Acupuncture for oculomotor nerve palsy based on the Linggui Bafa acupoint-opening method: a case report
Xu J, Yang J, Zhu Y · Zhongguo zhen jiu · 2026 January 12
DOI 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20240917-k0002
Objective
To investigate the effects of acupuncture based on the Linggui Bafa acupoint-opening method on oculomotor nerve palsy.
Conclusions
The study subject achieved complete recovery from oculomotor nerve palsy after five acupuncture sessions, with no recurrence during six months of follow-up.
Critical Appraisal
Published research can offer valuable insights, but a paper’s conclusions may go beyond what its results support. Critical appraisal examines the methods, findings and limitations to clarify what can reasonably be concluded—and what remains uncertain.
This article has not yet been critically appraised by the Research Hub.
Learn more about Critical Appraisal
Insights
Acupuncture guided by traditional syndrome differentiation rapidly resolved oculomotor nerve palsy symptoms in a single patient without recurrence during follow-up.
The report describes a patient with right-sided eyelid drooping, inability to voluntarily open the eye, blurred vision, and double vision, diagnosed within traditional medicine as spleen deficiency with liver constraint. Daily acupuncture combined Linggui Bafa point-opening selections with local points around the affected eye and head, alongside distal points on the limbs.
The patient experienced substantial improvement in eyelid drooping and double vision after the initial treatment, followed by complete symptom resolution after continued daily sessions. Symptoms did not return during the reported follow-up period.
