Objective By using the evidence-based medicine approach to analyze the optimum timing in acupuncture treatment for facial paralysis, to provide the scientific evidence for acupuncture clinical practices. Methods Computer searches were conducted in the CNKI literature database from January 1994 to August 2009, using the keywords ＂facial paralysis acupuncture＂ and ＂treating opportunity/acupuncture opportunity＂. According to the standard of Cochrane, the literatures were retrieved and conducted with evidence-based analysis. The SPSS 13.0 software was used for the statistical analysis. Results Among the 133 retrieved literatures which met the inclusion criteria of the study, there were 11 literatures on the effect of acupuncture or electroacupuncture treatment in acute stage observation group and conventional medical treatment group. Using Mann-Whitney U test, the difference of treatment effect is statistically significant （P〈0.001）. Conclusion Early intervention in acupuncture treatment for facial paralysis in acute stage can improve the efficacy and promote neurological recovery. In the acute stage, animal experiments and clinical observations provide evidence to support the application of electric needle and traditional acupuncture treatments.
