A close look at an integrative treatment package for Bell's palsy in Korea.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview of the integrative treatment package for Bell's palsy provided at Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital (KHU KMH).

SUMMARY: The Facial Palsy Center at KHU KMH has been providing integrative treatment for Bell's palsy patients during the past three decades. Within 72 h of symptom onset, corticosteroids are recommended but complementary treatment including acupuncture and herbal medicine can be used to help suppress inflammation and nerve degeneration. If patients suffer from postauricular pain, pharmacopuncture and cupping is utilized. During the subacute or chronic periods, different acupuncture types are selected accordingly, and herbal medicine and moxibustion helps to improve immune functions and relieve accessory symptoms. Qigong programs are also provided to help relieve facial tension and paralysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rigorous research is warranted, with limited treatment options, we highly suggest that it is worth applying integrative medicine to Bell's palsy patients.