BELL’S PALSY CAN feel like a real prank your face is playing on you. One side droops, your smile looks wonky, and winking turns into a full-on face scrunch.
Recently, singer and actress Frenchie Dy opened up about her third round with this annoying condition, shining a light on the struggles it brings and some treatment options, like acupuncture.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), they call Bell’s Palsy “wind stroke” or “facial paralysis due to wind.” This comes from the idea that “wind” – an outside force – messes with your facial energy pathways. This “wind” can throw off the flow of Qi (your body’s vital energy) and blood, leading to that facial weakness or paralysis we see.
TCM links Bell’s Palsy to things like drafts or sudden temperature changes. While science hasn’t nailed down a direct cause, lots of folks say they’ve had Bell’s Palsy after being in front of air conditioning, open windows, or a fan blowing right at them. So, that fan you love on hot days? While it feels great, pointing it at your face for too long might not be the best idea if you’re prone to Bell’s Palsy.
For people like Frenchie, looking into different treatment options, including acupuncture, might be a good way to work towards recovery and a better quality of life.
A BIT OF MYSTERY
In Western medicine, the exact cause of Bell’s Palsy is still a bit of a mystery, but it’s thought to be due to inflammation or damage to the facial nerve, which leads to weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. Many people get better on their own, but steroids are often used, and some folks look to acupuncture for extra help.
Acupuncture involves sticking tiny needles into specific points of your body. These points are where Qi flows, and TCM sees Bell’s Palsy as a blockage caused by that pesky “wind.” The needles help clear out the “wind,” restore balance and kickstart healing.
So, how does acupuncture help with Bell’s Palsy? While research is still figuring it out, there are a few ideas. One is that acupuncture can reduce inflammation around the facial nerve, easing pressure and helping it work better. Another thought is that it could help regenerate nerve fibers. Plus, acupuncture is known to help you relax and reduce stress, which can be a big deal for anyone dealing with the emotional side of Bell’s Palsy.
NOT A GUARANTEE
Acupuncture isn’t a guaranteed fix for Bell’s Palsy. However many people find it helpful alongside traditional treatments. Some studies suggest it improves facial muscle function and speeds up recovery. Many patients say they notice a real difference after acupuncture, feeling more sensation and movement in their affected facial muscles.
Frenchie Dy’s recent experience shows that Bell’s Palsy can recur, which adds another layer of difficulty. While the recurrence of Bell’s Palsy is less common, it underscores the need for ongoing management and support.
For people like Frenchie, looking into different treatment options, including acupuncture, might be a good way to work towards recovery and a better quality of life. Remember, those little needles might be small, but they can pack a punch when it comes to healing and restoring balance.
So, here’s to Frenchie and everyone else sticking it to Bell’s Palsy – one acupuncture session at a time!