Bell's Palsy Acupuncture Care

What is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s Palsy is a neurological condition that causes paralysis on one side of the face. It happens when the 7th cranial nerve gets inflamed, affecting the stylomastoid foramen or facial canal. This inflammation impairs nerve function, causing the facial muscles to droop.

People with Bell’s Palsy may have trouble tasting, swallowing, smiling, and even opening or closing the eye on the affected side. They often experience increased sensitivity to light and wind, along with pain.

What Causes Bell’s Palsy?

While the exact cause of Bell’s Palsy is unknown, it’s often linked to viral infections like herpes, chickenpox, mono, or the flu. Other potential triggers include stress, trauma to the face or head, or flare-ups of autoimmune disorders.

How Does Acupuncture Help?

Acupuncture targets specific points on the face and body to help restore nerve function, relieve tension, and improve circulation. The main goal is to get facial symmetry back by boosting blood flow, calming nerve inflammation, and reducing swelling.

Regular acupuncture treatments (about twice a week) speed up recovery by helping the nerve function properly again. Starting treatment early—during the acute and initial stages—is critical to minimizing long-term challenges with facial movement and function.

It’s important to note that while a neurological exam is recommended, unfortunately, it can sometimes take weeks or even months to secure an appointment with a specialist. Taking steps to support your recovery with acupuncture during the early stages can help improve outcomes while you wait for further evaluation.

The Role of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy also plays a big part in recovery by using gentle exercises to improve facial function. At Total Acupuncture and Physical Therapy, we make sure these exercises are easy on the muscles and never a strain. We emphasize prescribing these exercises during acupuncture to neurologically repattern facial muscles naturally and effectively. The goal is simple: reduce pain and bring back normal facial movement.

If you or a loved one are experiencing Bell’s Palsy, contact our office at 973-910-1441 to schedule an evaluation.

About the Author

Christine Marcarian, LAc, is a licensed acupuncturist, massage therapist, and herbalist at Total Acupuncture and Physical Therapy in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. She earned a Master of Science in Acupuncture in 2008 and a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2010 from the Tristate College of Acupuncture in New York, NY. Early in her career Christine worked in hospital settings and private orthopedic practices. She is certified in Sports Medical Acupuncture, giving her the tools to properly assess, diagnose, and treat various orthopedic injuries and chronic pain. As a certified MELT practitioner, Christine incorporates myofascial release into her acupuncture and massage treatments. She is also certified in oncology acupuncture.