TCM Treatment Based on Syndrome Differentiation:
In TCM, Bell’s palsy is called Zhong Feng which literally translates to "Wind Attack." It is believed that Bell’s palsy is caused when Wind and Cold invade the meridians, muscles and tendons of the face. The goal of treatment is to expel the Wind-Cold from the meridians, improve the circulation of Qi and Blood to nourish the muscles and restore nerve and muscle function. As muscle contraction improves, the treatment also aims to enhance the body’s defenses strengthening the individuals’ immune system.

Initially treatment focuses on using acupuncture points on the face and back of the head to expel the Wind and Cold. The acupuncture points that are selected on the face correspond anatomically to the paralyzed facial muscles. Depending on the individuals history a few additional points may be used.

Additional treatment options include electroacupuncture and cupping. Electroacupuncture involves stimulating several needles to enhance the effect of acupuncture; this is typically used in more chronic or severe cases. Cupping is frequently used an adjunct to acupuncture. Please see the "Accessory-Techniques" section of the web site for a description of cupping.

Treatment in Western Medicine:
Steroid tablets
A course of steroid tablets is usually prescribed for about 10 days. The steroid tablet most commonly used is called prednisolone. Steroids help to reduce inflammation, which is probably the reason they help. Serious side-effects from the short course of steroids are very unlikely to occur. (The main side-effects from steroids occur if you have to take them long-term - which is not the case for this condition.)

Roughly, from the studies, it seems that if you do not take steroids you have about a 15 in 20 chance of full recovery of the nerve function. But, if you take a steroid medicine, you have about a 17 in 20 chance of full recovery. So, taking a course of steroids does not guarantee full recovery of the nerve function. However, it increases the chance of full recovery compared to no treatment. You should start the course of steroids as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms; ideally, within 72 hours of symptoms starting. They may not have much effect if they are taken after this.

Eye protection
If you cannot close your eyelids fully, the front of your eye is at risk of becoming damaged. Also, your tear glands may not work properly for a while and your eye may become dry. Dryness could cause damage, so treatment is needed to keep the eye moist. Therefore, your doctor may advise one or more of the following until the eyelids and tear production recover:

An eye pad or goggles to protect the eye.
Eye drops to lubricate the eye during the day.
Eye ointment to lubricate the eye overnight.
An option of taping the upper and lower lid together when you are asleep. Other procedures are sometimes done to keep the eye shut until the eyelids recover.

Antiviral medicines
As most cases of Bell's palsy are probably due to a viral infection, it seems logical that antiviral medicines may help. Some medicines can stop the chickenpox and cold sore virus from multiplying. It is possible that taking a course of steroids plus a course of antiviral medicine may work a little better than taking a course of steroids alone. However, the research trials give conflicting results about this. If there is any benefit from this combination, it is likely to be small.