얼굴신경마비 치료를 위한 약침 자입 부위의 해부학적 분석:기존 문헌 고찰 기반 연구

Anatomical Analysis of Pharmacopuncture Injection Sites for Facial Nerve Palsy: A Literature-Based Study

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the patterns of acupoints used in pharmacopuncture for the treatment of the facial nerve palsy (FNP) and to analyze their anatomical relationships, thereby providing foundational data for safe clinical application. Methods Domestic literature involving pharmacopuncture for FNP was systematically reviewed, and studies that clearly specified acupoint locations were included. After removing duplicates and applying predefined selection cri-teria, 32 publications were analyzed. Reported acupoints were standardized according to WHO/WPRO terminology, and their frequency of use was recorded. Acupoints that appeared repeatedly across studies were evaluated in rela-tion to established anatomical references and surface landmark, focusing on nearby muscles, vessels, and nerves. Results Total of 19 acupoints were identified in the included studies. Among them, ST4 and ST6 were most fre-quently used (26 reports, 81.3%), followed by TE17 (59.4%). Anatomical review demonstrated that these acupoints are positioned close to facial expression muscles and branches of the facial nerve. Conclusions The acupoints used for pharmacopuncture in FNP not only correspond with traditional meridian theory but also align well with underlying anatomical structures. These findings help explain potential therapeutic effects, including neural activation, enhancement of regional circulation, and modulation of muscle tone.