Bell's Palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis that results from damaged facial nerves. It affects 40,000 people a year in the United States, from young adults to the elderly. Through acupuncture, we can effectively restore these damaged nerves and restore your function faster!
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Bell's Palsy is caused by inflammation in cranial nerve VII, a condition that can be brought on by several factors. Regular acupuncture treatment decreases stress and inflammation in addition to improving circulation. This revives more regular blood flow to the affected muscles of the face as well as the damaged nerves. When combined with mild electrical stimulation, known as electroacupuncture, acupuncture increases the nerve growth factor to restore damaged neurons and address the root cause of Bell's Palsy. A study conducted in Beijing found that electroacupuncture had a 98% success rate in treating Bell's Palsy, where regular acupuncture--without an electrical current--had a 90% success rate.
Patients addressing Bell's Palsy with Western medicine can expect the worst of their symptoms to pass within 2 weeks, with a full recovery in 3-6 months. By comparison, patients who start acupuncture treatment as soon as possible when the symptoms first appear can see results within 3-5 treatments. Actress and philanthropist Angelina Jolie credits her full and speedy recovery from Bell's Palsy to acupuncture.
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Bell's Palsy
In addition to acupuncture, herbal remedies may be used to help alleviate the condition and speed up recovery! Certain herbs are anti-inflammatory, prevent stress (thought to be a factor in prolonging Bell's Palsy symptoms), and promote more effective nerve functions. An individually tailored prescription from a licensed TCM practitioner can make all the difference in your experience with Bell's Palsy.
Dietary Changes for Most Effective Treatment
Since part of the TCM Bell's Palsy diagnosis is inflammation, certain dietary adjustments should be made. Your functional medicine practitioner may suggest certain supplements to detoxify the body and reduce inflammation naturally, such as B-12 and L-lysine. Avoiding fried, sugary, and chemically processed foods as well as dairy will help along the healing process.
A sudden onset of Bell's Palsy can be nerve-wracking, but you don't have to wait months to feel better. Call us at (321) 972-2940 for your initial health consultation and let us start helping you today!
Sources:
Health CMI. (n.d.) "Acupuncture Found Effective for Bell's Palsy." Retrieved from http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1814-acupuncture-found-effective-for-bell-s-palsy
Thompson, Kimberly. (2014). "Bell's Palsy--Part 1." Retrieved from https://www.miridiatech.com/news/2014/01/bells-palsy-part-1/
Moniuszko, Sarah. (February 27, 2017). "Angeline Jolie Reveals Bell's Palsy Diagnosis, Breaks Silence on Divorce from Brad Pitt." Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2017/07/26/angelina-jolie-reveals-bells-palsy-diagnosis-breaks-silence-divorce-brad-pitt/513179001/
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