Historically the acupoint LI4 [Hegu] has been indicated to treat Bell’s Palsy. However, research indicates that moxibustion at LI4 benefits Bell’s Palsy patients with facial paralysis specifically affecting the lips. The application of moxibustion to LI4 benefits facial symmetry similarly as would electro-acupuncture on points around the mouth. MRI scans indicate that LI4 also intersects sensory pathways of the face and mouth to the central nervous system, and that moxa at LI4 elicits detectable changes in the brain.
REFERENCES • Neural Regen Res. 2012;7(9):680-685. Infrared thermography and meridian-effect evidence and explanation in Bell’s palsy patients treated by moxibustion at the Hegu (LI4) acupoint. Ling Guan, Gaobo Li, Yiling Yang, Xiufang Deng, Peisi Cai. • Du YH. Clinical Evidence of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy. Beijing: People’s Health Publishing House. 2011. • Li CY, Wang QS, Liu Y, et al. Effects of amplitudes of facial nerve evoked potential acupuncture at hegu on peripheral facial paralysis patients. Liaoning Zhongyiyao Daxue Xuebao. 2009;11(10):140-141. • Zhang JB. Clinical analysis of the point LI4 treating diseases in the face and mouth phenomenon. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 1998(10): 636-637.