A type of temporary facial paralysis, Bell's palsy affects about two in every 10,000 people, according to MedlinePlus. The facial paralysis can affect one side of a patient's face. The lack of facial muscle control causes patients to have drooping of the mouth or eyelid, drooling, twitching and weakness. Some Bell's palsy patients may opt for alternative treatments instead of using medications. When considering an alternative treatment for Bell's palsy, patients should talk to their doctors first.
Vitamin Therapy
The MayoClinic.com notes that patients may take certain vitamins to help with nerve growth. With Bell's palsy, patients have damage to the seventh cranial nerve, which controls the facial muscles. During vitamin therapy, patients take supplements of specific vitamins, such as vitamins B-6, B-12 and zinc. Before starting a vitamin therapy, patients should talk to their doctors about how much of each vitamin they should take and if taking these extra vitamins may cause any problems.
Acupuncture
Another option is acupuncture, which involves the placement of thin needles into specific places on the body by an acupuncturist. In traditional Chinese theory, each person has a flow of energy that goes through pathways in the body, which acupuncture redirects to relieve certain conditions. The MayoClinic.com explains that acupuncture may stimulate nerves and muscles, which may help with Bell's palsy symptoms. But not everyone is a candidate for acupuncture. For example, people with bleeding disorders or those using a blood thinner have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising from the needle insertion.
Relaxation Therapy
Arthur Schoenstadt, MD, author of the eMedTV article “Bell's Palsy Treatment,” notes that relaxation techniques may help with the symptoms of Bell's palsy. Examples of relaxation therapy include meditation and yoga. During meditation, patients may practice breathing techniques, such as deep breathing, which can relax the entire body. Yoga can help with stretching patients' muscles. Both techniques can help relieve muscle tension and chronic pain.
Biofeedback Training
Some Bell's palsy patients may undergo biofeedback training to manage their symptoms. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that with biofeedback training, the therapist attaches electrodes to the patient's skin, which records blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension. Then, by working with the biofeedback therapist, the patient learns how to change these readings, such as reducing her muscle tension. The MayoClinic.com adds that biofeedback training can help improve a patient's control of facial muscles.
Electrical Stimulation
Schoenstadt points out that electrical stimulation can help with Bell's palsy. In this treatment, the technician affixes an electrode on the patient's skin near the affected area. Attached to the electrode is an electrical unit, which transmits electrical current through the electrode to the patient's affected nerve. The electrical stimulation can help improve the facial paralysis caused by Bell's palsy by aiding neuromuscular communication.
