Facial paralysis is the inability to voluntarily move one side of the face. According to Medline Plus, facial paralysis can be caused by infection, stroke, Lyme disease, brain tumor, birth trauma, sarcoidosis, Ramsay Hunt syndrome and Bell's palsy. Estimates show that seventy five percent of facial paralysis in adults is due to Bell's palsy, a condition characterized by inflammation of the facial nerve. Facial exercises are sometimes recommended as part of treatment for facial paralysis, depending on the cause. Discuss treatment options with your doctor before trying facial exercises.
Massage
Gentle massage is the first exercise and perhaps, depending on the cause of the paralysis, the only one you should perform with your face. Massage helps increase circulation in the face and stimulates the nerves. Use soft, circular motions to massage your face with your fingers, a make-up brush or an ice cube. You can also try gently tapping the skin with your fingers.
Wink and Blink
Exercises performed with the eyes can help work facial muscles. Try shutting your eyes tightly and then opening them as wide as possible. Repeat several times. You can also try winking your eyes, alternating between each eye several times.
Cheek Massage
The cheek massage will help circulation in the cheek muscles. Place your thumb inside your mouth, against the inside of the cheek. Use your index finger to hold onto the outside of the cheek. Gently massage the cheek with your fingers. Switch sides.
Wrinkle
Wrinkling parts of your face helps stretch muscles in the face. Furrow your eye brows to wrinkle and stretch the forehead. Scrunch up your nose, as if you smell something rotten, to stretch your nose and cheeks.
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