Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy

Wake up in the morning with droopy mouth on one side of the face? You may have Bell’s Palsy!

What is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s Palsy is caused by swollen or compressed  seventh cranial nerve , which leads to the facial weakness or paralysis. The exact reason of this disease is unknown, but most of modern researchers believe it is triggered by the virus infection.

The symptoms are marked by a droopy mouth on one side of the face and being unable to open or close the eyes with some other symptoms. In most cases it will affect one side of the body.

 

The Treatment for Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s Palsy symptoms could be improved without treatment, while it may take several weeks or months to totally recover. Modern medicine include steroid, antiviral or antibacterial medication if this is caused by virus or bacteria, also some pain killer will be prescribed to release pain.

What acupuncture can do for Bell’s Palsy?

Basically, Acupuncture can regulate and promote the blood circulation, decrease the inflammation, and strengthen the body’s immunity system  with inserting very fine needles to the local and distal area of the body. There are different acupuncture treatment protocols  according to the different stages of Bell’s Palsy.  A number of studies in China have suggested a good therapeutic effect of acupuncture on facial palsy, however, the quality of the included researches is inadequate to allow any conclusion about the efficacy of acupuncture, more high quality trials are needed.

References:

Li Jiangping. Comparison the efficacy between acupuncture and manipulation for Bell’s palsy. Chinese Clinical Medicine Research 2005;11(12):17156

Chen X, Zheng H, Hu K, et al. A randomized controlled trial of acupuncture and moxibustion to treat Bell’s palsy according to different stages: design and protocol. Contemporary Clinical Trials 2009;30(4):34753.

Ning C, Muke Z, Li H, et al. Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy. Cochrane Neuromuscular Group. 2010. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002914.pub5

Reheman A, Liu HS, Kang MF. [Clinical study on acupuncture combined with moxibustion on temperature-sensitive points for treatment of Bell palsy in the acute stage]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2009;29(1):1720.

 

 

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