A 19 year old woman came to our office suffering from Bell’s Palsy. The left side of her face had become paralyzed four weeks earlier, causing functional and appearance issues. She was unable to close her left eye, her mouth drooped in a frown, she was unable to smile and she had face pain and numbness. This Bell’s Palsy case study discusses how acupuncture was able to resolve her condition and return her to health.
The Problem
Approximately 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy each year. Symptoms vary from person to person and range in severity from mild weakness to total paralysis. Typical symptoms include twitching, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the face. There is often drooping of the eyelid and corner of the mouth, drooling, eye and mouth dryness, problems with taste, and excessive tearing in one eye. Symptoms typically begin suddenly, reaching their peak within 48 hours.
Other symptoms include pain or discomfort around the jaw and behind the ear, ringing in one or both ears, headache, sound hypersensitivity, impaired speech, dizziness, and difficulty eating or drinking.
The Solution
Acupuncture has been successfully treating Bell’s Palsy for thousands of years. A combination of acupuncture points on the face and body help restore normal face function. It is the safest, most effective treatment for resolving Bell’s Palsy.
Western medicine offers steroids and anti-viral medications. Patients are then told to go home and wait to improve. Sometimes they do, and other times they do not. Acupuncture provides a powerful healing method for Bell’s Palsy.
Bell’s Palsy Case Study
Our 19 year old patient was in a panic about two things. First, her facial paralysis was very upsetting. She was not improving, even after taking the steroid and anti-viral treatments from her doctor. In addition, she was returning to college in six weeks and was horrified about having her friends see her like this. If you have ever seen pictures of people with Bell’s Palsy you will understand her concern.
We immediately began treatment with acupuncture. She received points on the face and also on the body. Some examples of points used on her face included ST4, ST7, Si18, Li20, TaiYang, BL2 and YuYao. Body points included GB31, GB34, Li4, and LV3. Points were varied for each treatment.
After the first three treatments her facial pain was completely gone. After another three treatments her paralysis was 50% resolved. This turning point really helped ease her fears. She knew she was getting better. After another three treatments she was all better. Just in time. She left for college the next day!
What To Expect
All needles are sterile, single-use and hair thin. Our patient in this Bell’s Palsy case study was initially concerned if the needles would hurt. She soon found out this was not a problem. She hardly felt them. That’s because they are tiny. Face needles are 36 gauge, which is even difficult to see with the eye.
Her treatments were relaxing. By the end of each session she was so relaxed. She said her treatments felt like naps.
Next Steps
If you or someone you love had Bell’s Palsy, come in for acupuncture.
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If you enjoyed this Bell’s Palsy case study, you can read more case studies HERE.
What our Clients are Saying
I woke up in the morning and could not feel the left side of my face. I could not close my left eye. I have been to several doctors and have taken different drugs. I have a little improvement but majority of the problem remained. Out of desperation, I called Raleigh Acupuncture to check out if they treat this condition. They said they have successfully treated this condition and encourage me to come in as soon as possible because the sooner I come in, the better. I came in that same day. To my surprise, after just the first treatment, I could close my left eye. That was huge for me. Because I did not need to tape my left eye shut when I went to sleep for the 1st time since this happen. And during the day, I did not need to keep putting in drops to moisten it. I continued my treatment with them. I got better and better. I started to have sensation coming back. I could drink water without spilling all over myself. I could smile. Anyway, I am 100% cured. If you have this condition, don’t wait, call them and get treated right away. It surely saves a lot of anxiety and struggles.
