Natural Bell's Palsy Treatments

WHAT IS BELL’S PALSY?

Bell’s Palsy is a disease that involves paralysis of the 7th cranial nerve.

The 7th cranial nerve is called the Facial Nerve because it controls facial movement and expression, including the muscles involved in closing the eyes and raising the corners of the mouth. The Facial Nerve also carries nerve fibers involved in taste on the front 2/3rd of the tongue, and also fibers involved in the production of tears.

When the Facial Nerve becomes compressed, inflamed, or damaged, it causes weakness of the muscles of the face. This results in symptoms like drooping of the mouth, inability to make facial expressions, and difficulty closing the eye. There can also be headaches or jaw pain, dry eyes and mouth, loss of taste, and difficulty talking or eating.

In Bell’s Palsy, these symptoms come on suddenly and affect only one side of the face. It often starts with pain behind the ear that rapidly progresses to weakness of the facial muscles within 48 to 72 hours.

WHAT CAUSES BELL’S PALSY?

The exact causes of Bell’s Palsy are unknown, but there is increasing evidence that viral infection may play a role in the development of the disorder. Viruses that have been linked to Bell’s Palsy include Herpes simplex 1 (which is responsible for cold sores) as well as Herpes zoster (which is responsible for shingles), cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, and Epstein-Barr.

It’s thought that these viruses can trigger an immune reaction causing the facial nerve to become inflamed and swollen, which leads to the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy.

Anecdotally, many of our patients who suffer with Bell’s Palsy report being under heightened stress or being exposed to cold air conditioning or drafts before contracting the condition.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF BELL’S PALSY

There are no specific tests for Bell’s Palsy, and it is typically diagnosed through physical examination.

Tests such as X Rays, CT scans and MRIs may be performed to rule out other causes of facial paralysis such as bone fractures, inflammatory disease and tumors.

Patients with Bell’s Palsy are normally prescribed a course of steroids and sometimes antiviral medications.

Although many cases of Bell’s Palsy resolve within several weeks, studies show that up to 30% of cases can persist for months or even years, leaving patients suffering with paralysis, pain, and a diminished quality of life.

Fortunately, there are natural solutions to both the discomfort and the aesthetic effects, of Bell’s Palsy.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR BELL’S PALSY

Acupuncture is a technique used in East Asian Medicine for stimulating the body’s self-healing capabilities. It has been used by billions of people all over the world for thousands of years.

Modern scientific research shows acupuncture reduces inflammation and releases neurotrophic factors that play crucial roles in nerve regeneration and repair. This explains why acupuncture is so effective in helping damaged nerves heal in Bell’s Palsy.

A randomized trial in 2015 found that a series of acupuncture treatments significantly improved facial nerve function and stiffness in Bell’s Palsy.

And a systematic review and meta-analysis of 1,258 patients published in the journal Medicine showed that acupuncture is an effective treatment for Bell’s Palsy and is superior to pharmaceutical treatment.

WHY ACUPUNCTURE IS ONE OF THE BEST TREATMENTS FOR BELL'S PALSY

Acupuncture offers a research backed alternative to conventional treatment of Bell's Palsy. If you are experiencing pain or asymmetry from Bell's Palsy, adding an acupuncturist to your healthcare team can speed up recovery, reduce pain, and restore function.

Medical Disclaimer

 The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It should not be interpreted as medical advice or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your licensed practitioner before making any changes to your health regimen.

About the Author

Dr. Joshua Park, DSOM, L.Ac

Dr. Park is a licensed acupuncturist with a doctorate in East Asian Medicine, specializing in neurological conditions and digestive problems. He is the clinical director of Empowered You Acupuncture in Orange County, California, and is an adjunct professor at Virginia University of Integrative Medicine. His clinical approach combines acupuncture, classical Chinese herbal formulas, and current research on neuroplasticity to help patients enjoy a greater quality of life.