Acupuncture Hastens Recovery from Bell’s Palsy

Acupuncture for Bell's palsy.

In a randomised controlled trial undertaken in China, acupuncture for Bell’s palsy with stronger stimulation was found to be more effective in helping facial muscle recovery, disability and quality of life.

A total of 338 patients (aged 18 to 65 years) presenting with facial nerve weakness on one side, of less than seven days duration and without an identifiable cause, were randomly allocated to receive either acupuncture with deqi (stimulation of the needle after insertion in order to produce a localised dull or heavy sensation), or acupuncture with no needle stimulation. Both groups were given twenty 30 minute acupuncture treatments over four weeks. All patients also received the steroid prednisone as a basic treatment. At follow-up after six months, nerve function, disability and quality of life were all significantly better in the deqi group compared with the no stimulation group.

(Effectiveness of Strengthened Stimulation during Acupuncture for the Treatment of Bell Palsy: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2 April 2013.)

Author: Robin Costello

I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training. I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.