The Treatment of Bell’s Palsy with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs

What is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell's palsy is a peripheral (affecting the peripheral rather than the central nervous system) facial paralysis that results from damage to the seventh cranial nerve, or "facial nerve". Due to paralysis of the facial nerve, symptoms can include inability to lift or close one eye, difficulty moving facial muscles on one side of the face, lacrimation (eye tearing) on the affected side, distortion of taste (especially on the first 2/3 of the tongue) and tingling around the lip area (all on the affected side). The condition has an abrupt onset and is idiopathic in nature (no known cause).

How you can tell if you have Bell's Palsyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6EYCvxfkHo

Traditional Chinese Medicine's point of view

Bell's Palsy (Zhong Feng) is considered a Wind Attack or External Wind Stroke attack. The main pattern differentiation being a Wind invasion due to emptiness of the Channels (Maclean and Lyttleton 1998). In Chinese Medicine, Wind is said to be the carrier of 1,000 diseases. Wind is thought to take advantage of the deficiency (weakness) a patient is experiencing and enters the body attacking the sinews and vessels in the area of the face. This results in vital energy (Qi) and the blood to stagnate causing the inability of the facial muscles to

relax and therefore contract (Wolfe 2003). The principle of treatment is to expel Wind and promote the movement of Qi and blood by scattering the stagnation. 

Acupuncture for Bell's Palsy

According to Liu (1995), when acupuncture was initiated within three days post onset in 684 cases of facial nerve paralysis, 100 percent of the patients were cured or there was a marked improvement (5). Other studies (Gao, Chen, 1991) revealed that 80% of cases that were treated at more than 2 months post onset, and 83 percent of severe cases, were cured or had excellent effect (6). 

Chinese herbs and Bell's Palsy

The most important herbs for this disorder should include herbs to treat wind attack and anti-viral herbs such as Qin Jiao, Fang Feng, Xi Xin, Bai Shao, Di Long, Fu Ling, Gan Cao, Chuan Xiong, Pu Gong Ying, Dang Gui.

Variations on this formula are important to change as the patient's situation change. We can personalized a Chinese herbs supplement to suit your body type and current condition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bell's palsy is a physical and emotionally debilitating condition in which conventional medicine has limited understanding and efficacy. The exposure to external sources (stress, environment) cause the immune system to produce an inflammatory response. This inflammation can then obstruct the normal function of the nerves and vessels resulting in paralysis. Chinese medicine has treated conditions such as Bell's palsy for centuries. Chinese medicine and acupuncture on a regular basis can significantly improve results and help to resolve this condition.

Seeking for Bell's Palsy acupuncture sessions in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia?
Contact us today and let us help you to treat Bell's Palsy.

Ho Modesty Acupuncture office

Address: No.1B, 2nd Flr, Bangunan S.E., Jalan 25/12,Taman Mayang, 47301 Petaling Jaya (opposite Kelana Jaya LRT, same building as Bone & Pots Restaurant).

Contact number 

012 - 488 3814 (Alexander Ho, Acupuncturist) 

Appointment booking only.

Is it necessary to have maintained treatment?

Once you are completely cured or feeling much better, we suggest that you continue acupuncture treatment at least 3-4 times per month to keep you body and immunity system stronger, and prevent your disease from coming back or getting a new disease.

Can acupuncture help me prevent sick?

Acupuncture is wonderful for general well-being, stress-reduction and boosting immunity. Acupuncture and herbs can help strengthen you again. Some people, once their problem has resolved, come monthly or seasonally to prevent allergy flare-ups, for example.

Can acupuncture treatment help with non-physical problems?

Of course it can. We believe that the body is both spiritual and physical. Acupuncture treats both sides of the issue, whereas traditional western medicine only treats one.

Are the needles sterile?

Absolutely. Only the highest quality stainless steel disposable needles are used. These come in pre-sterilized sealed packets and are discarded after use.

Why some of my favorite food is forbidden by my TCM doctor or my acupuncturist?

In TCM, the food are divided into different natures: cold, cool, warm, hot, generate sputum, generate dryness, generate stagnation (obstruction), etc. So if you are a cold type person or your problem is cold by nature, the TCM doctor will suggest you avoid the cold or cool food but encourage you eat warm or hot food etc. Generally, spicy food is warm or hot by nature, many vegetables are cold or cool, some fruits are warm or hot etc. That is why.

What do we do in a consultation session

(1) I will comprehend your health condition through a series of Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic system, such as tongue inspection, palmistry reading, taking the pulse & meridian checking)


(2) I will ask your companion about the date and cause of onset, course of the disease, symptoms and other conditions necessary for differentiating the disease.


(3) I will analise the Ying & Yang balance and 5 elements status in your body.
 
(4) Based on the conclusion we collected from the above diagnostic methods, I will develop treatment plan  Acupuncture and Chinese herbs recommendation for you. 

(5) I will also giving you some suggestion for diet, exercise and stress reduction.
 
(6) I will advise you to visit me again for the second consultation, this is important for me to follow up with your progress.

What health conditions can acupuncture treats.

Pain management
Irregular menstruation
Neck back pain
Menopause
Sciatica
Infertility
Arthritis
Fertility Treatment
Prostate Enlargement
Uterine fibroid
Allergies
Tinnitus
Diabetes
Acne
Fatigue
Urticaria
Depression
Wrinkle reduction
Insomnia
Beauty & Rejuvenation
Gastritis
Strengthening the immune system for cancer
TMJ

Why we use concentrated herbal extracts?

Facelifts acupuncture - How it works

I am afraid of needles, does acupuncture hurt?

You can request Japanese acupuncture techniques, they are extremely gentle and comfortable and in fact, it is quite common for people to become so relaxed that they actually fall asleep during the treatment. The needles used for acupuncture are much thinner than the typical medical needles that one may have experienced in a doctor's office.

Should I tell my doctor if I receive acupuncture treatment?

If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it is sensible to mention that you plan to have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but you should always consult your doctor regarding any change of prescription. I need to know about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.

Should I continue with my prescribed medication while undergoing a course of acupuncture treatment?

Yes, at least until you have discussed this with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. Many people seek the help of an acupuncturist because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment, because it does not seem to be working or because the side effects are unacceptable. DO NOT stop taking any medication without professional guidance.

Is acupuncture right for me?

Our treatments are highly personalized and thus address your unique health concerns of our patients. We will work to bring you back to your optimal health both physically, mentally, and spiritually.

What should I do before treatment?

You should try not to have a large meal within 2 hours of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse. You should also avoid alcohol and food or drinks which colour your tongue, such as coffee, immediately prior to treatment.

What can I expect for results?

A course of treatments is recommended and will vary depending on the severity of the condition, length of time with the condition, and your overall health, energy and commitment to healing. A minimum of 8 treatments is recommended; 20 treatments is an average course. Many people begin to see results in just a few treatments. Treatments may be scheduled weekly, monthly, or less if the problem is acute. The treatments will be less often as the conditions improve. Some people choose to include acupuncture treatments as a regular part of their regular healthcare coming weekly, monthly, or seasonally.

What is the feeling of being acupunctured?

The insertion of the needle might feel like a small pinch. After insertion sensations such as warmth, tingling, or fullness may be felt at the site of the needle or along its pathway. Most people feel a deep sense of relaxation; some even fall asleep during the treatment. Most people feel calm, relaxed, centered, and sometimes energized.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a 5,000 years old Chinese Medical System that helps to treat the body as a whole and to help with pain and a wide number of complaints. The goals of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are to restore the body back to health.

The acupuncturist will insert hair thin stainless steel sterile needles (single-use) to the skin, this will affects the body’s vital energy called Qi (Chi). The Qi travels along various pathways called meridians. They are rivers flowing bringing blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the different organs.

Acupuncture research has found that it boost the immune system, increases blood circulation, influences the central and peripheral nervous system, and releases pain-mediating chemicals such as endorphins in the brain to help relieve pain and to give one a nice sense of wellbeing.