Facial Palsy describes a weakness of the facial muscles that are primarily brought on by temporary or permanent injury to the facial nerve.
In Ayurveda, “Ardita” (facial palsy) is a condition in which severe Vata dosha aggravation results in Vakrata or deviation of the face, either localized in Mukha Ardha (the lower half of the face) with or without body involvement. According to Acharya Charak,
तस्मिन् सङ्कोचयत्यर्धे मुखं जिह्मं करोति च |
वक्रीकरोति नासाभूललाटाक्षिहनूस्तथा ||३९|| [च.िच 28/39]
When Vata is significantly elevated, it can cause asymmetry in the nose, eyebrow, forehead, eye, and jaw as well as contracture in the arm, leg, and knee of the affected half of the body. It can also distort one side of the face.
There are various degrees of facial palsy, including situations where both sides of the face are affected as well as instances when only the bottom half of the face is affected.
It might happen if the nerve controlling your facial muscles is irritated, enlarged, or squeezed.
Risk Factors- Facial Palsy
The Risks Factors of Facial Palsy Involve the Following Issues:-
- Ear Infection
- Infection in the respiratory tract
- Low Immunity
- Unhealthy pregnancy happened due to high pressure and hypercoagulability.
- Diabetes
Symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Neck stiffness
- Jaw stiffness
- The asymmetrical appearance of the forehead, eye, chin, face, eyebrows, and ears.
- Tooth shaking and head tremoring
- Loss of sensation in the skin
- One side of the face is distorted
- Muscle twitches usually happen on one side
- Hearing issues and difficulty in smell sensations
- Troubled swallowing
Causes of Facial Palsy(Ardita):
- Speaking too loudly
- Attempting to chew hard substances
- Putting heavy loads on the head.
- Staying up till late at night
- Scratching of eyes, nose, and ears
- Head injury
- Facial Injury
- Daytime sleeping
Facial Nerve Palsy- Diagnosis:
- Clinical assessment
- MRI if the development was slow or if there are additional neurologic impairments Another testing if clinical signs suggest it
- Checking for sarcoidosis with a chest x-ray, CT scan, and blood angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) values
- Clinical testing is used to diagnose facial nerve palsy. There are no particular diagnostic procedures
Facial Paralysis Treatment in Ayurveda
Bell’s Palsy is the main disorder that occurs due to facial palsy. Sometimes clinical tests are required.
Most commonly the doctor examines the patient’s face. Then the patient is advised to move the facial muscles.
He/she needs to close their eyes. Showing teeth and lifting brows.
Can Facial Palsy Be Cured with Ayurveda?
Ayurveda has immense benefits in curing different diseases.
Facial Palsy treatment in Ayurveda can be cured with the following:- In Ayurveda, for managing Ardita, first, it is necessary to manage the Vata Dosha.
Vata Dosha is linked with other doshas as well. When the Vata dosha is balanced, then the facial area will work normally.
Ayurvedic Medicines:-
Rasnaerandadi Kwatha, Maharasnadi Kwatha, Dashamoola Kwatha, and Rasnasaptakam Kwatha.
Herbs:-
Some Condiments and Spices When Included in Our Everyday Diet Can Also Assist in Facial Palsy Treatment:-
- Castor seeds
- Mustard
- Garlic
- Rasna (Alpinia galanga)
- Clove
- Bala (Sida Cordifolia)
- Asafoetida
External Therapy and Medications:
Several Areas of The Face and Head Need Oil Application for Reducing The Effects of Facial Palsy.
- Oil therapy for ears- Karnapoorna oil (Administration of oil in the ear)
- Oil Therapy for Nose- Nasya karma (Administration of oil in Nose)
- Oil Therapy for head- Shirodhara, Shirobasti, and Shirobhyanga(head massage)
- Swedan Therapy for localized areas on the face
Masha Thailam, Mahamasha Thailam, Mahanarayana Thailam, Dhanwantharam Thailam, Kshirabala Thailam, Dashamool Kashayam, Bodywalk Oil by Dr. Dassan’s, etc. are examples of ayurvedic facial oils.
Final Thoughts
In the case of Facial palsy (Ardita), Ayurveda focuses on balancing the Vata as it is a disorder caused by vitiated Vata.
Along with balancing Vata , the focus is to improve the blood flow.
We at Dr. Dassans Ayurveda, authentically prepare ayurvedic medicines that work amazingly well in balancing the Vata Dosha and ensuring proper blood flow to the facial area.
Additionally, the medicine we provide also works on strengthening the nerves and repairing the damage caused to them.
Further oils for massage and therapies are also prescribed when necessary. So, in case anyone you know is suffering from Facial palsy contact us now!