Feasibility Analysis of the Clinical Application of Buccal Acupuncture in Osteoarthritis

Abstract

As an emerging acupuncture treatment, buccal acupuncture therapy has demonstrated promising clinical efficacy in the management of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). KOA is a prevalent chronic degenerative joint disorder characterized by cartilage degeneration, joint space narrowing, and osteophyte formation, leading to pain, stiffness, and functional impairment. Current treatment approaches include pharmacological therapy, rehabilitation training, interventional procedures, and surgical interventions; however, these methods are often associated with adverse effects or high costs. In recent years, traditional Chinese acupuncture has become an important therapeutic option for KOA due to its high safety profile and minimal side effects. Buccal acupuncture therapy involves stimulating specific facial acupoints, such as Jiache (ST6) and Chengjiang (CV24), to regulate the nervous system, alleviate pain, and improve joint function. Studies indicate that buccal acupuncture, when combined with movement therapy, can significantly enhance knee joint mobility and provide rapid pain relief, achieving an overall effectiveness rate of up to 98% with minimal adverse reactions. Compared to traditional acupuncture, minimally invasive needle-knife therapy, or pharmacological treatment, buccal acupuncture offers advantages such as simplified acupoint selection and high patient compliance, making it a suitable adjunctive treatment for KOA. Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to validate its long-term efficacy and underlying mechanisms.