Facial Paralysis (Bell’s Palsy)

Bells Palsy mostly affects young adults.  It is an acute disorder which usually efects one side of the face.  The patient can’t close one eye, or one side of theirmouth causing tearing and drooling.  Bells Palsy may be accompanied by pain before the attack (around Gall bladder 12 SJ 17 +/-), front 2/3 of tongue loses taste sensation, hearing may become sensitive.

Chinese Medicine Differentiation of Bells Palsy:

Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat

When body is weak the meridians are empty, the pathogen gets inside the meridians and blocks the flow of Qi, this results in a lack of nourishment to the tendons and muscles. Bells Palsy can become chronic, this causes an eventual Yin deficiency with Heat and/or deficiency Wind. This condition may cause the deviation to move to the other side of the face.

Principle of Treatment – promote blood circulation, open meridians to expel Wind

Acupuncture points for Bells Palsy – hand and foot Yangming and Shaoyang, *SJ 17, Stomach 4-6, Large Intestine 4, Liver 3, Gall bladder 20, Large Intestine 20, 19, Du 26, Jia Cheng Jiang - eye not closing- Yin Qiao Kidney 6, Yang Qiao Bladder 62, Bladder 2, Gall bladder 14, Yu Yao - technique is to push drooping skin back towards normal position - patient should come as soon after attack as possible, and return every other day - only puncture effected side - be sure to wear head and neck scarves  

Alternative Treatment Methods for Bells Palsy 

electrical Acupuncture- when facial muscles begin to twitch the stimulation is sufficient.

Chew gum, Facial massage after hot cloth compresses (herbal)