Bell's palsy is known as Zhong Feng in Chinese and translates as Wind Attack. Bell's palsy is a temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. These muscles are controlled by the facial nerve. Because there's a facial nerve on each side of a person's face, and Bell's palsy usually affects just one nerve, people with Bell's palsy will most likely notice stiffness or weakness on one side of the face. When the facial nerve is working properly, it carries a host of messages from the brain to the face. These messages may tell an eyelid to close, one side of the mouth to smile or frown, or salivary glands to make spit. Facial nerves also help our bodies make tears and taste favorite foods. But if the nerve swells and is compressed, as happens with Bell's palsy, these messages don't get sent correctly. The result is weakness or temporary paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. Bell's palsy can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in adults. People with diabetes and pregnant women are more likely to develop Bell's palsy.
Symptoms usually start suddenly— usually Bell's palsy reaches its worst point within 48 hours, and range from mild to severe. They may include:
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Change in facial expression
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Difficulty with eating and drinking
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Drooling due to lack of control over muscles of the face
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Droopy eyelid or corner of mouth
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Dry eye or mouth
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Face feels stiff or pulled to one side
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Facial paralysis of one side of the face, makes it hard to close one eye
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Headache
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Loss of sense of taste
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Pain behind or in front of the ear
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Sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis) on the affected side of the face
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Twitching in face
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Weakness in face
Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine are very effective to treat Bell's palsy. Although this aspect of acupuncture is not widely known in the US, we always advise a patient who develops facial paralysis to consider this option without delay. The sooner treatment is applied, the easier it is to completely eliminate it with Chinese acupuncture and herbs. We recommend you try acupuncture first. Western doctors may try to treat Bell's palsy with steroid drugs or antivirals, both of which can cause serious side effects.
Are you wondering about treating Bell's palsy with traditional Chinese medicine? If you answer in the affirmative, then you can contact Xiaoyan for information on treatment of Bell's palsy and facial paralysis with acupuncture and Chinese medicines.