Lecture on the Power of Acupuncture for Bell's Palsy

Introduction

• Speaker: Claire
• Topic: Acupuncture for Bell's Palsy
• Main Points: Western and Chinese medical perspectives on Bell's Palsy, treatments, and strategies for patients

Western View on Bell's Palsy

• Causes: Unknown, possibly from dormant viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr, Herpes)
• Symptoms:
  • Facial drooping (one side)
  • Eyelid cannot close
  • Pain in facial nerve
  • Fatigue, headache, tinnitus, ear and jaw pain
  • Sensation loss and muscle drooping on one side
• Solutions: Often resolves itself in 2-6 months, physical therapy, corticosteroids, antiviral medication

Chinese Medicine View on Bell's Palsy

• Causes: Stress depletes immune system, external Wind pathogen invasion
• Patterns:
  • Spleen Qi Sinking: Mild weakness to total paralysis, facial drooping (one side), excess saliva, loss of taste, fatigue, loose stools, pale tongue with teeth marks
  • Blood Stasis with Wind: Rapid onset of paralysis, stabbing pain around jaw/ear, purple tongue, choppy/wiry pulse

Treatment Approaches

Acupuncture Points

Spleen Qi Sinking

• Points to Raise Spleen Qi: Spleen 6, Ren 6, Stomach 26, Du 20
• Facial Points: Ren 24, DU 26, Stomach 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Gallbladder 3, SJ 23, Gallbladder 14

Blood Stasis

• Move Blood and Qi Points: LI 4, SJ 5, Stomach 45
• Facial Points: Similar to Spleen Qi Sinking
• Electroacupuncture: Stomach 7 & 8 or Stomach 6 & 4 for 10 minutes

Ear Acupuncture

• Points: Cheek, jaw, ear, eye, lips, Shen Men
• Additional: Ear seeds for acupressure at home

Other Treatments

• Moxa: 10 minutes daily on the facial area
• Gua Sha: For 10 minutes before needling
• *Food/Nutrition:
  • Boost Immune System: Seeds (sesame, pumpkin), reishi mushrooms, blackstrap molasses
  • Avoid: Processed food, eggs, shellfish, pork
• Herbal Formulas:
  • Spleen Qi Sinking: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
  • Blood Stasis: Tao Hong Si Wu Tang
• Lifestyle Recommendations: Wear an eye patch, use hydrating eye drops, find ways to meditate and de-stress

Conclusion

• Effectiveness: Acupuncture is seen as safe, effective, and fast with no side effects
• Importance of Early Treatment: Earlier treatment leads to better outcomes
• Patient Strategies: Techniques like wearing eye patches, using hydrating eye drops, meditation for stress relief
• Encouragement: Continue to educate the public on acupuncture’s benefits for Bell’s Palsy