Bell s palsy

Āyurveda identifies Bell’s palsy as ardhita, a vāta vyādhi affecting one side of the face. Aggravated vāta obstructs majjā dhātu (nerve tissue) and facial srotas, leading to sudden weakness or deviation. Exposure to cold wind, stress, or fatigue often triggers the imbalance, impairing expression, speech, and normal facial movements temporarily.

Common Causes of Bell s palsy

Sudden exposure to cold or chilly wind.
Viral infections weakening facial nerves.
Stress, fatigue, or irregular routines aggravating vāta.
Head, ear, or dental infections spreading to nerves.
Chronic vāta imbalance due to aging or weakness.

Symptoms of Bell s palsy

Drooping of one side of the face.
Inability to close the eye or smile.
Slurred or unclear speech.
Loss of taste on the affected side.
Twitching, numbness, or facial stiffness.

Ayurveda’s Approach to Healing Bell s palsy

Abhyanga with warm vāta-pacifying oils on face and head.
Śirodhārā and nāsya (nasal oil therapy) for nerve nourishment.
Basti therapies to pacify vāta and support healing.
Herbs like aśvagandhā, daśamūla, and guḍūcī for strength.
Facial yoga, prāṇāyāma, and gentle exercises to restore mobility.