Facial paralysis according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Facial paralysis can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like facial paralysis here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here facial paralysis is often associated with stiff neck, neck pain and heavy body in the pattern “Exterior Wind”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of facial paralysis we’ve identified that a herbal formula called Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San can help treat the patterns behind the symptom.
Exterior Wind, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause facial paralysis
In Chinese Medicine facial paralysis is a symptom for the pattern "Exterior Wind". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) is the king ingredient for Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, a formula used for Exterior Wind
Exterior Wind
Pulse type(s): Floating (Fu)
In addition to facial paralysis, other symptoms associated with Exterior Wind include stiff neck, neck pain and heavy body.
Exterior Wind is often treated with Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, a herbal formula made of 9 herbs (including Szechuan Lovage Roots - Chuan Xiong - as a key herb). Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San belongs to the category of "formulas that dredge and disperse external wind", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: " Disperses Wind".
A herbal formula that might help with facial paralysis
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San
Why might Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San help with facial paralysis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Exterior Wind' of which facial paralysis is a symptom.
Acupuncture points used for facial paralysis
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat facial paralysis
Why might Szechuan Lovage Root (Chuan Xiong) help with facial paralysis?
Because it is a key herb in Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Exterior Wind' (a pattern with facial paralysis as a symptom)
Szechuan Lovage Roots is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Gallbladder, the Liver and the Pericardium.
Its main actions are: Regulates and moves the Blood. Relieves Wind-Cold and pain. Circulates the Qi in the Upper Burner, relieving headaches.
Why might Angelica Root (Bai Zhi) help with facial paralysis?
Because it is a key herb in Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Exterior Wind' (a pattern with facial paralysis as a symptom)
Angelica Roots is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Spleen, the Stomach and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Relieves the Exterior and disperses Wind. Disperses Wind and Cold from the Yang Brightness channels. Relieves Wind-Damp Cold painful obstruction. Dries Dampness and pus and reduces swelling. Opens the nasal passages.
Why might Notopterygium Root (Qiang Huo) help with facial paralysis?
Because it is a key herb in Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Exterior Wind' (a pattern with facial paralysis as a symptom)
Notopterygium Roots is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Pungent. It targets the Bladder and the Kidney.
Its main actions are: Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold and Dampness. Relieves Wind-Damp-Cold painful obstruction. Directs Qi to the Greater Yang (Tai Yang) channel and the Governing Vessel.
Why might Wild Mint (Bo He) help with facial paralysis?
Because it is a key herb in Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Exterior Wind' (a pattern with facial paralysis as a symptom)
Wild Mint is a Cool herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Liver and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Relieves the Exterior and disperses Wind-Heat. Clears Wind-Heat from the head, eyes and throat. Allows the release of toxins from the skin. Moves Stagnant Liver Qi
Why might Wild Ginger (Xi Xin) help with facial paralysis?
Because it is a key herb in Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Exterior Wind' (a pattern with facial paralysis as a symptom)
Wild Ginger is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Heart, the Kidney and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Relieves the Exterior and warms the Yang. Expels Cold and relieves pain. Warms the Lungs and reduces Phlegm. Moves the Qi and disperses Phlegm to open the nasal passages.
Other symptoms often associated with facial paralysis
Convulsions Seizures Tetanus Epilepsy Swollen glands Migraine headaches Muscle cramps Muscle contractions Stroke Spasms