Bell's Palsy: When Treatment Is Needed

Hello, this is Dr. Choi Yeon-seung, lead director of Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic. Today, I'd like to delve into taste disorders, one of the various sequelae experienced after Bell's palsy.

Table of Contents

1. Bell's Palsy that 'turned' the face, but taste that hasn't returned
2. Taste Abnormalities Caused by Dysregulation of the Spleen and Stomach
3. Guidelines for Herbal Medicine Treatment to Restore Appetite
4. Stimulating Taste Nerves with Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy
5. Dietary Coaching to Improve Nutritional Imbalance
6. Until the Day You Regain Healthy Taste

1. Bell's Palsy that 'turned' the face, but taste that hasn't returned

"I was hospitalized for Bell's palsy, which paralyzed one side of my face. My speech became slurred, and I couldn't properly taste food. Now I can smile again, but my tongue still doesn't move well, and I have no appetite, making meals unenjoyable."

Bell's palsy is a medical term referring to peripheral facial paralysis. Damage to the facial nerve causes difficulties with forehead wrinkles, eye closure, and mouth movements. Viral infections, overwork, and stress are known as primary triggers.

While paralysis symptoms usually improve within 2-3 weeks, many individuals experience sequelae such as facial asymmetry, epiphora (excessive tearing), and taste or hearing abnormalities. Among these, taste disorder occurs due to impaired sensory transmission in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, resulting from facial nerve damage. Oral functions like chewing and swallowing may decline, and an inability to properly perceive sweet or salty tastes can lead to loss of appetite.

2. Taste Abnormalities Caused by Dysregulation of the Spleen and Stomach

In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), Bell's palsy is addressed within the scope of *kou yan wo xie* (口眼喎斜, deviation of the mouth and eye). It is believed that problems in the circulation of Qi and Blood (氣血) in the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian (足陽明胃經) lead to paralysis of the facial muscles. When pathogenic Wind-Cold (風寒邪氣) invades the meridians (經絡) or Liver Fire (肝火) becomes excessive, the flow of meridian Qi (經氣) becomes obstructed, leading to symptoms of blockage (*bu tong*).

Typically, damage to the Middle Jiao (中焦) and impaired Spleen (脾) transportation and transformation (運化) function due to overwork or stress become the primary pathological mechanism for taste disorders after Bell's palsy. A thick tongue coating (舌苔) or teeth marks on the tongue (齒痕) can also be signs of Spleen Deficiency (脾虛).

3. Guidelines for Herbal Medicine Treatment to Restore Appetite

In herbal medicine treatment for taste disorders, the most crucial aspect is the restoration of Spleen and Stomach (脾胃) function. First, we utilize therapeutic methods to strengthen the Spleen and augment Qi (*Jian Pi Yi Qi*) using herbs such as Ginseng (*Ren Shen*), Atractylodes Rhizome (*Bai Zhu*), Poria (*Fu Ling*), and Licorice Root (*Gan Cao*). Formulas like *Liu Jun Zi Tang* (Six Gentlemen Decoction) or modified *Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang* can be used to invigorate the Spleen's transportation and transformation function and eliminate dampness. In cases of Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Obstruction (*Pi Xu Shi Zu*) leading to loss of appetite and severe fatigue, *Ping Wei San* or *Shen Su Yin* may be applied. Adding Qi-regulating and dampness-transforming herbs (*Li Qi Hua Shi Yao*) such as Pinellia Tuber (*Ban Xia*) or Amomum Fruit (*Sha Ren*) is beneficial for boosting energy and managing digestive symptoms. Improving Spleen Qi (脾氣) facilitates the smooth generation of Qi and Blood (氣血), naturally restoring appetite.

If reduced appetite due to taste abnormalities has led to diminished vitality and weight loss, tonifying formulas (*Bu Yi Ji*) like *Si Jun Zi Tang* (Four Gentlemen Decoction) or *Shi Quan Da Bu Tang* (Ten Complete Great Tonifying Decoction) can be used to promote recovery. Especially if an inability to properly taste leads to picky eating and potential malnutrition, supplementing Qi and Blood (氣血) with herbs like Astragalus Root (*Huang Qi*) and Angelica Sinensis (*Dang Gui*) will be helpful.

4. Stimulating Taste Nerves with Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy

Acupuncture is known to be very helpful in improving facial paralysis caused by Bell's palsy. Stimulating acupoints (經穴) associated with the glossopharyngeal nerve (舌咽神經) is particularly effective for taste recovery. Acupuncture at points such as *Bai Hui* (GV20), *Lian Quan* (CV23), and *Jia Che* (ST6) can restore tongue sensation and promote the improvement of oral function. Furthermore, distal acupoints such as *He Gu* (LI4) and *Zu San Li* (ST36) can be used to boost the body's immune function and enhance digestive function. This helps improve overall systemic condition and restore physical strength, which may be affected by taste disorders. Additionally, tonifying Spleen Meridian (脾經) acupoints like *Si Bai* (ST2) and *Di Cang* (ST4) can also be effective in improving appetite.

5. Dietary Coaching to Improve Nutritional Imbalance

A balanced diet is essential during the treatment of taste disorders. A diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals must be established. Special attention should be paid to ensuring sufficient intake of trace elements like zinc and iron. These are vital components for the normal functioning of taste buds and taste receptors.

Consume moderate amounts of meat, fish, and eggs, but focus on foods that are easy to digest. Don't forget to provide sufficient dietary fiber through vegetables and fruits to promote healthy bowel movements. It's a time when you need the wisdom to stimulate your appetite with bland, non-irritating foods. Furthermore, I recommend developing the habit of chewing thoroughly and eating slowly. This not only promotes saliva secretion to aid digestion but also allows you to better appreciate the flavor of food.

6. Until the Day You Regain Healthy Taste

"After being discharged from the hospital, I've consistently been taking herbal medicine and undergoing acupuncture therapy. Gradually, as my taste returned, my food intake increased, and my facial muscles could move as before. I'm simply grateful to have overcome Bell's palsy and regained my health."

The suffering from Bell's palsy itself is difficult, and the lingering taste disorder as a sequela can be another source of pain. The distress of not being able to chew food properly or taste it, enduring this for a not-so-short period, is certainly not easy. But never give up. Let's work together towards the day you regain healthy taste.

Korean Medicine treatment, which restores Spleen and Stomach (脾胃) function with herbal medicine and awakens taste nerves with acupuncture stimulation. If you combine this with efforts to restore your appetite through a nutritious diet, you will surely achieve good results. Listen to the small changes that gradually, bit by bit, but steadily improve.