Research is suggesting that Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine may be useful in treatment of the following Neurological conditions (1);

• Bell’s Palsy
• Fibromyalgia
• Shingles
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Post-operative pain (1)
• Post-stroke conditions (1)
• Restless leg syndrome (1)
• And more

Let’s discuss some of these below

Bell’s Palsy

Bells Palsy is a neurological condition where the facial muscles become weak and paralysed due to trauma to the 7th cranial nerve. This nerve provides sensation and movement to the whole side of your face and even part of your tongue.  When this nerve becomes inflamed, it stops sending signals to the facial muscles and becomes paralysed.  In western medicine the cause is unknown, and they say it is non permanent, resolving itself in several months.  The problem without seeking treatment, is you are prone to developing it again, and possibly more severely.

If Acupuncture is administered regularly and close to the onset, it can have a positive effect on the outcome and research suggests speed up recovery (2). Although more research is needed. Clinically the more promptly we see the patient the more quickly we see positive changes. If treatment is delayed then recovery can take much longer as more damage to the facial nerve may occur.   At Balanced Life Health Care we administer Acupuncture 2-3 times per week in the acute initial phase, reducing as symptoms improve. Below is a picture of the improvement that can be seen in 6 Acupuncture sessions over two weeks.

Image credit; Innovative Health

Fibryomyliga

More information coming soon

Shingles

More information coming soon

Trigeminal Neuroglia

Trigeminal Neuroglia (TN) is a inflammation of the trigeminal nerve located in the face. The cause is relatively unknown but can have a sudden onset. In some cases the nerve can be compressed by nearby blood vessels, aneurysms, or tumours. However in most cases it seems to be idiopathic (no known cause). Most common symptoms are; Severe facial pain that is often described as a lightening shock in one side of the face. Pain can be worsened by mild stimulation such as touching of the face, or daily activities such as brushing the teeth.

Research is suggesting that Acupuncture along side conventional treatment such as medications and physical therapy will yield better outcomes for those suffering TN (3). At Balanced Life Health Care we administer treatment 2-3 times per week for the first two weeks, and reduce as pain is often significantly reduced. Although research at hospitals in China even administer more regular treatments to achieve results we find that this is a more manageable treatment plan for most of our clients.

References

1. John McDonald & Stephen Janz (2017); The Acupuncture evidence project, Found at; http://www.acupuncture.org.au/Portals/0/The%20Acupuncture%20Evidence%20Project_Mcdonald%20and%20Janz_Feb_2017_Reissued_April_2017.pdf?ver=2017-04-21-150632-950
2. http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1265-acupuncture-heals-facial-paralysis-new-study
3. http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1505-acupuncture-reduces-trigeminal-neuralgia-pain

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