Alternative and Holistic Treatments for Bells Palsy

B-12 Injections, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and Acupuncture May Speed Healing

Facial Paralysis caused by Bells Palsy typically comes on suddenly due to trauma or inflammation of the facial nerve. Traditional medical treatments for Bells Palsy may include prescribed drugs such as Steroids and Antiviral medications. Many Bells Palsy patients also add to their medical regiment certain alternative or holistic treatments in hopes of speeding the healing process of Bells Palsy along. Some of these alternative or holistic treatments include vitamin B-12 injections, Acupuncture, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Vitamin B-12 Therapy
Vitamin B-12 Therapy is a popular alternative or holistic therapy that Bells Palsy sufferers can easily add to their traditional treatment. Vitamin B-12 is most helpful in its form methylcobalamin and is essential to maintaining the health of nerves. The addition of Methylcobalamin injections by those inflicted with Bells Palsy has been found to be beneficial in the healing and regrowth of these nerves as well.

In a Malaysian study, methylcobalamin combined with steroids has been found to expediate healing and greatly reduce the duration of Bells Palsy symptoms versus the use of steroids alone.

In addition to Methylcobalamin, many of the B vitamins work together to create new cells and to promote a healthy immune system. Calcium is also a good vitamin supplement to consider when choosing Vitamin B-12 therapy. Calcium can improve the body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12 boosting chances of a positive outcome.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is another alternative or holistic treatment that can be added to improve the recovery times of Bells Palsy. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy requires the patient to be enclosed in a pressurized environment. One hundred percent oxygen is administered as the pressure inside the tube is slowly brought to just less than 3 times the normal atmospheric pressure. This increases blood flow to tissues and encourages regrowth.