Acupuncture for Bell's Palsy

Bell’s palsy is a sudden paralysis of the face that occurs when the seventh cranial nerve becomes infected, inflamed or compressed. It is usually temporary and generally affects only one side of the face. Acupuncture for the treatment of Bell’s palsy allows for an all-natural way to stimulate damaged nerves and regain function.

In western medicine the treatments for Bell’s palsy usually falls into the realm of over-the-counter drugs, prescription steroids or antivirals, and in extreme cases, surgery. It is also important to rule out other conditions that can mimic Bell’s palsy, such as stroke, infections, Lyme disease and tumors. The use of acupuncture treatment is a viable treatment, especially for those that cannot take certain medications.

Most patients with Bell’s palsy will slowly regain normal facial function after three to six weeks and many will fully recover in about six months. The others that do not fully recover after this point are normally referred to physical therapy for intervention.

The focus of acupuncture in the treatment of Bell’s palsy is to eliminate pathogenic factors and improve circulation of oxygen and blood to the muscles and nerves of the face. Other goals of acupuncture treatment are stimulating affected nerves, reducing swelling, reducing pain and speeding up the recovery of facial muscle function.

It is important if you are diagnosed with Bell’s palsy to begin acupuncture treatments as soon as possible to make sure the most complete recovery is possible. Acupuncture treatment for Bell’s palsy may be recommended two to three times a week for the best results in regaining function.

Treatment consists of inserting fine needles at specific acupuncture points in the face and on meridians points distally (away from the face). Depending on the condition of the patient, electroacupuncture may also be used to increase stimulation at certain acupuncture points. In this type of treatment, an electrical current is passed between the needles increasing the benefits. Although the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy are the same, every person’s body responds to acupuncture differently, and the treatment is tailored to the individual.

A study done in 2010 examined the use of electroacupuncture for Bell’s palsy. It showed rapid and effective recovery of palsy symptoms. Another study done in 2014 tested electroacupuncture on facial nerve function and found that it alleviates symptoms, enhanced affected nerve recovery, and encouraged the reduction of herpes simplex virus (where Bell’s palsy can potentially come from).

The benefits of acupuncture for the treatment of Bell’s palsy are significant and worth investigating. Supplements and herbs may be added to further enhance these results.

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For more information contact Dr. Wendy Cunningham at haydenhealth@gmail.com.