Bell’s Palsy is an unexpected and sudden facial paralysis that typically occurs on one side of the face, however it can affect both sides. It usually resolves within weeks or months, but it can linger longer. Dysfunction of cranial nerves is the main culprit, but there are other causes. Traditional western medicine treats the symptoms, but does acupuncture help Bell’s Palsy? Let’s discover what it is, what causes it, symptoms, risk factors, and treatments.
What Causes Bell’s Palsy?
Cranial nerve VII is the facial nerve which controls the muscles on the face along with facial expressions like smiling, blinking or closing your eyes. It also affects your tear glands and salivary glands.
Damage to this facial nerve from inflammation or swelling can start the process.
Other causes include conditions like Herpes, HIV, Herpes Zoster, Epstein Barr virus, and Lyme disease.
Additional causes may be:
- Not getting enough sleep
- Stress and/or exhaustion
- Some physical trauma
What Are Common Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy?
Depending on the severity of the attack, symptoms can vary. It can range from a slight facial weakness to complete facial paralysis with one side of the face being stiff and drooping.
Other symptoms may include difficulty eating, drooling, dry eye and mouth, headaches, sensitivity to sounds, and muscle twitches.
What Are Risk Factors?
Anyone between the ages of 15 and 60 can experience Bell’s Palsy.
The following individuals have increased risk factors to develop this condition:
- Pregnant women
- Anyone with diabetes
- Those who are obese
- Women who have had preeclampsia
- People with lung inflammation
Those with a family history of Bell’s Palsy are also at high risk.
Traditional Western Treatments vs Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy
Traditional western medicine treats the symptoms with pain relievers, corticosteroids to reduce swelling, and eye drops. Be aware that long-term use of steroids have negative side effects.
Traditional Chinese medicine adopts a holistic approach and uses natural remedies to work with your body’s own healing mechanisms. This provides a more gradual and sustained improvement in the symptoms, instead of a quick fix that doesn’t address the underlying causes.
This combination of acupuncture and herbal remedies are a natural alternative with minimal side effects.
Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy in Columbia, SC
Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi which alleviates pain and inflammation. The goal is to restore the continuous and sufficient flow of Qi and is an effective complementary treatment.
Acupuncture is effective in managing Bell’s Palsy especially in the initial acute stage. It should begin as early as possible. Treatments work best once or twice per week.
Contact The Acupuncture Clinic at (803) 256-1000 if you want additional information about how acupuncture can help with Bell’s Palsy.