Q How does Korean medicine treatment differ between the early stage and the recovery phase?
A The acute phase uses clearing-the-upper-body and detoxifying to address heat and blood stasis, the recovery phase focuses on circulation and muscle rehabilitation, and the later phase on suppressing after-effects and replenishing qi and blood, changing stage by stage.
Detailed Answer
In the acute phase within 2 weeks of onset, we concentrate on calming the swelling and inflammation around the facial nerve and removing the factors that block circulation. In the recovery phase from 2 to 8 weeks, we use electroacupuncture stimulation to promote nerve regeneration and strengthen rehabilitation of the paralyzed muscles, and in the later phase after 8 weeks, we focus on suppressing synkinesis and correcting residual asymmetry. At each stage, the acupuncture stimulation intensity and the herbal prescription are adjusted to match the course of recovery.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Treatment at Dongjedang follows a three-stage principle: clearing the upper body (cheongsang, bringing down the heat gathered in the head and face), detoxifying (haedok, removing the blood stasis and phlegm-retention that block circulation), and circulation (sunhwan, releasing the stiff neck and shoulders to increase facial blood flow). Depending on the patient's bodily condition, we personalize the herbal medicine for each stage, using a replenishing prescription that fills the qi and blood or a prescription that clears blood stasis. At each stage transition, we perform an interim evaluation to transparently explain the direction of treatment.
Related FAQs
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Q
If I receive treatment diligently, can I fully return to how I was before? Or will some trace remain?
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Along with facial paralysis I developed tinnitus and hearing loss. Are the two symptoms related?
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Are there facial muscle exercises I can do at home? I've also heard they can do harm if done wrong.
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