Acupuncture for Bell's Palsy - FAQ

Experienced Acupuncturist, Judy Bowen-Jones, answers your questions about acupuncture for Bell's Palsy - when and how often you should have acupuncture treatment, and what happens during your treatment for Bell's Palsy. Judy has successfully treated many patients for Bell's Palsy.
To find out more about acupuncture and read reviews about acupuncture for Bell's Palsy, visit Judy's website https//:www.judybowenjonesacupuncture.co.uk

Judy is a Registered Member of the British Acupuncture Council.
She holds regular acupuncture clinics in Crowborough, East Sussex and Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Video transcript:
"If you are watching this video, then it’s likely that you or someone you know is suffering from Bell’s Palsy.
What is Bells Palsy?
Bell’s Palsy is a temporary facial paralysis, typically on one side of the face, caused by inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve where it passes through the skull on the side of your head. With Bells palsy, you have problems moving your facial muscles, and your face droops on the affected side. You may have problems eating and closing your eye.
What causes Bells Palsy?
Recent evidence in Western medicine suggests that Bells Palsy may be caused by Herpes Simplex, the virus which causes cold sores.
In Chinese Medicine, Bells Palsy is caused by the invasion of EXTERNAL, COLD, WIND – catching a severe chill in your face from a cold draught.
Emergency service drivers – ambulance drivers and police patrol drivers seem to be particularly susceptible to Bells Palsy. They will tell you that one of the causes is driving at high speeds with the window open. This fits the Chinese Medical explanation.
How can acupuncture help Bells Palsy?
For many people, the symptoms of Bells Palsy will resolve spontaneously over time. But about a third of people will be left with mild to moderate facial weakness if it left untreated.
Clinical trials suggest that acupuncture is at least as effective as steroids and may improve recovery in patients with Bell’s Palsy. Acupuncture works by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation and stimulating the nerves and muscles of the face.
When and how often should I come for treatment?
For best results, its important to start your acupuncture treatment as soon as possible. In my experience, the earlier you start treatment, the quicker your recovery and the more complete your recovery.
You will probably need to come for acupuncture twice a week for the first 2-3 weeks, then weekly for a week or two after that, depending on your recovery.
What’s involved in acupuncture treatment for Bell’s Palsy
Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy does involve use of some facial acupuncture points on the affected side of the face, as well as body points. The needles used are very fine – as thin as a human hair. The treatment also involves warming the acupuncture needles used on the legs using a process called moxibustion. This involves putting hot ‘caps’ of a herb – moxa, on the needs. [Still photo moxa on legs] These warming needles help to build energy and blood, strengthen your immune system and drive out the cold. The moxa treatment feels wonderful.
What else can I do to help me recover from Bell’s Palsy?
If you have been affected by Bell’s Palsy, it is likely you were already run down, perhaps under stress or overworking. To help your recovery, its really important to take care of yourself, take time off work, get lots of rest, keep warm and eat well.
It is generally considered helpful to take a good quality multivitamin, an omega 3 fish oil supplement and turmeric - to help reduce inflammation, and Vitamin B12 and zinc for nerve repair. You may also need to take some eye drops.
There’s a specialist Facial Palsy clinic at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, West Sussex. Ask your GP for an urgent referral. The physiotherapists there will measure and monitor your facial weakness and advise you on facial exercises and self massage to help your recovery.
If you have had Bell’s Palsy, you will likely be vulnerable to getting it again if you get run down, so it’s important to look avoid sitting in a draught or under an air conditioning unit, and make sure the air vents in your car are not pointed at your face and neck. People seem to be especially vulnerable in the Autumn, with the onset of colder weather. Many of my patients come for a top-up acupuncture treatment at this time of year to help build their immunity and protect them from the cold.
Where can I find more information about Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy?
If you want to read about patients experience of acupuncture for Bells Palsy there are several reviews on my website. If you have any questions about acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy or anything else, please do not hesitate to get in touch."
Warmest wishes,
Judy Bowen-Jones MBAcC Acupuncture

Further Information: Acupuncture and Bell’s Palsy, British Acupuncture Council Fact Sheet November 2014