Bell's palsy (also known as facial paralysis or 7th cranial nerve palsy) can be helped with acupuncture and Chinese medicines. Acupuncture is often very successful in relieving the pain and facial paralysis that come with the condition, especially when treatment is begun within the first two weeks of diagnosis. The practitioner will insert a number of tiny, hairlike needles at various acupuncture points throughout your face and body to increase your body's healing energy flow, or Qi (pronounced Chee). Bell's Palsy patients who receive treatment within the first 10 to 14 days may experience restored circulation, increased muscle function and reduced numbness after only six to eight visits, although it may take further visits to achieve a maximum therapeutic affect. Even if it has been some time since you developed a Bell's palsy, acupuncture still may be worth trying.  Remember, though--your therapy program may take significantly longer if you get a late start, and it may not alleviate all of your symptoms. Herbal therapy may also have to be used. Western doctors may try to treat Bell's palsy with steroid drugs or antivirals, both of which can cause serious side effects. We recommend you try acupuncture first.

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