Bell’s palsy is a neurological disorder that results in the temporary weakening of the muscles on one side of the face. The signs and symptoms appear suddenly, peak in the first week, and resolve in five to six months. Rarely, some individuals experience a recurrence of symptoms or no improvement. The patient experiences drooping of the face to one side and difficulty smiling and closing the eyelids.

Bell’s palsy can occur at any age, and it equally affects both sexes. The risk of acquiring the disease is higher in pregnant women, those with diabetes, Lyme disease, the common cold, or another upper respiratory illness. It is less common below 15 years and above 60 years.

The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown. It is concluded that Bell’s palsy is caused by the swelling and inflammation of the 7th cranial nerve (facial nerve). It also occurs as a reaction after a viral infection (herpes zoster, herpes simplex, adenovirus, etc.).

What are the symptoms of Bell’s palsy?

Signs and symptoms of Bell’s palsy include:

1. Temporary weakness or paralysis of one side of the face.
2. Half-face deviation, including the nose, brows, and forehead.
3. Absence of facial creases and the nasolabial fold.
4. Bell’s phenomenon: difficulty in closing eyelids, and on attempted closure, the eye rolls upwards.
5. Drooping of lower eyelids.
6. Changes in tear and saliva production.
7. Food and saliva get lodged in the affected side of the mouth and sometimes spill out from the corner.
8. Headache.
9. Loss of taste.
10. Pain around the jaw or behind the ears on the affected side.

Ayurvedic concept of Bell’s palsy.

Ayurveda refers to Bell’s palsy as Arditha. Arditha, which is caused by vitiated vata dosha; gets localized in the face and deviates to one side. Bell’s palsy presents the same symptoms as Arditha, including facial deviation to one side, watery eyes, an inability to blink the eye of the affected side, a sudden onset of mouth deviation, weakness, and slurred speech.

Ayurvedic Management for Bell’s palsy.

Ayurveda combines both medicinal and therapeutic approaches to treat Bell’s Palsy. Bell’s palsy occurs due to the vitiation of vata dosha. So, the aim is to bring the vata dosha back to normalcy.

The commonly followed Ayurveda therapies are:

1. Nasyam- Instillation of medicated oil or ghee to the nostrils nourishes the nervous system and stimulates motor function. The instilled medicines reach the brain and remove the vitiated dosha responsible for the formation of the disease.
2. Tarpanam- The process by which medicated oil is kept in the closed eyes for a prescribed period of time nourishes and strengthens the eye. The dryness and exhaustion caused by the disease get reduced.
3. Moordha Tailam – The various moordha taila procedures such as siro vasti, sirop ichu, sekam, etc improves the motor function of the facial nerve. It can stimulate the nervous system and sense organs.
4. Nadi Swedam- A type of local fomentation procedure, that helps in improving the microcirculation of blood vessels by dilating them.
5. Upanaham- Poultice must be done with the meat of animals having vatahara property.
6. Gandoosha- Holding the medicated oil or decoction having vata pacifying properties increases the pressure in the mouth and stimulates the stretch reflexes. It can protect the oral environment.

 Along with this, ayurveda medicine supplements that are nourishing and vata pacifying in nature must be taken internally.

Diet and lifestyle changes

The individual must follow a strict dietary and physical regimen for the prevention of Bell’s palsy as well as its complications.

1. Avoid cold and sour foods such as curd, buttermilk, ice creams, cucumber, banana, watermelons, etc.
2. Avoid fermented foods that aggravate vata dosha.
3. Avoid smokingand alcohol completely.
4. The dietmust be easily digestible and simple with a lot of green leafy vegetables.
5. Practice pranayama or facial exercise daily.
6. Avoid stress, strain, and work exhaustion.
7. Intake of warm water at regular intervals.

Conclusion

Bell’s Palsy is an unpreventable disease. But with proper care, it can be managed and controlled to a certain extent. Follow Ayurvedic practices for the proper control of this disease.

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