Bell's palsy (adjunctive care)
Also known as: Bell's palsy, idiopathic facial palsy, facial nerve palsy
Bell's palsy is sudden one-sided facial weakness. Early oral corticosteroids (within 72 hours) and eye protection are standard; most people recover within months. Acupuncture is commonly used as an adjunct. Chinese medicine sees Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat invading the facial channels, and Qi-Blood deficiency in slow recovery.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •See your GP within three days for steroid tablets.
- •Protect the eye — drops by day, taping or ointment at night.
- •Most people recover well over weeks to months.
- •Gentle facial exercises help once movement returns.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Light, shallow facial needling only in the first week; avoid strong electrostimulation early.[]
- •Never delay steroid treatment for acupuncture.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Grade facial function (House–Brackmann) every 2–4 weeks; refer if no improvement by 3 months.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- NICE · 2023
- Cochrane · 2010
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.