Sir Charles Bell, a 19th-century Scottish anatomist and surgeon discovered that severing the seventh cranial (or facial) nerve causes facial paralysis. Hence ‘Bell’s palsy’ is named after him. Typically, a person with Bell’s Palsy might suddenly realize that one side of the face does not move or blinking of an eyelid is no longer possible. It is relatively a rare condition that affects thousands of men and women equally, across the world. In this blog, I will be talking about Ayurvedic treatment for facial paralysis.
What is Bell’s palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a sudden paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of the face. The damage causes the face to slouch one side. This nerve damage can affect the sense of taste, tear and saliva formation. Bell’s Palsy attacks a person suddenly and normally gets better within a few weeks.
It should not be misunderstood as a stroke, yet, proper medical care needs to be given to prevent any serious damage to the muscles and nerves.
What Causes Bell’s Palsy?
The muscles in the face and parts of the ear are controlled by the facial nerve. This facial nerve runs through a protective covering – a narrow gap of bone from the brain to the face.
Experts believe that Bell’s Palsy may occur due the sudden inflammation or damage of this cranial nerve.
It is also believed that a virus, usually the herpes virus, which inflames the nerve, may cause Bell’s Palsy. The herpes virus that causes cold sores and genital herpes. However, viruses that cause chickenpox, mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr) and cytomegalovirus have also been linked to Bell’s palsy. The bacteria that causes Lyme disease bacteria can also cause Bell’s palsy.
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What are the symptoms?
- Sudden paralysis or weakness of the muscle on one side of the face, causing the face to droop on one side.
- Inability to close the eye on the affected side of the face.
- Drooling and change in the quantity of saliva produced.
- Excessive watering of the eye or dry eye.
- Loss of ability to taste.
- Pain behind the ear.
- Numbness in the affected side of the face.
- Increased sensitivity to sound.
Did you Know?
- Bell’s palsy resolves completely in around 90 per cent of cases, given time.
- George Clooney suffered from Bell’s Palsy during his first year of high school.
- Pierce Brosnan developed it just before going on the Tonight Show in 1984
- Wrestling commentator Jim Ross has had the condition three times.
Ayurvedic treatment for facial paralysis
Ayurveda excessive documented the treatment for Bell’s Palsy, or ardita. According to Ayurveda excess Vata dosha vitiation causes this condition. Ayurveda is still one of the most effective treatment methodologies for the best possible recovery. Hence, Ayurvedic doctors highly recommends immediate Ayurvedic treatment for better results.
Home remedies for facial paralysis
- Protect the eye you can’t close. Use lubricating eye drops during the day and an eye ointment at night. It is advisable to wear glasses to protect the eye.
- Apply moist heat by putting a cloth soaked in warm water on your face to help relieve pain.
- Do physical therapy exercises by massaging and exercising the face according to the physio therapist’s advice may help relax your facial muscles.
A word of advice:
Do not panic when you experience sudden twitching or drooping of facial muscles. Stay calm and consult a doctor immediately who can examine and assist in treating Bell’s Palsy. It is highly treatable and with Ayurveda natural treatment is possible!
Testimony – Ayurvedic treatment for facial paralysis
Manoj Kumar – 45 years. Mechanic
I was really shocked when I first experienced this. Things were hazy. I was unable to close my right eye and the face was drooping. It felt like a heart attack and I panicked. I went to the nearest hospital that day and the general physician studied my condition and referred me to a neuro-surgeon. The doctors suggested me to undergo physiotherapy. It showed some improvement, but I began to worry a lot as the pain increased after two days
My friend advised me to try Ayurvedic treatment for facial paralysis. That’s when I met Dr Brahmanand Nayak. He studied my case carefully and asked to do simple home remedies as well as take regular Ayurvedic Ayurvedic Treatment. He also suggested Nasya karma. After 2 months of treatment, I am now 95% back to normal. I am happy and looking forward to 100% success.