Facial Paralysis

Facial Paralysis: A TCM Approach to Recovery

Facial paralysis is a neurological system condition where the loss of function or one-sided paralysis of the face has been experienced, patients with it cannot smile, blink, speak, or even show any emotions. The most common causes are the Bell's Palsy, stroke-cause damage in nerves, or viral infection resulting from trauma to the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).

While Western medicines have been treating it with steroids, antiviral medications, or physiotherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a holistic method to treat it which facilitates spontaneous recovery through its focus on the restoration of the flow of Qi, promotion of blood circulation, and nourishment of the nerves.

Understanding Facial Paralysis in TCM

Facial Paralysis in TCM

TCM facial paralysis is mainly caused by the imbalance of the body's Qi (life energy) and Blood flow. The main causes of facial paralysis in TCM are:

1.

Invasion of External Wind (风邪侵袭)

Exposure to sudden cold wind, air-conditioning, or rain may make the body's balance lose and lead to blocked meridians on the face.

This is usually the reason why cases of Bell's Palsy surge during the colder months.

Symptoms include acute facial numbness, weakness, or stiffness accompanied by headache or pain in the jaw.

2.

Deficiency of Qi and Blood (气血亏虚)

Poor circulation cannot supply nutrition to the facial nerves and therefore leading to weakening of the muscles and delayed recovery.

Patients with indigestion, anemia, or chronic fatigue are likely to suffer from Qi and Blood deficiency.

3.

Liver and Kidney Deficiency (肝肾亏虚)

The Liver in TCM regulates tendons, and the Kidneys regulate bones and nerve health.

Weakening of these organs slows down healing of the nerves, and paralysis of the face is harder to heal.

4.

Stagnation and Phlegm Obstruction of the Vessels (血瘀和痰阻络)

Stagnation is caused by damaged circulation, depriving the nerves of the nutrients which they require.

Excess phlegm and dampness within the body also inhibit nerve inflammation and healing.

How TCM Works in Rehabilitation of Facial Paralysis

TCM focuses on an all-round process of treatment which addresses symptoms and internal balance. The primary therapies include acupuncture, herbal therapy, Tuina therapy, and dietary adjustment.

1. Acupuncture: Activating Nerve Function

Acupuncture is a highly effective and highly sought-after TCM therapy for facial paralysis. Through the insertion of thin needles into specific acupoints, acupuncture:

✔ Improves the blood and oxygen supply to the affected nerves.
✔ Reduces inflammation and swelling that may be compressing the facial nerve.
✔ Stimulate regeneration of the nerves and resumption of normal function.
✔ Balances the flow of body energy for faster recuperation.

Major Acupuncture Points for Facial Paralysis

  • ST4 (Dicang) & ST6 (Jiache) – Stimulates movement of the mouth and inhibits facial drooping.
  • GB14 (Yangbai) – Re-establishes movement of the eyebrow and eyelid.
  • LI4 (Hegu) & LV3 (Taichong) – Encourages the movement of Qi and Blood, thus promote recovery speed.
  • BL10 (Tianzhu) – Prevents stiffness of the neck and jaw, which usually is a complication of facial paralysis.

2. Herbal Medicine: Nutritive Nerves

TCM herbal medicine is important in supplying nutrients for nerve recovery, enhancing circulation, and strengthening the body.

Some of the most commonly used herbs prescribed for facial paralysis are:

Huang Qi (Astragalus) – Tonifies Qi and stimulates circulation to the facial nerves.

Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) – Tonifies blood and repairs tissue.

Gou Teng (Uncaria) – Sedates internal wind and stops nerve spasms.

Bai Shao (White Peony Root) – Relaxes facial and muscle tension.

Herbal formulas are tailored to the constitution of each patient to facilitate optimal healing.

3. Tuina Massage & Facial Exercises

Tuina (推拿) is therapeutic massage acupuncture that will:

✔ Relaxes facial circulation and Qi.
✔ Relaxes muscle tension and restores flexibility.
✔ Prevents muscle atrophy and facial asymmetry.

Facial exercises, combined with Tuina, will retrain and strengthen:

Eyebrow lifts – Facilitates restoration of control over the forehead muscles.

Cheek massages – Strenghthen circulation and prevents drooping.

Gentle blowing exercises – Strenghthen lip and mouth coordination.

4. Food & Lifestyle Instructions for Rapid Healing

✔ Do not expose face to cold wind – Wind could lead to sudden worsening of symptoms.

✔ Consume nerve-repair foods – Black sesame, walnuts, and bone broth heal nerves.

✔ Keep stress under control – Emotional imbalance and stress will delay healing, and therefore Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation are recommended.

✔ Avoid greasy, hot, and raw foods – They will lead to internal dampness, which will dampen the nerves.

How long is the recovery time?

Recovery will also be determined by the severity of the condition, the overall health of the patient, and how quickly therapies is initiated.

Mild conditions (i.e., Bell's Palsy) can be alleviated within a few weeks of continued TCM treatments.

More severe conditions (i.e., facial paralysis from stroke) may take several months of consistent acupuncture and herbal treatment.

The sooner the treatment, the better—early intervention with herbal and acupuncture can improve the chances of recovery.

Managing Facial Paralysis in Singapore

We provide professional acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Tuina treatment.

Our customized treatment plans address the underlying cause of facial paralysis to ensure quicker and better recovery.

1.

Comprehensive treatment with TCM therapy to address symptoms and underlying causes.

2.

Side-effect-free herbal remedy.

3.

Experienced TCM experts with expertise in nerve recovery.