Ayurvedic medicine refers facial paralysis with the name Ardita. The Word Ardita means the condition caused due to abnormal (vitiated/aggravated/taking the opposite pathway) function of Vata. Because of this, the mouth/face turns in the opposite direction.
CAUSES OF BELLS PALSY
- Constant rubbing or irritation of eyes, ears and nose
- Constant yawning
- Day sleep
- Excess laugh
- Heavy weight bearing
- Improper sitting/lying posture
- Improper venepuncture
- Injury to the veins, arteries and nerves of the face
- Injury to the vital points (marma)
- Intake of fermented beverages and alcohol
- Mastication of hard substances
- Long standing ulcers
- Speaking loudly/higher pitch
- Suppression of natural urges
- Tongue scraping (vigorous)
Pathogenesis:Due to vitiating factors, Vata is aggravated and occluded in the corresponding nerves, arteries, veins, and nerves located in the human face. This results in dysfunction of the nerves in the local area. As a result, the face is turned to one (left or right) of the sides and the clinical condition, Ardita results.
PRODORMAL SYMPTOMS
- Discomfort in the eyes, nose and mouth
- Numbness of the skin
- Pain in neck, cheeks, teeth or corresponding area
- Pricking sensation-occasionally
- Shivering of the head
- Sleep disturbance
- Stiffness of the jaw and neck muscles
- Stuttering/difficulty in speech
- Tremors
- Turbidity of the eyes
CLINICAL FEATURES
- Deviation of the neck to either left or right side
- Loss of function which are performed by the facial nerve
- Numbness or pain in head, nose, lips, cheeks, forehead, and eyes
- Pain in the facial joint corresponding to the facial nerve
- Turning of the face to either left or right side
TYPES
- Facial paralysis due to imbalance of Vata: Facial paralysis due to imbalance of Vata is manifested by nausea, pulsation, shivering, trismus (lock jaw), lip-oedema, and pain in the specific parts of the face.
- Facial paralysis due to imbalance of Pitta: Facial paralysis due to imbalance of Pitta is manifested by yellowish discoloration of the face, fever, polydipsia, sensation of fumigation and syncope.
- Facial paralysis due to imbalance of Kapha: Facial paralysis due to imbalance of Kapha is manifested by oedema in cheeks, neck and face and stiffness of the facial muscles.
Herbs for Bells palsy have been proved very beneficial as supportive ayurvedic medicines and this helps to treat root cause so that person can be cure completely. There are plenty of herbs explained in Ayurvedaproved beneficial in this condition like Aswagandha, Bramhi, Haridra, Guggulu, Shalakki etc. People can opt for some herbal remedies for Bells palsy for easy convenience. Make sure you use pure extracts of best quality herbs for better cure.
GUIDELINES
- Make use of castor oil or olive oil for local application. This can help to reduce the inflammation and pain. Also it strengthens the damaged nerve. Use olive oil for cooking.
- Mix half to 1 tsp turmeric powder in a glass of Luke warm milk and drink daily for few days.
- Eat 2 to 3 pods of garlic every morning. Also one can boil these in olive oil to get massage over affected area.
- Do some facial exercises, this will surely help to overcome the symptoms.
- Do not expose to the direst cold wind and direct sun too. When you go out, make sure affected area is covered properly with cloth.
- Have a natural diet with fruits and vegetables and avoid taking all kind of junk, packed foods.
- Keep yourself stress free.
AUTHOR BIO
Dr.Vikram Chauhan is MD in Ayurvedic medications and an expert Ayurvedic consultant from Chandigarh and practicing in Mohali, India. He has vast experience of herbs and their applied uses. He writes article at Planet Ayurveda