Acupuncture!???!

[mimoore]

My daughter and I were discussing whether acupuncture would be a viable option for me. This is her email to me that I would like to share with you if you are contemplating this.

Hey Mom,
I did some research on acupuncture for facial paralysis and I think it
looks promising. From what I know about acupuncture it tries to clear
energy blockages in the body by activation particular points through
the body that relate to one and other (ie. your effected nerve might
have a related point on your body on your foot). Here's a great point
I read in relation:
"The clinic results show that acupuncture and Chinese massage therapy
are capable of supplementing Qi (chee), activating blood circulation,
dispelling wind and removing obstruction in the channels. It also
increases the local nerve irritability, improves the local area
nutrition metabolism, accelerates to recovery the facial musical and
nerves functions."

Much of the info is about Bell's palsy. The condition is caused by
swelling of the facial nerve; acupuncture helps to reduce the
swelling.
Also cool.. the World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as a
treatment for facial paralysis.
Another cool thing.. it might help with your tinnitus.

I've emailed these acupuncture places in Toronto that mention facial
paralysis specifically. I'll forward on their responses.
http://www.acuclinic.org/
http://www.acutoronto.com/health_conditions_bellspalsy.htm


Some interesting studies/articles:
http://www.acupuncture.com/research/face1.htm
http://www.acupuncture.com/research/face4.htm
http://www.acuhealing.com/clinicreports/facelift.htm
http://74.125.95.132/search?
q=cache:OCsnsg8jxWkJ:www.bluepoppy.com/press/download/articles/joining_needling.pdf+facial+paralysis+acupuncture&cd=7&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-a


A very long and in depth book on the facial nerve for free on Google books:
http://books.google.ca/books?id=5hcR9EZEfJQC&printsec=frontcover


Now this is the other loving daughter, who by the way loves me tons and never wants a tattoo. Isn't she awesome?
Michelle 

[NancyMc]

There was another thread started on this subject, and I replied on it because if I have prolonged facial weakness, I want to keep informed on the effectiveness of acupuncture.  That is very exciting.  I tried acupuncture for my inflammatory arthritis without results, but I would definitely give it another try for facial weakness.
Thank you, loving daughter of Michelle.

[arkansasfarmgirl]

I started accupuncture in early april, about 4 1/2 months post-op.  I was seeing results within a couple of weeks and big results within a month.  I can smile now.  Granted, it's small, but it's there.  I can chew well on both sides, my eye is working better.  No eyebrow lift yet, but I'm confident that it will get there. I have muscle tone/movement to the top of my cheek now.  My BAHA implant site that was staying irritated and not healing despite my dr's best efforts was healed within 2 weeks.

My DOM that I'm seeing said he could accelerate my healing, and very likely give me more complete healing.  I had my nerve cut and grafted, so I need all the help I can get. 

Vonda

[jazzfunkanne]

hi does accupuncture stimulate the nerve so it starts growing? does it improve muscle tone

[a333black]

Hello,

I think accupuncture may help, I was going for sessions for 6 months after my AN surgery in November 2004
It was very costy,I had 3 visits every week for first 3 month , than 2 for 2 months and 1 visit per week for the last month. After my treatments I got some movement back , but not all ....
It was very relaxing, I would like  to go back again... Maybe It can still help with my improvement...

Agnes B

[arkansasfarmgirl]

I noticed this morning that I have movement all the way up to my eye when I smile.  And my eye is not as droopy.  I think I've had 6 sessions now...

:-D
Vonda