What is Bell's Palsy?
Bell’s palsy or “Deviated mouth and eye” in TCM is one of the most common disorders affecting the facial nerves, resulting in weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. The paralysis causes distortion of the face and interferes with normal functions, such as closing the eye, eating and drinking.
In TCM, the diagnosis of Bell’s palsy is due to a “Wind” factor. This “Wind” attacks the meridian channels of the face which are in charge of transporting Qi and blood to nourish the muscles in the face. This is more likely to happen if you have an underlying Qi (vital energy) deficiency.
Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture therapy is the most widely used Bell’s palsy treatment in China and throughout the world. The condition involves inflammation of the 7th cranial nerve affecting regions of the stylomastoid foramen or the facial canal. This corresponds to the ancient TCM as Yang Ming and Shao Yang channel obstruction.
One of the treatment goals is to expel Wind in these meridians. By stimulating the localised area of facial muscles, acupuncture can restore movement to facial muscles by invigorating Qi and promoting blood circulation to the face. Acupuncture treatment for Bell’s palsy also helps reduce the inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve, thus alleviating its effects.
Bell’s palsy treatment differs according to the 3 stages of the disease. The most important factor is to treat the condition as early as possible, as acupuncture is most effective in the initial acute stage.
