Acupuncture Points for Bell's Palsy

20 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Bell's Palsy

How often each point appears across the 50 entries ranked highest for Bell's Palsy. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • ST04Earth GranaryStomach Meridian43 of 50
  • ST06Jaw BoneStomach Meridian36 of 50
  • GB14Yang BrightGallbladder Meridian33 of 50
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian30 of 50
  • TB17HurricaneTriple Burner Meridian25 of 50
  • SI18Cheek Bone HoleSmall Intestine Meridian21 of 50
  • ST02Four Direction BrightnessStomach Meridian21 of 50
  • BL02Gathered BambooBladder Meridian18 of 50
  • ST07Below The ArchStomach Meridian18 of 50
  • LI20Receiving FragranceLarge Intestine Meridian13 of 50
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian11 of 50
  • TB23Silken Bamboo HollowTriple Burner Meridian10 of 50

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (2 points)

100%

ST04 · ST08

Point 1 of 2

ST04Earth Granary

ST04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 地倉 (dì cāng)

🎯 Location: Lateral to the corner of the mouth directly below pupil.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with facial nerve.

🛡️ Treats: Pain, Facial Droop, Channel Stagnation, Voice Loss, Toothache

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1093/ecam/neh102
Corroborated by a second study. ST04, ST08 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20230717-k0002

Protocol (11 points)

100%

LI04 · LI10 · LI20 · ST01 · ST04 · ST06 · ST09 · ST36 · TB17 · TB23 · GB34

Point 1 of 11

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/1745-6215-12-71
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, LI10, LI20, ST01, ST04, ST06, ST09, ST36, TB17, TB23, GB34 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0777-z

Protocol (11 points)

100%

LI04 · LI10 · LI20 · ST01 · ST04 · ST06 · ST09 · ST36 · TB17 · TB23 · GB34

Point 1 of 11

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0777-z
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, LI10, LI20, ST01, ST04, ST06, ST09, ST36, TB17, TB23, GB34 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/1745-6215-12-71

Protocol (8 points)

100%

LI04 · LI20 · ST04 · SI18 · BL02 · TB23 · GB14 · LV03

Point 1 of 8

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0893-9
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, LI20, ST04, SI18, BL02, TB23, GB14 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20250218-k0004

Protocol (6 points)

100%

ST02 · ST04 · ST06 · ST07 · BL02 · KD03

Point 1 of 6

ST02Four Direction Brightness

ST02 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 四白 (sì bái)

🎯 Location: Directly below pupil in the depression the at the infraorbital foramen.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with infraorbital nerve.

🛡️ Treats: Heat, Wind, Deviation Eye, Facial Droop, Headache

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.3389/fneur.2022.1088138
Corroborated by a second study. ST02, ST04, ST06, ST07, BL02 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2020/5419407

Protocol (12 points)

100%

LI04 · LI11 · ST02 · ST04 · ST06 · ST25 · ST36 · SP06 · KD03 · GB14 · GB20 · LV03

Point 1 of 12

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1007/s10103-023-03970-4
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST02, ST04, ST06, ST25, ST36, SP06, GB14 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20250218-k0004
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Using Acupoints for Bell's Palsy

Self-Treatment Guidelines

  • Locate acupoints using anatomical landmarks
  • Apply firm, steady pressure for 1-3 minutes
  • Treat 2-3 times daily for best results

When to Seek Professional Help

  • Severe or persistent Bell's Palsy
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

Disclaimer: The acupoint information provided is for educational purposes only.