Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy and Trigeminal Neuralgia: Restoring Nerve Function and Balance

Few things are as disruptive as unexpected facial pain or paralysis — symptoms often brought on by nerve conditions like Bell’s palsy and trigeminal neuralgia (TN), that can affect everything from your appearance to your speech and your ability to eat. Finding effective relief means addressing the root cause of nerve inflammation and dysfunction, not just masking discomfort.

If you’re dealing with Bell’s palsy or trigeminal neuralgia, turn to Kerri Kuhlsen, Lac, cSMA, at Twin Acupuncture. As a licensed acupuncturist with specialized orthopedic training, Kerri offers targeted care for these challenging neurological disorders. In this post, we explain how acupuncture works to restore function and balance.

When facial paralysis strikes: Understanding Bell’s palsy

Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness or complete paralysis on one side of the face. It occurs when the seventh cranial nerve (the facial nerve) becomes inflamed and swollen, disrupting signals from the brain to the facial muscles. 

In the United States, approximately 40,000 people are diagnosed with Bell’s palsy each year. Typical symptoms include facial drooping and an inability to smile, raise an eyebrow, or fully close your eye on the affected side. You may also have difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking.

While around 80% of cases clear up completely within three months, recovery isn’t always guaranteed. Severe or persistent inflammation may cause permanent damage to the facial nerve, resulting in lifelong weakness, numbness, or discomfort.

The debilitating nerve pain of trigeminal neuralgia

TN is a chronic pain disorder involving the fifth cranial nerve, also known as the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensory information from the face to the brain. In most cases, it happens when a blood vessel compresses the nerve root, resulting in irritation and dysfunction.

TN causes episodes of sudden, excruciating pain, often described as electric shocks or stabbing sensations, on one side of the face. The pain is typically episodic, with attacks coming and going over days and weeks. Chewing, brushing your teeth, or even light touch can instantly trigger a debilitating jolt, leading many with TN to live in fear of the next attack.

How acupuncture restores nerve function and balance

Acupuncture helps modulate the central and peripheral nervous systems, delivering essential relief for both pain and paralysis. Inserting ultrafine needles at key points signals the body to increase local circulation and release pain-modulating chemicals, such as endorphins.

For TN, treatment focuses on activating points that calm hyperactive nerve signals and reduce the intensity of pain episodes. Acupuncture may also promote the repair and regeneration of nerve tissues by enhancing your body’s ability to heal.

For Bell’s palsy, Kerri uses specialized techniques to gently stimulate the affected muscles and re-establish proper communication between the facial nerve and the brain, restoring movement and function.

Kerri customizes each patient’s treatment plan based on their specific symptoms and the severity of nerve dysfunction. Because acupuncture is a medication-free therapy, it offers healing and balance alongside conventional treatments without the risk of harmful side effects.

Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen — successful management of these complex conditions depends on timely, consistent care. Contact Twin Acupuncture today in Staten Island, New York, to schedule your consultation.