The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown but it is believed that it may be from a viral infection. This also can occur at any age. This condition is usually temporary and may resolve within a few weeks up to six months of recovery time as a standard. All patients are individual as to constitution and recovery and may explain why some patients recover quicker than others.
A patient receiving acupuncture and moxibustion for Bell’s palsy
Some common western medicine treatments are oral steroids and anti-viral drugs. Physical therapy and acupuncture can help prevent facial muscles from permanently contracting.
Dr. tony Willcox at Acupuncture Zen in Delray Beach, Florida has trained in Shanghai and Anhui, China learning from the masters in the treatment of Acupuncture for Bell’s palsy. Having had personalized instruction with Dr. Shi Xue Min of 9,000 Needles fame on the treatment of stroke and bell’s palsy. Also with Professor Yang Jun the most famous Acupuncturist from Anhui, a population of 62.5 million people.
Effectiveness of strengthened stimulation during acupuncture for the treatment of Bell palsy: a randomized controlled trial
Sha-bei Xu, MD PhD, Bo Huang, MD PhD, Chen-yan Zhang, MMed, Peng Du, MD PhD, Qi Yuan, MMed, Gui-juan Bi, MMed, Gui-bin Zhang, MD PhD, Min-jie Xie, PhD, Xiang Luo, MD, Guang-ying Huang, MD PhD, Wei Wang, MD PhD⇑Results: After 6 months, patients in the de qi group had better facial function (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.23–7.78), better disability assessment (differences of least squares means 9.80, 95% CI 6.29–13.30) and better quality of life (differences of least squares means 29.86, 95% CI 22.33–37.38). Logistic regression analysis showed a positive effect of the de qi score on facial-nerve function (adjusted OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.09).