AUTHOR=Duan Wenwen , Chen Dan , Huang Zubo , Zeng Yue , Liu Shanshan , Wang Chao , Zhou Hao 

TITLE=Biological effect of acupuncture on peripheral facial paralysis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neurology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1516904

DOI=10.3389/fneur.2025.1516904

ISSN=1664-2295

ABSTRACT=Peripheral facial paralysis is the dominant treatment disease of acupuncture. A large number of studies have proved the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of peripheral facial paralysis. However, the underlying biological effect remains in an exploratory phase. This article will sort out and summarize the existing research mechanisms from the following aspects: inflammatory response, immune regulation, neurotransmitters, immune response, facial microcirculation, oxidative stress, changes in nerve structure and function, specificity of acupoints, acupuncture intervention time, and other potential mechanisms aiming to provide a scientific foundation for the role of acupuncture in the treatment of peripheral facial paralysis. Furthermore, the review discusses future directions for mechanistic research based on existing findings.