
10/08/2024
How does acupuncture, herbs work for Bell’s Palsy?
What is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a condition where there is sudden weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. It occurs due to inflammation or compression of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), which controls facial movements. People with Bell’s palsy may have difficulty smiling, closing their eyes, or moving part of their face. The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is often unclear, but it is believed to be linked to viral infections like herpes simplex virus, which causes inflammation in the facial nerve. It typically resolves over time but can leave lingering weakness in some cases.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Helps
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views Bell’s palsy as a result of wind-cold invasion or wind-heat, which disrupts the body’s balance and energy flow, particularly along the facial meridians. TCM aims to restore balance by eliminating wind, improving circulation, and restoring proper qi flow to the affected area.
Here’s how TCM approaches the treatment:
Acupuncture for Bell's Palsy
Acupuncture is commonly used to treat Bell’s palsy and is known to help improve nerve function and muscle strength in the face by:
Improving circulation: Acupuncture promotes blood flow to the face, which can help reduce inflammation around the facial nerve and nourish the affected tissues.
Restoring qi flow: By stimulating key acupuncture points, acupuncture restores the flow of energy (qi) along the meridians, particularly in the face.
Promoting nerve healing: Acupuncture is believed to accelerate nerve recovery and help regenerate damaged nerves.
Relieving pain and stiffness: Acupuncture can also help alleviate facial pain, stiffness, and discomfort associated with Bell's palsy.
Common acupuncture points used to treat Bell's palsy include:
ST 4 (Dicang): Near the corner of the mouth.
LI 20 (Yingxiang): Beside the nostrils.
GB 14 (Yangbai): Above the eyebrows.
SJ 17 (Yifeng): Behind the earlobe.
Herbal Medicine for Bell’s Palsy
Herbal remedies are tailored to each individual’s condition and are used to:
Expel wind: Herbs like Fang Feng (防風, Saposhnikovia root) are commonly used to expel wind from the body and relieve the external symptoms of Bell’s palsy.
Dispel cold and heat: If the condition is caused by wind-cold invasion, warming herbs like Gui Zhi (桂枝, Cinnamon twig) might be used, while wind-heat conditions may be treated with cooling herbs like Ju Hua (菊花, Chrysanthemum flower).
Promote blood flow: Herbs like Dang Gui (当归, Angelica root) and Chuan Xiong (川芎, Ligusticum) are used to improve circulation and reduce stagnation in the face.
Support nerve recovery: Some herbs have nerve-repairing properties, such as Huang Qi (黄芪, Astragalus root), which helps tonify qi and boost the body’s healing capabilities.
Integrative Approach
For many people, combining acupuncture with herbal medicine can yield faster recovery from Bell’s palsy.
The integrative approach:
Reduces inflammation more effectively.
Enhances immune response to deal with viral causes.
Prevents recurrence by boosting overall health and resilience.
Regular acupuncture sessions along with a customized herbal formula can often shorten the duration of Bell’s palsy symptoms and improve facial muscle recovery.