If you are experiencing Bell’s Palsy or know someone who is suffering from this debilitating condition, acupuncture can be the most successful treatment. Nearly 40,000 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with this condition. The primary symptom is paralyzed facial muscles, and usually on one side only. In many instances, Bell’s Palsy comes on while sleeping, and the person wakes up with swelling and inflammation on one side of the face. Speech may become slurred, and numbness and pain might be experienced.
The condition also makes it difficult for the person to smile, eat, and speak clearly. It is beyond frustrating and a little scary not knowing how long it will last or if it is a permanent condition. Getting help from an acupuncture practitioner can help alleviate these symptoms more quickly and, in many cases permanently.
Acupuncture is known to promote a healthy and effective nervous system. It can reverse the damage to the cranial facial nerve, which controls muscles on one side of the face. Stress can make Bell’s Palsy symptoms worse, and acupuncture treatments reduces stress and leaves the patient with a feeling of total relaxation.
What is the Acupuncture Treatment for Bell’s Palsy?
The underlying basis behind acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy is to remove the blockage in the flow of energy through the specific channels of the face. Most people know that acupuncture treatments include needles, which may sound scary. It may even keep people from trying this modality. You will be happy to hear that the needles are hair-thin, pre-sterilized, and disposed of after use.
Before starting the treatment, your practitioner will discuss your overall health, including medications or supplements being taken. Health history is even more critical to getting the proper treatment through natural means. Remember, traditional Chinese medicine and techniques aim to solve health issues, not simply treat the symptoms the way Western medicine generally works. It is a holistic approach that involves understanding the condition of the patient’s body, mind, and spirit.
The first treatment will focus on local acupuncture points related to the paralyzed facial muscles. The needles may be applied to the “orbicularis muscles,” a facial muscle that arises from the nasal part of the frontal bone. There are other muscle groups that the acupuncturist may prefer to use instead, depending on your particular situation. In most cases, the needles will only remain in place for about 20 minutes.
What You Can Expect
Many patients with Bell’s Palsy have entirely or partially recovered from acupuncture treatments. However, it is imperative that you locate a practitioner accomplished in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. Such a professional will also have other healing modalities in their proverbial toolbox that can help with facial paralysis and other health issues.
At 2Dots Integrative Medicine, in addition to acupuncture we offer cupping, gua sha, electrical stimulation, moxibustion, nutritional counseling, and more! Dr. Zhu will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your current condition and overall health goals. For a complimentary 15-minute discovery call, click here!
