Hello, I'm Dr. Lee Seung-hwan from Tongin Korean Medicine Clinic.
In Korea, you'll often hear older people say, "Sleep in the cold and your face will twist."
This isn't just a scare tactic—it's a real warning about facial paralysis (Bell's palsy), a condition where the nerve controlling your facial muscles suddenly stops working.
Today, I'll break down everything you need to know about facial paralysis: what causes it, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to treat it quickly.
1. When Stress and Fatigue Attack Your Face
While brain-related issues (central paralysis) can rarely cause facial paralysis, most cases are peripheral facial paralysis—inflammation of the facial nerve itself.
Real Case:
Mr. A worked overtime for days to finish a major project. After finally completing it, he went out drinking with colleagues and came home exhausted and drunk. Feeling hot and thirsty, he collapsed on the living room floor...
The next morning, he looked in the mirror and froze. His face wasn't moving properly!
The main culprit? Weakened immunity. When your body is exhausted from extreme fatigue, stress, or overwork, viruses can easily invade.
That's why facial paralysis doesn't just affect the elderly—it's common in children and young adults with compromised immune systems too.
In Korean medicine, we see cold and wind as triggering factors. When these elements invade the body, they can freeze muscles and nerves.
Cold air exposure is indeed a real cause—and can worsen or trigger recurrence of facial paralysis.
Warning Signs of Facial Paralysis
Facial paralysis can strike suddenly, but there are often early warning signs:
Early Symptoms:
- Dull pain or swelling behind the ear (below the earlobe)
Main Symptoms:
- Eyes won't fully close → tears or dryness
- Mouth droops → water leaks when drinking, especially noticeable when brushing teeth
- Taste changes or sounds seem louder than normal
- Facial asymmetry becomes obvious when smiling or raising eyebrows
⚠️ Important: During the first 7-10 days, symptoms may worsen even with treatment.
This is part of the disease progression—don't panic. Consistent treatment is key.
When to Worry: Is It a Stroke?
There are two types of facial paralysis: peripheral (common Bell's palsy) and central (stroke-related). Here's how to tell them apart:
Peripheral Facial Paralysis (Bell's Palsy):
- Forehead test: CANNOT wrinkle forehead on affected side (eyebrow won't raise)
- Whole face affected: Eyes won't close properly, entire side is paralyzed
Central Facial Paralysis (Stroke/Brain Tumor):
- Forehead test: CAN still wrinkle forehead on both sides (forehead muscles still work)
- Other symptoms present: Arm/leg weakness, numbness, speech problems, walking difficulties
🚨 Emergency Rule: If you CAN wrinkle your forehead but your mouth is twisted, OR if you have arm/leg weakness or numbness → Go to the ER immediately for MRI.
2. Time Is Everything: Treat Facial Paralysis Immediately
About 20% of facial paralysis patients experience incomplete recovery with lasting complications. Starting treatment immediately is crucial for full recovery.
Western Medical Treatment
Most clinics (ENT, neurology) focus on reducing inflammation and fighting viruses:
Main Treatments:
- Steroids: Core treatment to reduce facial nerve inflammation and swelling
- Antiviral medication: Used when viral infection is suspected (especially Ramsay Hunt syndrome)
- Artificial tears & eye ointment: Prevents corneal damage when eyes won't close
- Physical therapy: Low-frequency electrical stimulation to prevent muscle atrophy
Potential Side Effects:
- Steroid side effects: High-dose steroids (short-term use) can cause stomach upset, insomnia, blood sugar spikes. Diabetic patients need special monitoring.
- Incomplete recovery & synkinesis: If nerve regeneration isn't complete, you may develop abnormal movements—like your mouth moving when you blink, or vice versa. Facial muscles can also become stiff.
- Recurrence & pain: If the virus isn't fully suppressed, pain behind the ear may persist, and paralysis can return when immunity drops.
The Golden Window: 3 Weeks Can Change Everything
Korean medicine has proven highly effective for facial paralysis treatment. According to a 2022 qualitative study, many facial paralysis patients actively seek Korean medicine treatment even after starting Western treatment, considering it essential for complete recovery, not just supplementary.
Patients trust acupuncture, Chuna therapy, and herbal medicine as core treatments for facial recovery, not optional add-ons.
- Acupuncture & pharmacopuncture: Directly stimulates paralyzed muscles and nerves, "unblocking" stiff areas and promoting recovery
- Moxibustion & cupping: Releases tension behind the ear and neck muscles, improves blood circulation
- Herbal medicine: Restores depleted energy and immunity, helping your body naturally fight inflammation
Chuna therapy helps too. A 2024 study found that combining cervical Chuna therapy with standard acupuncture significantly improved recovery compared to acupuncture alone. The facial nerve is closely connected to neck health, so correcting neck alignment can be key to faster facial recovery.
Self-Care at Home: Double Your Recovery Speed
These daily practices can dramatically speed up your recovery:
1. Keep Your Face Warm Apply warm compresses frequently to the paralyzed side. Gently massage with oil. Avoid cold air—wear a mask and scarf!
2. Facial Muscle Exercises
- Say "Ah-Eh-Ee-Oh-Oo" slowly
- Blow up a balloon
- Sip water through a straw
- Scrunch your nose
Pro tip: Use your hand to move the paralyzed muscle into position, hold for 10 seconds while looking in the mirror. Tell your brain: "THIS is how you move!"
3. Protect Your Eyes When eyes won't close properly, use an eye patch or artificial tears to prevent damage.
4. No Alcohol + Rest Alcohol and stress are recovery's enemies! Stop smoking too—it disrupts blood circulation. Be patient with yourself and rest fully.
Facial paralysis outcomes depend entirely on how quickly you act in the early stages.
Don't think "I'll rest a few days and it'll get better."
If your face feels even slightly off, visit a Korean medicine clinic immediately for professional diagnosis and treatment.
The faster you start, the better your chances of complete recovery.
