Bell's palsy can occur because of damage or trauma to the facial nerves. It causes temporary paralysis when facial muscles are unable to receive messages sent from the brain. Symptoms of Bell's palsy vary but may include weakness or paralysis on one or both sides of the face, drooping of the eyelid and corner of the mouth, and drooling. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese holistic healing technique, is becoming an increasingly popular treatment option for Bell's palsy.
The Facts
Though a variety of different methods exist to treat this condition, the World Health Organization reports that acupuncture produces a good result in treating Bell's palsy.
Acupuncture defines an energy flow called Qi-energy that drives the processes of the body. Supporters believe the disturbance of this flow is what causes illness. Chinese medicine defines Bell's palsy as a wind-cold attack, where wind enters the body and attacks the facial area. The result is stagnation of Qi and blood in the facial area, causing paralysis in those muscles. Numbness and tingling, both prevalent in Bell's palsy patients, are common symptoms of Qi deficiency. The basic premise is that acupuncture can help restore a state of balance or energy flow within the body, and provide relief from the symptoms of Bell's palsy.
Treatment targets points on the body that drive out wind and increase the flow of Qi-energy and blood. become the points used to restore balance to the energy flow. Acupuncture involves the placement and manipulation of small needles just under the skin, at each of the targeted points. The presence of these needles at specific points, combined with their manipulation, stimulates the flow of blood and Qi-energy.
Features
An initial physical examination confirms a diagnosis of Bell's palsy. The patient attempts to close the eyes, raise the eyebrows, smile, and bring the lips into a kissing position and blow out. Once confirmed, the acupuncture process begins.
When used in the treatment of Bell's palsy, acupuncture focuses on areas, or zones, on the body of the patient that correspond to areas of the peripheral nervous system, including facial nerves. The acupuncturist determines where an imbalance is occurring and places a needle just under the skin at the precise location. Needles remain in place for approximately 20 minutes. Manipulation of the needles, either by hand or electronically, takes place in an exact and specific fashion.
As treatment progresses, Qi-energy and blood begin to balance and flow more evenly. The muscles of the face and eye begin to receive and respond to messages sent from the brain, and the patient begins to look and feel better. Length of the treatment period depends on the severity of the symptoms. Although multiple sessions may be necessary, each procedure usually takes no more than 30 minutes.
Considerations
Acupuncture is safe and except for a tingling sensation when the acupuncturist inserts the needle, should be relatively painless. There should be no soreness, numbness or pain in the areas of needle insertion following the procedure.
Tags: Bell palsy, energy flow, balance energy, balance energy flow, facial area, facial nerves, from brain