Bell's palsy is a condition that can impair physical looks and functionality. It can also begin as a painful and inflammatory event, according to the Merck Manual. When only a part of the nerve is damaged, the condition is generally considered to be self limiting and resolves on its own in months. While often left to run its course, conventional doctors may use antiviral and anti-inflammatory medications to assist in the healing process. Acupuncture views the origin of Bell's palsy from a different model, but may offer relief and expedite recovery.
About Bell's Palsy
Bell's palsy affects a small percentage of the population, affecting approximately 23 out of every 100,000 people. Merck notes that the symptoms come on very abruptly when the facial nerve on one side malfunctions. This nerve supplies the facial muscles, tear and salivary glands, part of the inner ear and part of the tongue. The face may be partially paralyzed, with uncomfortable sensations and changes in tear and saliva production.
About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), according to the National Institutes of Health. At the root of this medical art is the philosophy that an energetic force, known as chi (qi), moves, directs and influences every aspect of human existence. The ability of the chi to flow and permeate the body creates balance and health--and the obstruction or imbalance of chi leads to disease. The chi is believed to move along invisible channels under the skin that connect all of the organs of the body. Acupuncture uses small, fine needles to access the channels and allow chi to flow properly.
Western View of Bell's Palsy
Western medical science names the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) as the cause of Bell's palsy. The American Social Health Association notes that between 50 and 80 percent of the population are infected with this virus, and 90 percent of the adult population will have contracted the virus by the age of 50. The virus is presumed to have been passed by a kiss from a family member or friend by the time a child has reached 10 or 11 years old. The herpes virus is known for its ability to hide in the nerve roots and stay asleep until conditions are optimal for its resurgence. HSV-1 is also the cause of cold sores and fever blisters. When the virus reawakens within the facial nerve, the inflammatory process leads to Bell's palsy.
TCM View of Bell's Palsy
Acupuncture views Bell's palsy as a condition of wind-cold attacking the Chinese liver/gallbladder and stomach/large intestines area, as well as the tendons and muscles, according to a 2005 Acupuncture.com newsletter. This pathogenic wind-cold is believed to occur when a patient is exposed to wind, such as sleeping near an open window or driving with the windows down. If the body's immunity is deficient, it is susceptible to bacteria and viruses, which cause inflammation that stagnates chi and leads to illness.
Acupuncture Protocol
Acupuncture and TCM offer symptomatic and preventive relief for Bell's palsy. Symptomatic relief, notes the 2005 Acupuncture.com newsletter, comes from removing the wind and normalizing the chi and blood circulation in the channels associated with the muscles and tendons. This can be done via the placement of local and more distant acupuncture needles over the course of a few appointments. Opening the channels is believed to restore function to the lax muscles and eliminate paralysis.
