Influential point: GB 34 (Muscles/tendons) — treats related tissue group.

Educational use only. Point prescriptions should only be applied by licensed practitioners.

Paralysis