If you or someone you know has ever experienced Bell’s Palsy, you know how debilitating it can be. This sudden and unexpected condition can leave you with facial weakness or paralysis, making it difficult to eat, speak and even smile. While conventional Western treatments like taking steroid medications and undergoing physical therapy can be helpful, they may not always provide the relief you need.
This is when Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) comes in. TCM has been used for centuries worldwide and in Singapore to manage the symptoms of a variety of conditions, including Bell’s Palsy. By taking a holistic approach to healing, TCM not only alleviates symptoms but also addresses any underlying imbalances in the body that may be contributing to the condition.
In this article, we will explore the reasons to consider TCM for Bell’s Palsy treatment and how it can help you or your loved one on the journey to recovery.
1. Acupuncture and moxibustion are natural alternatives
Although Western Bell’s Palsy treatments such as taking pain relievers and corticosteroids to reduce the swelling of the facial nerve are helpful, they often come with unwanted side effects and may not address the root cause of the problem. Long-term usage of steroid medications has potentially serious adverse effects, such as blurred vision, cataracts and swelling of feet.
On the other hand, acupuncture and moxibustion are natural alternatives with minimal side effects.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into acupoints on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi, alleviating pain and inflammation, improving nerve function and promoting overall healing. This can be especially helpful in the case of Bell’s Palsy, where the nerves in the face are affected.
Learn more: Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy
Moxibustion involves the burning of dried mugwort near the skin to stimulate the flow of Qi and promote healing. When used in combination with acupuncture, the two treatment modalities work hand in hand to promote balance and healing in the body.
2. TCM adopts a holistic approach that continuously heals your body
Conventional medical approaches often focus on addressing specific symptoms, such as reducing swelling or infection, without necessarily addressing the underlying causes of Bell’s Palsy. This can leave you feeling frustrated and unsure of when or if you will see improvements.
However, TCM adopts a holistic approach when it comes to Bell’s Palsy treatment. Through a combination of acupuncture, herbal remedies, and other natural treatments, TCM can help to prevent Qi deficiency which is often the culprit of the constriction of facial vessels.
The natural remedies work with your body’s own healing mechanisms, resulting in a more gradual but sustained improvement in symptoms, rather than a quick fix that may not address the underlying causes.
3. TCM helps to improve overall health
TCM views the body as a complex system of interrelated parts rather than just a collection of individual symptoms or problems. Hence, a physician would identify and address deficiencies in the body’s Qi to restore balance, leading to sustained improvements in not only the condition being treated but also in overall health and well-being.
Although it is not common to get Bell’s Palsy more than once in a lifetime, it can still happen and most likely within two years of the first incident. Thankfully, TCM also promotes overall health to prevent the condition from recurring or worsening over time.
4. Acupuncture is a safe and low-risk therapy
Research has shown that in clinical practice, acupuncture is considered a safe therapy with a low incidence of adverse events, and several studies have provided increasing evidence of the benefits of acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment of Bell’s Palsy in China.
In addition to being a safe and low-risk therapy, acupuncture also addresses not just the physical symptoms of Bell’s Palsy, but also the emotional and mental aspects that may be contributing to the condition too. This, in turn, helps you to feel more empowered and in control of your healing journey, leading to improved outcomes.
TCM for Bell’s Palsy Treatment in Singapore
Seeking out alternative treatments can offer hope and relief, and TCM happens to be an option. At Thomson Chinese Medicine, we provide personalised and natural treatment modalities for a variety of conditions, including Bell’s Palsy.
With a focus on patient-centred care and a deep respect for the wisdom of ancient healing traditions, we are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal health and well-being, no matter what stage of life he or she is in.
Physician Seah Ai Wei
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Thomson Chinese Medicine (TCM Novena Specialist Centre)
English, Mandarin
Alliance MediNet
