Bell's Palsy - Phlegm-Blood Stasis Obstructing the Collaterals
TCM differentiation and treatment for Bell's palsy with
Bell's Palsy · Phlegm-Blood Stasis Obstructing the Collaterals Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Phlegm-Blood Stasis Obstructing the Collaterals is a chronic pattern in
Bell's palsy, characterized by **facial nerve recovery with scar
adhesion, epineural fibrosis, aberrant regeneration, synkinesis, and
facial muscle contracture. The core pathogenesis is Phlegm and Blood
Stasis intermingling in the facial collaterals**, leading to epineural
fibrosis, scar adhesion, and aberrant nerve regeneration.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
muscle contracture, slow recovery |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
complexion, fixed lesions |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
slippery or hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
collaterals |
| Etiology |
|---|
inflammation, fibrosis |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Regulates Qi and unblocks collaterals |
| Dicang (ST4) | About 0.4 cun lateral to the corner of the mouth |
|---|
Treats deviation of the mouth |
| Jiache (ST6) |
|---|
zygomatic arch, about 1 cun anterior to the angle of the mandible |
Treats facial paralysis |
| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella |
|---|
Invigorates blood and resolves stasis |
| Ashi points | Tender spots on the face |
|---|
and nodule resolution |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; may combine
with cupping on the local area to enhance blood stasis resolution.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Di Tan Tang (涤痰汤) + Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang
(通窍活血汤)
Composition:
Acorus (Shi Chang Pu), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi),
Arisaema (Dan Nan Xing), Poria (Fu Ling), Peach Kernel (Tao Ren),
Safflower (Hong Hua), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao),
Musk (She Xiang), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Transforms Phlegm, invigorates blood, resolves stasis, and
unblocks collaterals.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Synkinesis | Add Di Long, Quan Xie to unblock collaterals |
|---|
| Fibrosis | Add San Leng, E Zhu to break up stasis |
|---|
| Scar adhesion |
|---|
|
| Facial muscle contracture | Add Bai Shao, Gan Cao to relax muscles |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Facial nerve recovery with scar adhesion, epineural fibrosis, aberrant
regeneration, and synkinesis. Phlegm-Blood Stasis Obstructing the
Collaterals corresponds to chronic Bell's palsy with synkinesis, where
epineural fibrosis and aberrant regeneration contribute to involuntary
movement and facial muscle contracture.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Facial Paralysis with Phlegm-Blood Stasis.
2. Xiong Jibai: Phlegm-Blood Stasis.
3. WHO. (2023). Neurological health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for facial nerve
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM neurology.
Related TCM Patterns for Bells Palsy
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.