In clinical practice, when patients suddenly experience facial paralysis, they might be worry that they have suffered stroke.
However, not all cases of facial paralysis are caused by stroke. Facial paralysis can be also caused by facial muscle damage or nerve problems.
Facial paralysis is characterized by weak or immobile facial muscles, resulting in an uncoordinated facial expression. Stroke is just one of the common causes of facial paralysis.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes that facial paralysis is related to the circulation of qi and blood in the body, which the flow of qi and coordination of facial muscles are closely related. The main causes of facial paralysis include coldness/dampness, stagnation of qi/blood stasis, and weak spleen and stomach.
Therefore, treatment for facial paralysis requires different approach based on specific condition of patient, using various TCM therapies.
Common TCM therapies for facial paralysis:
1. 1. Chinese herbal medicine: Herbal medicine can adjust the circulation of qi and blood, warm up the meridians, and improve facial blood circulation to treat facial paralysis.
2. 2. Acupuncture: Acupuncture uses needle and stimulate specific acupoints to adjust the circulation of qi and blood in the body to treat facial paralysis.
3. 3. Tui Na therapy: Tui Na therapy stimulates meridians and acupoints by massaging the face and other parts of the body, this improves the circulation of qi and blood to treat facial paralysis.
4. 4. Moxibustion: Moxibustion uses the heat from burning mugwort to warm up specific parts of the body and adjust the circulation of qi and blood to treat facial paralysis.
I generally recommend some facial paralysis exercises other than TCM therapies and medications.
Exercises for facial paralysis:
1.Facial massage: Gently massage the facial muscles with your fingers to improve blood circulation, increase facial muscle elasticity and coordination. Pay attention to the intensity of the massage and avoid excessive force.
2.Blow balloons: Blow balloons can improve facial muscles strength and coordination. Hold a balloon in front of your mouth, blow it as hard as you can for a few seconds, after that slowly release the air. Repeat the exercise 3-5 times and perform 2-3 times a day.
3.Gargle: Gargle can improve the coordination and flexibility of facial muscles. Put water or mouthwash in your mouth, tilt your head left and right to allow the water flow in your mouth, and rinse for about 1-2 minutes.
4.Make facial expressions: Mimic various facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, etc. This can improve the movement or coordination of facial muscles and help facial paralysis patients restore natural facial expressions.
It is important to note that facial paralysis patients should choose exercises based on their own condition and follow the advice of their doctor or TCM practitioner. If there is any discomfort or pain, stop the exercise immediately and consult a doctor.
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