Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of time-oriented points opening of Linggui Bafa for Bell＇s palsy and provide a new idea for the clinical treatment of this problem. Methods Fifty-four cases included in the study were randomized into two groups, and the treatment group was treated with the routine acupuncture combined with time-oriented points opening of Linggui Bafa. The control group was treated with the routine acupuncture only, Hegu （合谷 El 4）, Kunlun （昆仑 BL 60）, Jiache （颊车 ST 6）, Dicang （地仓 ST 4）, Xiaguan （下关 ST 7）, Cuanzhu （攒竹 BL 2）, Yangbai （附白 GB 14）, and Quanliao （颧髎 SI 18） were selected as the main points. The manipulation and time of retaining needles were as same as the treatment group. Both groups were treated once a day, 5 days made one session and 4 sessions were required in all. Modified Portmann＇s scale, Horse-Brackmann grading scale （H-B）, FDIP and FDIS were used to assess the therapeutic effect after the treatment. Results The curative and improvement rate in the treatment group was 80.8% （22/26）, and that in the control group was 66.7% （16/24）, with the statistically significant difference （P〈O.05）, the comparison of scores of Portmann＇s scale, H-B, FDIP and FDIS in the same group and between the two groups before and after the treatment also had statistically significant differences （all P〈0.05）. Conclusion The method of time-oriented points opening of Linggui Bafa for Bell＇s palsy is better than the routine acupuncture for Bell＇s palsy.
