Question 1

I woke up this morning with a crooked mouth (facial paralysis/Bell's Palsy).

Accepted Answer

Overwork and stress have weakened your immune system, allowing a virus to invade the facial nerve (Bell's palsy). While not an emergency, treatment within the first 3 days (the golden time) determines the prognosis. Please come in immediately.

Question 2

When is the best time to treat facial paralysis?

Accepted Answer

The period from immediate onset to two weeks is the most critical. During the acute phase (the first week), when nerve damage progresses, inflammation must be controlled, and then nerve regeneration must be promoted during the subsequent recovery phase to prevent sequelae.

Question 3

Is it normal to feel a sharp, tingling pain behind the ear before facial paralysis develops?

Accepted Answer

The facial nerve passes behind the ear (mastoid process) and emerges onto the face. Swelling and pain in this area is a premonitory symptom of nerve inflammation (postauricular pain). This often appears several days before the onset of paralysis.

Question 4

Is it safe to take medication for Bell's palsy during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant women are susceptible to facial paralysis due to weakened immunity. While you may be concerned about the restricted use of steroids, sufficient improvement can be achieved with traditional Korean herbal medicine and acupuncture alone, both of which are safe for the fetus.

Question 5

Long-standing synkinesis: My eyes and mouth move together.

Accepted Answer

This is a complication (synkinesis) that occurs when regenerating facial nerves become misrouted and entangled with each other. For example, your mouth might move when you blink, or you might tear up while eating (crocodile tears). The entangled muscles should be released using treatments such as thread embedding therapy.

Question 6

My eye won't close, and it's very irritated.

Accepted Answer

If your eye doesn't close completely due to eyelid muscle paralysis (lagophthalmos), your cornea can dry out and become damaged. You should instill artificial tears frequently. At bedtime, your eye should be covered with an eye patch or taped shut.

Question 7

Is there any truth to the belief that sleeping in a cold place can cause facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cold temperatures can constrict blood vessels and impair blood circulation around nerves, potentially leading to facial palsy. Especially, sleeping in a cold environment after drinking alcohol (which compromises your immune system) creates an ideal condition for 'Pung-han' (wind and cold) to invade.

Question 8

Can Bell's Palsy recur?

Accepted Answer

While the recurrence rate is less than 10%, it can recur at any time if immunity is compromised. Diabetic patients and older adults, in particular, have a high risk of recurrence. While it often occurs on the opposite side, it can also recur on the same side.

Question 9

Can I do a face massage at home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is beneficial to loosen tight muscles. However, do not rub too hard; instead, apply cream and massage gently. Low-frequency electrical stimulators can actually cause facial muscles to contract, so they should not be used without professional consultation.

Question 10

How long does it take for full recovery?

Accepted Answer

The recovery time varies depending on the degree of nerve damage (as indicated by nerve conduction study results). For mild cases, over 90% recovery is typically achieved within 3-4 weeks. However, moderate to severe cases may take 2-3 months, and complete paralysis can take over 6 months.

Question 11

Could severe stress be a trigger for the condition?

Accepted Answer

It is one of the primary causes. Severe stress over-activates the sympathetic nervous system, obstructs blood flow, and drastically weakens immunity. It is "Hwa-byung," where heat surges upwards (Liver Yang hyperactivity), leading to the onset of wind.

Question 12

Can I just get acupuncture, or do I need to take herbal medicine too?

Accepted Answer

While mild cases may improve with acupuncture alone, most conditions arise when one's vitality is depleted. Therefore, combining acupuncture with herbal medicine is crucial for a quicker recovery and to minimize sequelae. The 'field' (body) must be healthy for the 'tree' (nerves) to grow well.

Question 13

Shingles on the face (Ramsay Hunt Syndrome).

Accepted Answer

This occurs when the herpes zoster virus affects the facial nerve, characterized by periauricular blisters and excruciating pain. Nerve damage is more severe than in typical Bell's palsy, and recovery is often protracted. It can even lead to hearing loss, necessitating aggressive treatment.

Question 14

My food tastes strange (loss of taste).

Accepted Answer

The facial nerve is also responsible for taste in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. If paralysis occurs, you may experience a metallic taste or loss of taste. When the nerve recovers, your sense of taste will naturally return, so there's no need to worry too much.

Question 15

Do I need plastic surgery for residual asymmetry?

Accepted Answer

Surgery is a last resort. With Korean traditional aesthetic treatments (thread embedding acupuncture, Jung-an acupuncture), sagging skin can be lifted and atrophied muscles replenished, leading to significant improvement in asymmetry without surgery.

Question 16

Do children also get Bell's palsy?

Accepted Answer

While rare, it does occur. In children, it primarily happens due to complications from a cold (such as otitis media), sleeping in a cold environment, or pressure during childbirth. Thanks to their good recuperative (and regenerative) power, they tend to heal much faster and more completely than adults.

Question 17

Every time I eat, tears stream down my face (Crocodile Tears).

Accepted Answer

This is a common sequela. It occurs when nerves meant for the salivary glands are mistakenly routed to the lacrimal glands during the regeneration process (a 'misconnection'). This causes tears to flow from the lacrimal glands whenever the salivary glands are stimulated (e.g., during meals). While a complete cure is difficult, symptoms can be alleviated with Botox or acupuncture.

Question 18

My eye and mouth on one side twitch involuntarily (Hemifacial spasm).

Accepted Answer

It is different from Bell's palsy. It is a phenomenon where abnormal electrical discharges (a short circuit) occur due to a nerve being compressed by a blood vessel. Unlike eyelid twitching caused by magnesium deficiency, the entire half of the face contracts. Since it worsens with stress, nerve stabilization treatment is necessary.

Question 19

My mouth is crooked after masseter Botox.

Accepted Answer

This is a rare, temporary paralysis that occurs when Botox spreads to unintended muscles. It will resolve in 3 to 6 months as the effects of Botox wear off. Meanwhile, maintaining muscle function through acupuncture and radiofrequency therapy can help accelerate recovery.

Question 20

Is Ssanghwatang good for preventing Bell's palsy?

Accepted Answer

Ssanghwa-tang is a renowned herbal medicine known to "harmonize both Qi and Blood." With its excellent effects on fatigue recovery and muscle relaxation, taking it when you feel run down after overwork or experience a stiff neck can be of great help in preventing Bell's Palsy.

Question 21

My jaw clicks every time I open my mouth.

Accepted Answer

This is a joint noise (clicking) that occurs when the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc moves out of position and then back into place. Initially, it may just be a sound, but if left untreated, you might experience difficulty opening your mouth or develop pain. Therefore, if the sound becomes more frequent, you should get an examination.

Question 22

My jaw is stiff and painful after chewing squid.

Accepted Answer

Your jaw muscles (masseter and temporalis) are excessively tense. This could be muscle pain or a sprain from a stretched ligament. For the time being, avoid tough foods and soothe the muscles with a warm compress.

Question 23

When I take photos, my facial asymmetry is too severe.

Accepted Answer

While everyone has some degree of asymmetry, if there's a noticeable difference in the alignment of your eyes, nose, and mouth, this points to an overall imbalance involving the pelvis, spine, and jaw. Jaw correction alone is insufficient, and full body structural correction is necessary.

Question 24

In the morning, I struggle for a long time because my mouth won't open (trismus).

Accepted Answer

A stiff jaw upon waking is evidence that you've been grinding or clenching your teeth overnight. It could also be due to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc being displaced and getting stuck (locking). Forcing it open can damage ligaments, so you should gently massage it to loosen it.

Question 25

When my neck and shoulders hurt, my jaw also hurts.

Accepted Answer

The central axis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the 1st and 2nd cervical vertebrae (C1, C2). If the cervical spine becomes misaligned due to conditions like forward head posture or loss of cervical lordosis (straight neck), the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) will also become misaligned. Without neck treatment (cervical adjustment), the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) will not heal.

Question 26

My dentist recommended an orthodontic appliance (splint). Do Korean medicine clinics offer this?

Accepted Answer

At Baekrokdam, we prioritize treatments that minimize reliance on devices and restore the jaw's intrinsic function. We balance the muscles and joints through acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and Chuna therapy. Devices (such as TBA) are prescribed only as an auxiliary measure when structural problems are excessively severe.

Question 27

I grind my teeth too much while sleeping, and my jaw feels sore in the morning.

Accepted Answer

Bruxism is a process by which the brain relieves stress. The force applied to the temporomandibular joint is 2-3 times that of normal chewing, damaging the joints and teeth. Traditional Korean medicine to calm 'heart fire' and jaw muscle relaxation treatment are necessary.

Question 28

I hear a sound in my ear (tinnitus) after jaw pain.

Accepted Answer

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the ear are close neighbors. TMJ inflammation or disc displacement can irritate nerves or blood vessels near the ear, causing tinnitus. It is remarkably common for tinnitus to disappear with TMJ treatment.

Question 29

I went to an ENT for ear pain, but they said there was nothing wrong.

Accepted Answer

This describes a case where temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is referred to the ear. Patients often feel pain inside their ear, but it is actually pain in the TMJ area located directly in front of the ear. If the pain worsens when you open your mouth, it is 100% a jaw problem.

Question 30

Do I really need orthognathic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Non-surgical treatment is recommended, except in severe cases of bone deformity (such as malocclusion so extreme it prevents chewing). Surgery carries a risk of nerve damage and requires lengthy rehabilitation. Most functional discomfort can be resolved through muscle and joint correction alone.

Question 31

What habits are bad for your TMJ?

Accepted Answer

These include: chewing hard or tough foods (e.g., ice, squid), chewing on one side, resting your chin in your hand, sleeping on your stomach, crossing your legs, and clenching your teeth. Simply correcting these habits can improve symptoms by 50%.

Question 32

My child's jaw is misaligned. Will it improve with age?

Accepted Answer

If left untreated, facial asymmetry will worsen significantly as the child grows. Correction during the growth period is necessary for proper bone development. Especially, children who mouth-breathe due to rhinitis will develop elongated faces and receding chins (micrognathia), making treatment crucial.

Question 33

Will mouth-opening exercises improve my jaw?

Accepted Answer

It's fine within a pain-free range. However, forcing it wide open when you feel pain can stretch your ligaments and be detrimental. Gradually increase your joint's range of motion by placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth and slowly opening.

Question 34

Does stress make my jaw hurt more?

Accepted Answer

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an "emotional repository." When we get angry or tense, we unconsciously clench our teeth. Stress causes our shoulders to stiffen and our jaw to tense, which intensifies the pain. Psychological relaxation is part of the treatment.

Question 35

Cold or Warm Compress for Jaw Pain?

Accepted Answer

For most chronic TMJ pain, warm compresses are the answer. They relax muscles and improve blood flow. However, if you've been injured and it's swollen and inflamed, or if sudden, severe pain occurs, apply a cold compress briefly (10 minutes).

Question 36

My headache is severe; could it be due to my jaw?

Accepted Answer

Yes, very often. The temporalis muscle (temple muscle) is responsible for jaw movement, and when this muscle is tense, it can cause migraine-like pain. If you have headaches that don't improve with painkillers, they might be resolved with TMJ treatment.

Question 37

Could my wisdom tooth be causing my jaw pain?

Accepted Answer

When wisdom tooth inflammation spreads to the surrounding jaw muscles, it becomes difficult and painful to open your mouth. In such cases, wisdom tooth extraction is the priority. However, if you experience jaw joint pain after a wisdom tooth extraction, it is likely a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sprain caused by keeping your mouth open for too long during the procedure.

Question 38

Is playing musical instruments (wind instruments, violin) bad for the jaw?

Accepted Answer

Yes, instruments like the violin, which require resting the chin on one side, or wind instruments that involve straining the mouth to blow, place a strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). During practice, you must rest and stretch your jaw to prevent occupational disorders.

Question 39

Does Chuna therapy stop jaw sounds?

Accepted Answer

Chuna therapy realigns misaligned cervical vertebrae and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), creating space for the discs. Once structural issues are resolved, joint sounds and pain will diminish. As it is covered by national health insurance, you can receive treatment without financial burden.

Question 40

Will losing weight somewhat improve my asymmetry?

Accepted Answer

Skeletal asymmetry previously hidden by soft tissue may become more apparent and seem worse, or conversely, as facial fat is reduced, it might appear less noticeable. However, fundamental bone misalignment cannot be corrected through diet. Corrective treatment is necessary.

Question 41

I have a tight, band-like pressure around my head, and a pulling sensation in the back of my neck (Tension-type headache).

Accepted Answer

This is the most common type of headache, resulting from stress or poor posture that causes stiffness in the neck and shoulder muscles (such as the trapezius). Acupuncture and Chuna therapy are significantly more effective and quicker at relieving these stiff muscles than muscle relaxants.

Question 42

What causes migraines? Is dietary control necessary?

Accepted Answer

It is caused by the excessive constriction and dilation of cerebral blood vessels, which then irritate nerves. While genetic factors are involved, stress, lack of sleep, and certain foods (wine, cheese, chocolate) can act as triggers. It's best to avoid these triggering factors.

Question 43

I take painkillers daily, but my head still hurts (medication overuse headache).

Accepted Answer

If you take painkillers for more than 10-15 days a month, your brain develops a tolerance to the medication, paradoxically making you more sensitive to pain. You must stop taking them to recover. Traditional Korean medicine treatment helps you cope with these "withdrawal symptoms (rebound headaches)" and enables you to live without painkillers.

Question 44

I get a splitting headache every time I have my period.

Accepted Answer

This is a "menstrual migraine" caused by a rapid drop in hormones (estrogen). In Traditional Korean Medicine, it is viewed as "blood deficiency" (lack of blood) or "blood stasis." Similar to treating menstrual cramps, improving blood flow to the uterus and replenishing deficient blood will also make the headaches disappear.

Question 45

When I bend my head down, my forehead and cheekbones hurt as if they're going to burst.

Accepted Answer

This is a headache caused by sinusitis (rhinosinusitis). The pain arises from pus accumulating within the sinuses, leading to increased pressure that presses against the bones. The headache can be immediately resolved by draining the pus from the nasal cavity through antibiotic or drainage treatment.

Question 46

I get an extremely severe headache that feels like an ice pick stabbing my eye (Cluster Headache).

Accepted Answer

This is a rare and excruciating headache, sometimes referred to as 'suicide headache' due to its severity. It causes a piercing pain around one eye, accompanied by watery eyes and a runny nose. 100% oxygen inhalation is effective, and in traditional Korean medicine, potent heat-clearing therapies are used to calm the brain's 'fire energy.'

Question 47

Can a cervical herniated disc cause headaches?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's a cervicogenic headache. The neck nerves (C1-C3) are connected to the trigeminal nerve, which causes the brain to misinterpret neck pain as a headache. It typically presents with pain starting from the back of the head and radiating to the eyes. Cervical adjustment is the answer.

Question 48

Every time I drink alcohol, I get a splitting headache the next day (hangover headache).

Accepted Answer

This is because alcohol breakdown products (acetaldehyde) dilate cerebral blood vessels. In Traditional Korean Medicine, this condition is attributed to "alcohol toxicity" and "damp-heat." Alcohol toxins should be quickly eliminated via urination using Haejutang, an alcohol-detoxifying decoction containing kudzu root (Galgeun) or Oriental raisin tree fruit (Jigyuja).

Question 49

My head feels foggy and unclear (Brain Fog).

Accepted Answer

It's a state where you have difficulty concentrating, feeling as if there's a fog in your brain. Causes include chronic fatigue, sleep deprivation, rhinitis, and digestive disorders like acid reflux. Treatment is required to increase blood flow to the brain and ensure adequate oxygen supply.

Question 50

I feel lightheaded when I only eat cold foods.

Accepted Answer

A cold stimulus startles the nerves in the roof of your mouth, causing the cerebral blood vessels to reflexively constrict and rapidly dilate, which triggers pain. Slowly melt and consume it, or make sure cold food does not directly touch the roof of your mouth.

Question 51

I have a sudden, extremely severe headache that feels like I was hit by a hammer.

Accepted Answer

This is an emergency. There is a very high likelihood of a brain hemorrhage (subarachnoid hemorrhage). Do not look for painkillers; you must immediately call 119 or go to a major hospital's emergency room. Every second counts.

Question 52

I get headaches every weekend (caffeine withdrawal).

Accepted Answer

It's highly likely that this is a "caffeine withdrawal headache," which occurs when your blood vessels dilate because you consume coffee during the week but stop on weekends. Alternatively, it could also be caused by the relaxation (vasodilation) of your blood vessels as the tension from your weekdays eases on the weekend.

Question 53

I have a severe headache in my first trimester. Is it okay to take Tylenol?

Accepted Answer

Headaches are common in early pregnancy due to increased blood volume and hormonal changes. While Tylenol (acetaminophen) is generally considered safe, overuse is not recommended. Dehydration or low blood sugar from morning sickness can also be contributing factors, so increase your fluid intake and consider traditional Korean medicine treatments for morning sickness to find relief.

Question 54

I get a throbbing headache on rainy or cloudy days.

Accepted Answer

When atmospheric pressure drops, the relative increase in pressure inside the body causes blood vessels and nerves to dilate. In Traditional Korean Medicine, this feeling of heaviness in the head (습궐두통, or Dampness Headache) is attributed to the body's pathogenic dampness (습사) not being properly discharged.

Question 55

Should I get an MRI for headaches?

Accepted Answer

Most chronic headaches (tension-type, migraine) appear normal on an MRI scan. However, if you experience headaches that first appear after age 50, progressively worsening headaches, or headaches accompanied by symptoms like paralysis or slurred speech, an MRI scan is absolutely necessary to differentiate between a brain tumor or stroke.

Question 56

Can young children get headaches?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's quite common. Primarily, the causes are stress (academic or social), rhinitis (nasal congestion), or poor eyesight. Please don't assume your child is faking it when they say their head hurts; instead, please try to find the real underlying cause.

Question 57

What acupressure points are good to press when I have a headache?

Accepted Answer

The temple (Taiyang acupoint), the depressed area at the hairline on the back of the neck (Fengchi acupoint), and the space between the thumb and index finger (Hegu acupoint) are the three key acupoints for headache relief. Firmly pressing these points can improve blood circulation to the head and reduce pain.

Question 58

I get headaches when I'm tired (Qi Deficiency Headache).

Accepted Answer

It's a lack of vital energy (Qi deficiency), resulting in insufficient strength to pump blood to the brain. You find it hard to get up in the morning, feel too tired to talk, and experience headaches even with slight movement. To relieve the headaches, you need to boost your vital energy with remedies like Bojungikgitang.

Question 59

Does pain or tightness in the back of my head mean high blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

It's possible, but not necessarily the case. While severe hypertension can cause pain in the back of the neck, conversely, people sometimes mistake pain from a stiff neck (often due to conditions like 'text neck' or forward head posture) for being caused by their blood pressure. The most definitive way to know is to check your blood pressure.

Question 60

I'm still experiencing headaches and dizziness after a traffic accident.

Accepted Answer

This could be concussion syndrome resulting from an accident impact, or a cervicogenic headache caused by the neck whipping like a whip (whiplash injury). The underlying cause is "micro-blood stasis" (어혈) that does not appear on MRI scans. Brain-clearing blood detoxification therapy (뇌청혈 해독 요법) to remove this blood stasis is required.

Question 61

I wake up feeling like the room is spinning (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo).

Accepted Answer

This condition occurs when otoliths (stones), responsible for balance in the inner ear, detach from their proper place and roll around in the semicircular canals, causing vertigo. An otolith repositioning procedure, which involves moving the head in specific directions to return the stones to their original position, is necessary, along with rehabilitative treatment to prevent recurrence.

Question 62

When I stand up, my vision goes dark and I feel dizzy (Orthostatic Hypotension).

Accepted Answer

It is a temporary state of cerebral hypoperfusion (reduced blood flow to the brain), which occurs when blood cannot quickly reach the brain upon standing up after being fine while lying down or sitting. Blood-tonifying (Bo-hyeol) therapy is needed to support heart function and increase blood volume.

Question 63

I have ear fullness, tinnitus (ringing in my ears), and dizziness (Ménière's).

Accepted Answer

It is a condition where excessive endolymphatic fluid accumulates in the inner ear, leading to increased pressure (endolymphatic hydrops). This manifests as sudden, episodic attacks of vertigo and hearing loss, often likened to a dam bursting. To alleviate the swelling in the ear, treatments that regulate the body's fluid metabolism, such as O-ryeong-san, are necessary.

Question 64

Why do I feel dizzy and have a headache only when I have indigestion (Phlegm Dizziness, Damhun)?

Accepted Answer

It is because waste products (known as *dam-eum*, or pathological fluid accumulation) in the digestive system have blocked the flow of vital energy (qi) to the head. This condition is referred to as *dam-hun* (phlegm-induced dizziness). Characteristic symptoms include a feeling of heaviness in the body when it rains, being prone to motion sickness, and experiencing nausea. Treating the digestive system (through *geodam*, or resolving phlegm) is essential for the dizziness to subside.

Intensive Management of Head and Facial Conditions Including Facial Palsy, Headache, and Rhinitis

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