Bell's palsy
Basic description of the disease
Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. This can happen when the nerve that controls the facial muscles becomes inflamed, swollen or compressed. The condition causes one side of the face to fall or stiff, making it difficult to smile or close the affected side of the eye. In most cases, Bella's paralysis is temporary, and the symptoms usually disappear after a few weeks.
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy can develop one to two weeks after having a cold, ear infection, or eye infection. Diseases usually appear suddenly and you may notice them when you wake up in the morning or try to eat or drink.
Bella paralysis occurs when the 7th cranial nerve becomes swollen or compressed, resulting in facial weakness or paralysis, medical researchers believe it is most likely caused by a viral infection.
The viruses/bacteria that have been linked to the development of Bell’s palsy include - herpes simplex, HIV, sarcoidosis, herpes zoster virus chickenpox and shingles, Epstein-Barr virus, Lyme disease.
According to Ayurveda this condition is called Arditha - that means loss of function of facial muscles . Ayurveda consider this as a Vata disorder because Vata is the one dosha control the motor and sensory activities of the body,mainly the brain function.
Vata dosha gets vitiated and lodge in the corresponding nerves, arteries and veins situated in the face. This hampers the functioning of the nerves of the nearby areas. There are many possibilities for Vata disorders it might be due to some external factors or due to some infection. The main pathology behind Bell’s palsy is the inflamation of the concernd nerve. Ayurveda says - without the involvement of Pitta there wont be any inflamation. When the nerve get blocked the blocking factor caused by Kapha. Ayurvedic treatment will vary according to the doshic predominance.
Ayurveda in treatment modalities for Bells’s Palsy include both internal and external therapies.
Single Ayurvedic herbs useful in this disease are - Lashun, Nirgundi, Lavanga, Eranda, Sarshapa, Rasna, Hing, Bala.
Ayurvedic formulations recommended in the disease are - Ashwagandha Churna, Ashwagandha Avaleha, Brahmi Vati, Chandraprabha Vati, Lashun rasayan and other accodring to Ayurvedic doctor experience and application.
Panchakarma procedures that can be done in case of bell’s palsy are - Abhyanga or oil massage, Swedana ( sweating ) , Nasya, Shiroabhyanga, Shirodhara, External Lepa. Different variations and combinations of therapies are prescribed by the Ayurvedic doctor during the consultation.
Devastating thoughts and emotions
The nerves are the perceptual organ. The cause of various types of paralysis is "Paralyzing" jealousy and hatred. Resistance to the process of life - unwillingness to change the order of things, including "paralyzing” thoughts. Find those thoughts that hinder free living.
TIPS
avoid chilly and refrigerated food items
Avoid curd and other sour food stuffs
Avoid fermented foods
Avoid smoking and taking alcohol
Have simple and easily digestible diet
Do yoga and pranayam for strengthening the nerves
Prepare paste of clove, mustard, Nirgundi leaves and Eranda leaves. This paste stimulating nerves, improving blood circulation and in relieving pain and inflammation
Add 5 to 10 drops of clove oil in a quarter cup of water – drink 3x a day. This helps to reduce the facial paralysis
Prepare a paste Garlic ( 10 grams) + butter or Ghee ( 10 gr) . Take this daily empty stomach in the early morning
Put four drops of sesame oil in both the nostrils daily morning empty stomach to give strength to the nerves.
