Good afternoon everyone!

Winter is on it's way...and so are more cases of Bell's Palsy and Trigeminal Neuralgia in Kansas City.

What causes this?

Many times it is cold wind to the face, or being outside in the cold with your face and head uncovered that triggers this numbness and temporary nerve palsy.

Usually, one side of the face is partially or mostly paralyzed, and patients have a hard time closing their eyes or brushing their teeth without the toothpaste and water running out of their mouth.

I just had a patient come in with Bell's Palsy...and when he initially called for his appointment, I had a pretty good idea that he had Bell's Palsy just from him describing his symptoms.

I measured the energy in his acupuncture meridians using the Acugraph Program.  It is a tool that evaluates the meridian or energy systems of the body and gives me a "real time" picture of that person's energy levels.  From there, I can give them a powerfully effective acupuncture treatment.  I also add in points classically known in Traditional Acupuncture for Bell's Palsy as well which has the treatment be even more effective.

Usually 3-6 visits will greatly help Bell's Palsy or trigeminal neuralgia, and in some cases, that short of a treatment plan will have it resolve itself.  Each case is different and responds at a different rate, so it is important to see how the body responds to care.  Sometimes, it takes a few more treatments if it is a particulary stubborn case.

If you or someone you love has Bell's Palsy or Trigeminal Neuralgia, please call me and see if Acupuncture can make a difference!

Have a great afternoon and stay warm!

Dr. Kristine Baker