Mr. K.S., 45 years old, Ebina City
Diagnosis: Bell’s palsy
What were the symptoms like at the early phase of the disease?
I felt nothing wrong in the morning, but I noticed that I suddenly had difficulty controlling the left half side of my face. It was not like the light ticking of the eyelids you experience when you are under stress or fatigued, so I thought it was a serious illness that I haven’t experienced in the past. I was also worried that I may be developing some cerebral illnesses such as a stroke.
I went to the Internet and surmised from the symptoms that this was not caused by the central nervous system but more by the peripheral nerves so it was a form of facial paralysis. The next day I visited the hospital otolaryngologist and was diagnosed as Bell’s palsy, the diagnosis for 70 percent of patients suffering from facial paralysis. The cause of the illness is unknown and I was prescribed steroids and vitamins.
What prompted you to try acupuncture?
The symptoms remained unchanged even after a week of treatment at the hospital, and with no effective remedy except drug treatment, I was told it could take anywhere from three to six months, and that I should just be patient and keep taking the drugs.
So I went back to the Internet again for alternatives, and encountered acupuncture. Unlike the prescription of chemical drugs, I liked the idea of stimulating the nerves and acupoints to positively improve the situation.
Have you tried acupuncture in the past?
No, this was my first experience. I hated shots and needles so I was afraid that the treatment would be painful.
What was your impression after the treatment? What kind of change did you feel in yourself?
After hearing my symptoms, the doctor explained to me the acupoints that relate to the symptoms and told me to relax before starting treatment. Unlike the sting I expected, the acupuncture needles were thin like fabric. As the treatment progressed, my initial fear for pain disappeared, and I could feel the tense areas starting to soften and relax. There were times I would even fall asleep I’m so warm and comfortable.
When did the symptoms start to improve?
I was told to think of ten treatments as one cycle, and since I wanted to cure my illness as soon as possible, I received three treatments in one week.
I felt no change in the first week, but at around the sixth treatment, the doctor suggested I try low-frequency stimulation therapy so I went ahead with his suggestion. Then, from the next day, various parts of the left half of my face, including my eyelids, began to twitch, and two days later after the seventh treatment, I could close my eyelids and raise the edge of my mouth. I could even raise my cheeks and make a smile. By the tenth treatment, I recovered to a point where noticeable symptoms have disappeared.
What are your current symptoms?
Initially, I had to wear a mask to work, but by the third week, the symptoms have greatly improved that I could do without the mask. Those around me who knew about my illness also told me that the paralysis was not noticeable.
Today, when I try to open my mouth, I can feel the left edge not opening as much as it used to, but I’m continuing the exercises to move the muscles of my face at home.
What would you tell people suffering from the same disease as you?
Facial paralysis is a great shock in the beginning. You become even more worried when you are told at a regular hospital that there are no major treatments except medication. For some people, the symptoms may worsen or they may suffer from aftereffects. I personally think intense treatment during the first six months is the key to early recovery.
So together with early treatment, I recommend people to try acupuncture treatment that effectively stimulates the nerves and acupoints along with the drug treatment. The illness is such that immediate cure cannot be expected, so while seeking early treatment, I believe you need to patiently continue acupuncture treatment (including low-frequency stimulation therapy) .
The cause for Bell’s palsy is unknown, and various theories exist, but I consider my reason for developing the illness to be work and work-related stress, so I try to be careful not to overwork, take plenty of sleep, and in general enjoy a slow-paced life.
Do you have any other thoughts on facial paralysis or acupuncture in general?
The illness makes you feel negative and become pessimistic about the future, but why not take the first step with courage and try acupuncture? If you continue the treatment, I think you will gradually change to positive thinking.
Please share with us any other comments you may have.
I suppose it’s their policy, but I feel very relaxed at Yamato Acupuncture Clinic because of the easy-going attitude of the staff and the clinic’s relaxing atmosphere.
I’m thinking that it may be good for me to receive acupuncture treatment once a month, not only for this facial paralysis but for maintaining health.
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