Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy is a condition where sudden weakness or paralysis affects one side of the face. It can cause facial drooping, difficulty closing the eye, trouble smiling, and changes in taste or tear production. While the exact cause is unclear, inflammation or viral infections are often involved. Early and holistic intervention greatly improves recovery outcomes.

Understanding Bell’s Palsy in TCM

In TCM, Bell’s palsy is usually associated with:

• Wind invasion disrupting facial meridians
• Qi and Blood stagnation blocking nourishment to the face
• Liver and Kidney deficiencies weakening the body's defence and recovery ability

Treatment focuses on expelling Wind, promoting circulation, and strengthening internal organs to restore muscle function.

How Acupuncture Helps with Bell’s Palsy

Acupuncture is one of the most effective therapies for Bell’s palsy recovery. It works by:

• Stimulating blood circulation to nourish facial nerves and muscles
• Reducing inflammation around the facial nerve
• Promoting nerve regeneration and muscle activation
• Balancing the body's immune and energy systems

We use local points around the face, as well as distal points along the Stomach, Large Intestine, and Gallbladder meridians, to support overall healing. Techniques like electroacupuncture are often used to further stimulate facial muscles.

Clinical studies published in the Journal of Acupuncture Research (2022) demonstrate that acupuncture significantly improves facial muscle strength, reduces recovery time, and enhances overall prognosis in Bell’s palsy patients.

How Chinese Herbal Medicine Supports Recovery

Chinese herbal therapy complements acupuncture by working internally to:

• Expel Wind and clear Dampness obstructing facial pathways
• Move Qi and Blood to nourish the face
• Strengthen the Liver and Kidney systems to support nerve health
• Reduce residual inflammation and swelling

Commonly used herbs include:

• Fang Feng (Siler Root): Expels Wind and relieves spasms
• Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): Nourishes Blood and promotes healing
• Huang Qi (Astragalus Root): Tonifies Qi and supports immune function
• Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root): Invigorates Blood and eases stagnation

Herbal formulas are personalised based on the severity, stage, and constitutional factors of each patient.

Early vs Chronic Bell’s Palsy: TCM Approach

Early Stage (Acute Phase)

During the first days to weeks after onset, goals include:

• Expelling Wind and Dampness
• Promoting circulation to reduce nerve compression
• Initiating nerve healing processes

Frequent acupuncture sessions and herbal treatments during this phase can lead to faster, more complete recovery.

Chronic Stage (Residual Phase)

If facial weakness persists beyond several months, focus shifts to:

• Strengthening Qi and Blood to support nerve repair
• Softening residual tightness or contracture in facial muscles
• Encouraging new nerve pathway formation

Even in chronic cases, many patients experience significant improvements with sustained TCM therapy.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations for Bell’s Palsy

Supporting your body's recovery from Bell’s palsy involves proper care at home too. We recommend:

• Protecting the face from wind and cold exposure
• Applying warm compresses to aid circulation (once swelling subsides)
• Gently massaging the affected side of the face daily
• Practising facial exercises to maintain muscle tone
• Eating warming, Qi-nourishing foods like ginger, black beans, chicken, and bone broth
• Avoiding cold, raw, and greasy foods that impair digestion and circulation
• Stress management techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises can also support nerve healing.

Final Thoughts

Bell’s palsy can be frightening and frustrating, but recovery is possible. With Traditional Chinese Medicine’s holistic approach, you can restore nerve function, muscle tone, and facial harmony.