Alternative and Holistic Treatments for Bells Palsy

Facial Paralysis caused by Bells Palsy typically comes on suddenly due to trauma or inflammation of the facial nerve. Traditional medical treatments for Bells Palsy may include prescribed drugs such as Steroids and Antiviral medications. Many Bells Palsy patients also add to their medical regiment certain alternative or holistic treatments in hopes of speeding the healing process of Bells Palsy along. Some of these alternative or holistic treatments include vitamin B-12 injections, Acupuncture, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Vitamin B-12 Therapy
Vitamin B-12 Therapy is a popular alternative or holistic therapy that Bells Palsy sufferers can easily add to their traditional treatment. Vitamin B-12 is most helpful in its form methylcobalamin and is essential to maintaining the health of nerves. The addition of Methylcobalamin injections by those inflicted with Bells Palsy has been found to be beneficial in the healing and regrowth of these nerves as well.

In a Malaysian study, methylcobalamin combined with steroids has been found to expediate healing and greatly reduce the duration of Bells Palsy symptoms versus the use of steroids alone.

In addition to Methylcobalamin, many of the B vitamins work together to create new cells and to promote a healthy immune system. Calcium is also a good vitamin supplement to consider when choosing Vitamin B-12 therapy. Calcium can improve the body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12 boosting chances of a positive outcome.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is another alternative or holistic treatment that can be added to improve the recovery times of Bells Palsy. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy requires the patient to be enclosed in a pressurized environment. One hundred percent oxygen is administered as the pressure inside the tube is slowly brought to just less than 3 times the normal atmospheric pressure. This increases blood flow to tissues and encourages regrowth.

A well documented 1997 study found that over 95% of Bells Palsy patients using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy made a full recovery after nine months, compared to just over 75% using steroid therapy alone.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is widely used in China for Bells Palsy and is becoming popular in the United States as an alternative or holistic treatment choice as well. In Acupuncture, very thin needles are used at strategic points to repair disruptions in Qi (this is pronounced chee). The Chinese believe that life's energy, or Qi, should flow smoothly through and around the body. When there is a disturbance in life's energy, illness or pain can result.

The literal translation for Bells Palsy in Chinese means Wind Attack. It is believed that wind or cold enters in or around the face when the body's defenses are compromised. Through acupuncture, cold and wind are removed from the body. When proper muscle function is restored, treatments then focus on strengthening the whole immune system and restoring proper flow of Qi.

There are numerous studies on record for Acupuncture as a holistic or alternative cure. However, many have taken place in China in a non-blinded study, making results difficult to validate. It is also believed that there is a high bias in studies taking place in China. According to a 2007 analysis, insufficient standards were in use further complicating results.

Many holistic and alternative treatments for Bells Palsy show promise and speed the healing process along. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed cure from either a medically traditional or holistic view. If you would like further information on alternative and holistic treatments for Bells Palsy, please consult the following links.

Resources:

Life Extension Magazine: Vitamin B12
Surprising New Findings, by Terri Mitchell
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2000/dec2000_report_b12_1.html

Hyperbaric Oxygen as a Therapy of Bell's Palsy
http://www.hbotoday.com/treatment/clinical/researchstudies/bellspalsy.shtml

Serenity Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
http://www.serenityacu.com/Bellspalsy.html

Thompson Health: Acupuncture
http://www.thompsonhealth.com/Default.aspx?tabid=94&chunkiid=155244