Bell's Palsy, My face feels strange

Hello, I am Choi Yeon-seung, the Chief Director of Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.

Table of Contents

1. The Despair of a Distorted Face: Symptoms of Facial Paralysis
2. Impaired Qi and Blood Circulation in the Meridians: A Traditional Korean Medicine Perspective
3. The Efficacy of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Treatment
4. Daily Management Strategies for Facial Paralysis
5. The Power of Positivity: Lighting Up Tomorrow with Hope

Today, I want to deliver a message of hope to those suffering from facial paralysis. I understand that the paralysis of facial muscles makes it difficult to express emotions, and symptoms like eye and mouth deviation cause significant discomfort in daily life. However, do not lose hope. With appropriate treatment and management, recovery is certainly possible.

1. The Despair of a Distorted Face: Symptoms of Facial Paralysis

"A while ago, one side of my face suddenly started twitching, then my lips turned, and soon I couldn't even close my eye. My face feels distorted, I don't want to look in the mirror, and I can't even eat properly. When will I get better?"

Facial paralysis is a condition where the facial muscles become paralyzed due to damage to the facial nerve. Symptoms include an inability to wrinkle the forehead, difficulty fully closing the eye, and drooping of one side of the mouth. In some cases, it may be accompanied by loss of taste, hyperacusis (increased sensitivity to sound), or reduced saliva secretion. Bell's palsy, which occurs without a specific known cause, is the most common type, believed to be caused by viral infection or impaired blood circulation. Rarely, conditions such as tumors or stroke can also be the cause. The longer facial paralysis persists, the more significantly it impacts the quality of life, often leading to apathy and depression.

2. Impaired Qi and Blood Circulation in the Meridians: A Traditional Korean Medicine Perspective

In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), facial paralysis is approached under categories such as Gu-an-wae-sa (facial deviation with mouth and eye) and Myeon-tan (facial paralysis). It is believed to occur when pathogenic factors of Wind, Cold, and Dampness invade the meridians, or when Qi becomes stagnant due to emotional imbalances (Seven Emotions). Dysfunction of the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming, which governs the facial muscles and blood vessels, is a primary pathological mechanism. In the initial stage, Qi stagnation occurs due to obstructed meridian circulation. Over time, this is understood to lead to the formation of Blood stasis, resulting in symptoms of numbness and paralysis. Additionally, symptoms such as muscle rigidity due to the upward movement of Liver Wind or joint clicking due to the accumulation of Phlegm-fluid may also appear. Furthermore, in cases of prolonged illness, Qi and Blood deficiency leads to malnourishment of the sinews and vessels, causing them to lose elasticity, which also acts as a pathological mechanism. The key to treating facial paralysis in TKM is to eliminate pathogenic factors, promote Qi and Blood circulation, and restore the sinews and vessels.

3. The Efficacy of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Treatment

At Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, we provide TKM treatment for facial paralysis based on pattern identification and treatment (Byeonjeung-sichi). In the early acute stage, the primary treatment principles are dispelling Wind and releasing the exterior, and promoting Qi circulation and invigorating Blood (Sopung-haepyo, Haenggi-hwalhyeol). Herbal prescriptions like Jukyeop (Lophatherum gracile) and Hwangnyeonhaedok-tang (Coptis Decoction to Relieve Toxicity) are administered to eliminate Wind pathogenic factors and alleviate facial heat sensation and pain. As the condition progresses to the chronic stage, we frequently employ treatment principles such as tonifying Qi and nourishing Blood, and dispelling Blood stasis and generating new blood (Bogi-yanghyeol, Geo-eo-saeng-sin) to replenish Qi and Blood and remove Blood stasis. Prescriptions like Dangguisu-san (Angelica Sinensis Powder) and Boyanghwan-o-tang (Decoction for Tonifying Yang to Restore Five-Tenths) help improve Qi and Blood circulation, ensuring proper nourishment of the sinews and vessels. When Qi and Blood are deficient in chronic deficiency patterns, we use formulas like Bojungikki-tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) to aid recovery. Concurrently, acupuncture treatment is applied, stimulating acupuncture points along the facial palpation areas or the trajectory of the meridians and sinews. Needling at points such as Indang, Taeyang, Jichang, and Hyeopcha promotes Qi and Blood circulation and helps relax the sinews and vessels. We also incorporate adjunctive therapies like infrared therapy and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) to enhance treatment outcomes.

4. Daily Management Strategies for Facial Paralysis

Alongside treatment, consistent self-care in daily life is indispensable. Regular exercise is essential to prevent facial muscle paralysis and promote recovery. Gently massage the muscles around the lips, eyes, and cheekbones, and perform simple exercises. It's also crucial to prioritize sufficient rest, quality sleep, and stress management. Overwork or lack of sleep can lead to weakened immunity, increasing the risk of viral infections. Smoking and alcohol consumption can constrict blood vessels and cause peripheral nerve damage, so it's best to avoid them. Don't forget to support your physical recovery with a balanced diet. Boost nerve health with multi-grain cereals, sweet potatoes, and bananas, which are rich in B vitamin complex, and enhance immunity with fruits rich in Vitamin C. Even if you lack appetite, it's important to eat nutritious meals regularly.

5. The Power of Positivity: Lighting Up Tomorrow with Hope

"As I continued treatment at the clinic and adjusted my lifestyle, I feel like I'm gradually getting better. Although my face is still quite distorted, I'm happy that I can move it little by little. I have hope that I can regain a clear expression someday."

Yes, that's right. It's a tough battle, but you must never lose hope. The slow but steady steps of recovery are precious achievements and a foundation for your future. Embrace who you are today, and never lose faith that tomorrow will be better. Your consistent commitment to treatment and efforts to care for yourself are truly admirable. There may be moments when you feel like giving up, but remember that even those challenges are stepping stones that will help you grow higher. As long as you don't give up, there is no failure. Even if it's a zigzag path, Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic will be with you every step of the way toward a healthy life. We will hold your hand until the day you emerge from the tunnel of pain into bright light. Even with trembling lips, your smile is still beautiful. I eagerly await the day your facial expression muscles revive, allowing you to smile brightly. I sincerely look forward to the day that smile spreads warmth to the world. Today, I humbly express my gratitude for your courage in facing facial paralysis. I earnestly wish for everyone's speedy recovery. Thank you.