Facial Nerve Palsy:
Science, Recovery, and Tuning.

A LEGACY SINCE 1948 / CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE LIBRARY

I am Akihiro Endo, CDO of Tanaka Acupuncture Clinic in Fukuoka, Japan. Since our founding in 1948, we have specialized in the treatment of facial nerve disorders. This encyclopedia integrates 75 years of clinical data with the **2023 Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines** to provide a definitive roadmap for your recovery.

Navigate to your current phase:

01 / Acute: Concerned with ENoG 5% or surgery→
02 / Plateau: Waiting for regeneration (Silent period)→
03 / Chronic: Preventing synkinesis and stiffness→

01 / The 1mm Labyrinth: Anatomy

The facial nerve travels through the "Fallopian canal" in the temporal bone—a narrow bony tunnel only **1mm in diameter**. Inflammation causes the nerve to swell within this rigid space, compressing its own blood supply and creating a cycle of ischemia.

02 / Nerve Damage: The Seddon Scale

Recovery depends on the degree of damage. In **Axonotmesis** (nerve fiber damage where the sheath remains), the nerve regenerates at a physical rate of **1mm per day**. Understanding this biological limit is the key to patience and correct intervention.

03 / The Truth About ENoG 5%

Electroneurography (ENoG) is most accurate 10–14 days after onset. A value of 5% indicates severe damage, but not a permanent loss of function. We provide a "Third Option" for patients who choose conservative management over surgery, focusing on micro-circulation to support the remaining fibers.

04 / The Silent Period: 1mm/Day

If your face remains motionless after acute treatment, it is the "Silent Period"—the nerve is physically regrowing its 90mm path to the muscles. During this time, maintaining muscle flexibility and blood flow is our primary mission.

05 / The Inhibition Paradigm

To prevent **synkinesis** (mis-wiring where the eye closes when you move your mouth), we strictly avoid low-frequency electrical stimulation (EST) during the recovery phase.

Defining Correct Massage

Strong stimulation that causes reflexive contraction is prohibited. However, appropriate deep pressure to prevent **contracture** (stiffness) is effective under the "Kayama Method" protocol.

06 / THE Clinical Acupuncture

We use **Super Lizer** (Linear Polarized Near-Infrared Light) to target the stellate ganglion, increasing facial blood flow by 20-30% to deliver oxygen and nutrients necessary for neuro-regeneration.

07 / A Legacy Since 1948

For three generations, we have refined the art of "Tuning" the human body. We don't just treat symptoms; we re-weave the threads of your life to restore your natural expression.

Global Comparison Table

Clinical Item Standard Care Tanaka Protocol
Initial Response Steroids & Antivirals Co-managed Neuro-protection
Electrical Stim Often used (Controversial) Strictly Prohibited (To prevent synkinesis)
Physical Therapy Heat therapy Super Lizer (SGR Irradiation)
Rehabilitation Strong facial exercises Inhibition Paradigm (Low-load)

© TANAKA ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC. SINCE 1948