The asymmetrical and stiff mouth is a clear sign of cranial nerve VII paralysis. The complications of this condition are quite troublesome to many. For that reason, today, let’s join us and find out the effective acupressure for facial paralysis!
What is cranial nerve VII paralysis?
Cranial nerve 7 – aka the facial nerve is the nerve that controls the function of taste, sense, and movement of the face. Having facial palsy means that the cranial nerve 7 is under pressure and inflamed.
There are 2 possible types of damage at the cranial nerve 7 – peripheral and central, with peripheral palsy being the more common one.
The signs of facial paralysis
Cranial nerve VII paralysis can happen to all ages; however, it is more frequently occur during puberty and old age. They tend to leave the patient with the following symptoms:
Crooked and asymmetrical face
Half of the face becomes deviated and natural as it is very stiff. Moreover, the wrinkles, mouth, and medial cleft will be shifted toward the unparalyzed side.
Inability to close one eye
The eye cannot be closed due to the paralysis of the orbicularis oculi muscle. It is possible that the eyes will only show the sclera as the pupil is pushed upward. The eyes will be dry and tears will be produced uncontrollably.
Loss of taste
The mouth will have difficulty smiling and talking. Saliva will be produced uncontrollably. In many cases, the tip of the tongue will be stiff, causing the loss of taste.
Ear pains and redness at the eardrums
The cranial nerve VII paralysis can cause ear pain on one side with a much larger volume that can be heard from the affected side.
Some causes of cranial nerve VII paralysis
Cranial nerve VII paralysis can be caused due to multiple reasons. Knowing the knowledge and the causes of the condition is crucial for future treatments.
Sudden cold exposure
Cranial nerve 7 consists of 3 parts and lies at 3 different positions, with the temporal bone being the coldest. Therefore, when exposing to foreign factors, it can get cold suddenly, affecting the bloodstream and causing inflamed nerves, which lead to paralysis.
Flu virus or varicella-zoster virus
When our body is attacked by the flu virus, its toxins will affect the cranial nerve 7 and inflame it, slowly leading to paralysis. Moreover, at the early stage of having varicella-zoster virus, vesicles will appear at the ears, causing pain to the cranial nerve VII at this area.
Side-effects from trauma or surgery
All the injuries caused by trauma or ear-related surgery can create the symptoms of cranial nerve VII paralysis.
Medical history
If your body has or used to have diseases related to the mouth or tumor, meningitis, stroke, diabetes mellitus, head trauma and inflammatory diseases of the cranial nerves, then you are likely to suffer from facial paralysis in the future.
Effective acupressure for facial paralysis
If you find yourself having the symptoms above, you should perform the following acupressure for facial paralysis:
Step 1: Soak a towel in some warm water mixed with salt, 2 glasses of white wine, and 3 slices of ginger. After that, move the towel on your face evenly on both sides, ears, and from the top of the head to the neck. Do this for 2 minutes.
Step 2: After done cleaning the face, you should use your pointy finger and your thumb to place on the eyebrows, scratch backward, and move all over the face intensively.
Step 3: Rub the palm of your hands together and put them onto your ears.
Step 4: Begin acupressure the following acupuncture points:
- ST 4: Lateral to the corner of the mouth.
- LI 20: At the midpoint lateral to the border of the ala nasi, in the nasolabial groove.
- ST 6: On the cheek, in the depression one finger-breadth (middle finger) anterior and superior to the lower angle of the mandible where m. masseter attaches, at the prominence of the muscle when the teeth are clenched.
- CV 24: At the center of the mentolabial groove directly below the lip.
- GV 26: Midline below the nares.
- ST 1: On the face, the point is directly below the pupil of the eye, between the eyeball and the infraorbital ridge.
- B 1: On the superior aspect of the scapular region, in the depression posterior to the acromial extremity of the clavicle and anterior to the scapular spine.
The acupressure for facial paralysis method above will aid blood circulation and expand the capillary, restoring the function of the cranial nerve VII. You should do this as soon as you find yourself having symptoms of cranial nerve VII paralysis.
Facial paralysis treatment at Gangwhoo cosmetic hospital
Nowadays, there are a lot of reputable and quality facilities for you to treat your cranial nerve 7 paralysis. The most mentionable one being Gangwhoo cosmetic hospital – a place that many entrust thanks to its effective acupressure for facial paralysis.
Gangwhoo cosmetic hospital is a Korean hospital with a top reputation in Ho Chi Minh City. All of the doctors here are highly qualified for plastic surgery and makeover, allowing you to regain your beauty in no time.
Therefore, if you are suffering from facial palsy, don’t hesitate to reach out to Gangwhoo to receive the immediate support.
We hope that the article we shared about acupressure for facial paralysis will help you to get over your fear of this condition. Remember to always stay positive and live a healthy life or just simply reach out to Gangwhoo cosmetic hospital to receive the best treatment for your condition!
