Facial Paralysis (Bell’s Palsy)

Mostly affects young adults, acute, usually one side of the face is effected, can’t close eye, or mouth, causes tearing and drooling.  May be accompanied by pain before attack (around GB 12 SJ 17 +/-), front 2/3 of tongue loses taste sensation, hearing may become sensitive.

When body is weak the meridians are empty, the pathogen gets inside and blocks the flow of Qi, this results in a lack of nourishment to the tendons and muscles.  Can become chronic, this causes an eventual Yin deficiency with Heat and/or deficiency Wind.  This condition may cause the deviation to move to the other side of the face.

P/T – promote blood circulation, open meridians to expel Wind

Acupuncture

*SJ 17, ST 4-6, LI 4, LR 3, GB 20, LI 20, 19, Du 26, Jia Cheng Jiang
eye not closing- Yin Qiao KI 6, Yang Qiao BL 62, BL 2, GB 14, Yu Yao

Notes

technique is to push drooping skin back towards normal position
patient should come as soon after attack as possible, and return every other day
only puncture effected side
be sure to wear head and neck scarves

electrical- when facial muscles begin to twitch the stimulation is sufficient.
Chew gum
Facial massage after hot cloth compresses (herbal)