Acupuncture and botanical medicine have been shown to be very effective in treating and resolving the damage done by Bell’s palsy.
What is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes a temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the face. It occurs when the 7th cranial nerve that controls your facial muscles become inflamed, swollen, or compressed.
What are the symptoms?
The condition causes one side of your face to droop or become stiff. You may have difficulty smiling or closing your eye on the affected side. In rare cases, Bell’s palsy may affect both sides of your face.
When do I know if I have Bell’s Palsy?
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy can develop one to two weeks after you have a cold, ear infection, eye infection, stressful event, or a flu shot. They usually appear abruptly, and you may notice them when you wake up in the morning or when you try to eat or drink. The exact cause of this damage is unknown, but many medical researchers believe it’s most likely triggered by a viral infection.
What are the treatments available for Bell’s Palsy?
Most of you reading here already know all of this and more. You also know that Western medicine has very little to offer in the way of treatment beyond antiviral medication and steroid therapy. While we do recommend these, they are usually limited in their effects toward resolving the condition.
How can North County Acupuncture help me?
Traditional Chinese Medicine has much to offer, and at North County Acupuncture™ we have developed a very specific protocol and treatment plan that has been extremely effective in treating Bell’s palsy. Using acupuncture, we treat the meridians that are associated with the 7th cranial nerve. This treatment decreases swelling and inflammation. As swelling decreases, nerve damage is repaired. As nerve function improves, the facial muscles start to return to their normal state allowing you to reclaim your smile and restore the balance of beauty to your expression.
Chinese Botanical Medicine and nutritional supplements are also utilized as an integral part of the treatment plan. This aspect of treatment is extremely important in supporting and enhancing the effects of the acupuncture.
If you have questions about how we can help you treat Bell’s Palsy, contact us at 760-434-3410.
