THE FOLLOWING ARE SYMPTOMS AND CONDITIONS COMMONLY TREATED BY THE WASHINGTON ACUPUNCTURE CENTER. BELL'S PALSY Bells palsy is peripheral paralysis or paresis of the facial nerve. It is usually characterized by difficulty in closing one eye and distortion of the mouth toward the opposite side of the face. The cause is unknown, but it is often associated with viral infections, exposure to cold or emotional stress. Although this condition is not painful, it may make closing the eye difficult and require a bandage or tape to protect the eye at night. Sometimes it may be relieved within a week or month without treatment other than rest and nutritious diet and vitamins. In many cases, however, the palsy persists for months or years and may involve both sides of the face. Acupuncture will usually produce significant improvement by the time a patient has had 6 - 10 treatments. These treatments should be taken daily or as close together as possible. The acupuncture points used will not be too close to the eye, and some of them may be on the arms or legs. During the course of treatment, the patient will begin to feel relaxed and free from tension and anxiety. next