Bell's Palsy: natural remedies and the evidence behind them
Bell's Palsy is a sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face, caused by inflammation of the facial nerve.
8 options1 graded B1 graded C6 traditional or ungraded
B
Guided condition explorer
Start with what sounds familiar.
Choose what sounds familiar, then choose the kind of support you want to explore. HealisticMD narrows the library without presenting the result as personal medical advice.
Acupuncture is most often used as a repeated course of sessions across the weeks of recovery. A randomized trial of electroacupuncture plus intradermal acupuncture grouped people by how severe their facial weakness was and reported improved facial function.
Electroacupuncture aims to stimulate the facial-nerve pathways as an add-on to standard care. Here it is a reasonable adjunct to try, not a proven cure.
Dose or use Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
Key study RCT (2026, PMID 42185063): electroacupuncture combined with intradermal acupuncture in Bell's palsy, stratified by facial-paralysis severity, reported improved facial function as an adjunct to usual care.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 4–12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Seek a licensed acupuncturist; inform them of any blood thinners or pacemaker use.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
Active B12 form for nerve repair
Why it may be relevant
In the early weeks the facial nerve is inflamed and trying to heal. Methylcobalamin is the active, ready-to-use form of vitamin B12 that nerves draw on to rebuild their protective myelin coating.
B12 is genuinely central to nerve-sheath repair, and methylcobalamin is its most nerve-available form, so it is a low-risk nutrient to add while the nerve recovers.
Dose or use Commonly taken as an oral supplement; follow the product label or your practitioner's guidance.
Key study Methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12 involved in nerve-myelin repair; its specific benefit in Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsNerve repair is slow; think weeks to monthsTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Generally well tolerated, but if you have a known B12-related blood disorder, check with your doctor first.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
An unchecked B12 gap can stall nerve healing
Why it may be relevant
If movement is coming back only slowly, it is worth ruling out a hidden reason. Low vitamin B12 on its own causes nerve problems and can slow the nerve repair your face is relying on now.
Checking and correcting a B12 deficiency removes one fixable roadblock to recovery; it is a simple blood test and an easy correction if you turn out to be low.
Dose or use Ask your doctor for a B12 blood test, and supplement only if you are found to be low.
Key study Vitamin B12 deficiency independently harms nerve function; whether correcting it speeds Bell's palsy recovery has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsIf low, correcting it supports healing over weeks to monthsTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Supplementing can mask the blood signs of B12 deficiency, so test before you treat, ideally with your doctor.
–
Nutrient gap worth checking
Vitamin D Deficiency
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
Low vitamin D is common in Bell's palsy
Why it may be relevant
As you recover, low vitamin D is worth checking: people presenting with Bell's palsy have repeatedly been found to have lower vitamin D than others, sometimes with more severe weakness at the start.
This is association-level evidence, not proof, but a vitamin D test is simple and correcting a real deficiency benefits nerve, muscle and bone regardless.
Dose or use Ask for a 25(OH)D blood test and supplement to correct a confirmed deficiency.
Key study Case-control studies have found lower vitamin D in people with Bell's palsy than in controls; this is an association only and has not been shown to change recovery in controlled trials.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsWeeks to months to restore healthy levelsTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Very high-dose vitamin D can be harmful; dose to your blood level rather than guessing.
How long ago did the weakness on one side of your face begin?
More than three months ago - I still have weakness, tightness, or muscles that move together when they shouldn't
Acupuncture is most often used as a repeated course of sessions across the weeks of recovery. A randomized trial of electroacupuncture plus intradermal acupuncture grouped people by how severe their facial weakness was and reported improved facial function.
Electroacupuncture aims to stimulate the facial-nerve pathways as an add-on to standard care. Here it is a reasonable adjunct to try, not a proven cure.
Dose or use Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
Key study RCT (2026, PMID 42185063): electroacupuncture combined with intradermal acupuncture in Bell's palsy, stratified by facial-paralysis severity, reported improved facial function as an adjunct to usual care.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 4–12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Seek a licensed acupuncturist; inform them of any blood thinners or pacemaker use.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Point at the base of the skull for the face
Why it may be relevant
GB20 sits in the hollows at the base of the skull, near the facial-nerve region on the affected side. In Chinese medicine it is the main point for 'wind' patterns affecting the face, the traditional category Bell's palsy falls under.
A long-used TCM point for the head and face that you or a helper can press by hand; the same point features in the acupuncture protocols used for facial palsy.
Dose or use Apply gentle pressure to the two hollows just below the base of the skull for 1-2 minutes; keep it light.
Key study GB20 is a traditional acupressure point for the head and face; this specific use for Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsVaries; used as ongoing gentle supportTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Use gentle pressure only, as the area sits near the base of the skull; avoid deep or forceful poking.
–
Pressure point
LI4 (Hegu) - Large Intestine 4
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
At-home acupressure point for the face
Why it may be relevant
Early on you may want something you can do yourself between appointments. LI4, in the web of the hand between thumb and index finger, is the classic self-acupressure point for the face and mouth in Chinese medicine.
In traditional Chinese medicine LI4 is a long-used point for problems of the face and jaw, and you press it yourself, so it costs nothing to try alongside your care.
Dose or use Press the fleshy web between the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand for 1-2 minutes, a few times a day.
Key study LI4 is a traditional acupressure point for the face and mouth; this specific use for Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsVaries; used as ongoing gentle supportTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Traditionally avoided in pregnancy, so skip firm stimulation of LI4 if you are pregnant.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Retrains facial muscles when recovery lags
Why it may be relevant
Months on, if you still have weakness, tightness, or muscles that move together when they should not (synkinesis), guided facial retraining targets exactly these lingering problems.
Facial neuromuscular retraining and mirror-guided exercises with a trained therapist are the best-supported non-drug approach for incomplete recovery, aiming to rebuild control and reduce unwanted co-movements.
Dose or use Work with a physical or facial therapist on a tailored exercise program, and practice the exercises daily at home.
Key study Tailored facial retraining is widely recommended for incomplete Bell's palsy recovery, but benefit varies between people and has not been confirmed for this use in large controlled trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsGradual, typically over several months of practiceTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid forceful, repetitive over-exercise, which can worsen synkinesis; let a therapist guide the intensity.
Acupuncture is most often used as a repeated course of sessions across the weeks of recovery. A randomized trial of electroacupuncture plus intradermal acupuncture grouped people by how severe their facial weakness was and reported improved facial function.
Electroacupuncture aims to stimulate the facial-nerve pathways as an add-on to standard care. Here it is a reasonable adjunct to try, not a proven cure.
Dose or use Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
Key study RCT (2026, PMID 42185063): electroacupuncture combined with intradermal acupuncture in Bell's palsy, stratified by facial-paralysis severity, reported improved facial function as an adjunct to usual care.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 4–12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Seek a licensed acupuncturist; inform them of any blood thinners or pacemaker use.
In the early weeks, moxibustion is one traditional option that has actually been studied here: a 2021 meta-analysis looked at acupuncture and moxibustion in both the acute and non-acute phases of Bell's palsy, with moxibustion as one of the arms.
Moxibustion warms specific points with heat from a smouldering herb, a long-standing Chinese-medicine approach for facial paralysis. The trial evidence behind it is early and low-certainty rather than proven, so treat it as something to try alongside standard care.
Dose or use Have moxibustion applied by a trained Chinese-medicine practitioner, who can advise on how many sessions and how often suit your situation.
Key study Meta-analysis (2021, PMID 34847316) of acupuncture and moxibustion for Bell's palsy reported higher recovery rates, but the pooled trials were small and of low methodological quality, so the finding is preliminary rather than confirmed.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Limited human trials so farTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Should be performed by a trained practitioner; keep away from skin to avoid burns.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Retrains facial muscles when recovery lags
Why it may be relevant
Months on, if you still have weakness, tightness, or muscles that move together when they should not (synkinesis), guided facial retraining targets exactly these lingering problems.
Facial neuromuscular retraining and mirror-guided exercises with a trained therapist are the best-supported non-drug approach for incomplete recovery, aiming to rebuild control and reduce unwanted co-movements.
Dose or use Work with a physical or facial therapist on a tailored exercise program, and practice the exercises daily at home.
Key study Tailored facial retraining is widely recommended for incomplete Bell's palsy recovery, but benefit varies between people and has not been confirmed for this use in large controlled trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsGradual, typically over several months of practiceTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid forceful, repetitive over-exercise, which can worsen synkinesis; let a therapist guide the intensity.
In the early weeks, moxibustion is one traditional option that has actually been studied here: a 2021 meta-analysis looked at acupuncture and moxibustion in both the acute and non-acute phases of Bell's palsy, with moxibustion as one of the arms.
Moxibustion warms specific points with heat from a smouldering herb, a long-standing Chinese-medicine approach for facial paralysis. The trial evidence behind it is early and low-certainty rather than proven, so treat it as something to try alongside standard care.
Dose or use Have moxibustion applied by a trained Chinese-medicine practitioner, who can advise on how many sessions and how often suit your situation.
Key study Meta-analysis (2021, PMID 34847316) of acupuncture and moxibustion for Bell's palsy reported higher recovery rates, but the pooled trials were small and of low methodological quality, so the finding is preliminary rather than confirmed.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Limited human trials so farTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Should be performed by a trained practitioner; keep away from skin to avoid burns.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Point at the base of the skull for the face
Why it may be relevant
GB20 sits in the hollows at the base of the skull, near the facial-nerve region on the affected side. In Chinese medicine it is the main point for 'wind' patterns affecting the face, the traditional category Bell's palsy falls under.
A long-used TCM point for the head and face that you or a helper can press by hand; the same point features in the acupuncture protocols used for facial palsy.
Dose or use Apply gentle pressure to the two hollows just below the base of the skull for 1-2 minutes; keep it light.
Key study GB20 is a traditional acupressure point for the head and face; this specific use for Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsVaries; used as ongoing gentle supportTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Use gentle pressure only, as the area sits near the base of the skull; avoid deep or forceful poking.
–
Pressure point
LI4 (Hegu) - Large Intestine 4
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
At-home acupressure point for the face
Why it may be relevant
Early on you may want something you can do yourself between appointments. LI4, in the web of the hand between thumb and index finger, is the classic self-acupressure point for the face and mouth in Chinese medicine.
In traditional Chinese medicine LI4 is a long-used point for problems of the face and jaw, and you press it yourself, so it costs nothing to try alongside your care.
Dose or use Press the fleshy web between the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand for 1-2 minutes, a few times a day.
Key study LI4 is a traditional acupressure point for the face and mouth; this specific use for Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsVaries; used as ongoing gentle supportTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Traditionally avoided in pregnancy, so skip firm stimulation of LI4 if you are pregnant.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
Active B12 form for nerve repair
Why it may be relevant
In the early weeks the facial nerve is inflamed and trying to heal. Methylcobalamin is the active, ready-to-use form of vitamin B12 that nerves draw on to rebuild their protective myelin coating.
B12 is genuinely central to nerve-sheath repair, and methylcobalamin is its most nerve-available form, so it is a low-risk nutrient to add while the nerve recovers.
Dose or use Commonly taken as an oral supplement; follow the product label or your practitioner's guidance.
Key study Methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12 involved in nerve-myelin repair; its specific benefit in Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsNerve repair is slow; think weeks to monthsTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Generally well tolerated, but if you have a known B12-related blood disorder, check with your doctor first.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
Active B12 form for nerve repair
Why it may be relevant
In the early weeks the facial nerve is inflamed and trying to heal. Methylcobalamin is the active, ready-to-use form of vitamin B12 that nerves draw on to rebuild their protective myelin coating.
B12 is genuinely central to nerve-sheath repair, and methylcobalamin is its most nerve-available form, so it is a low-risk nutrient to add while the nerve recovers.
Dose or use Commonly taken as an oral supplement; follow the product label or your practitioner's guidance.
Key study Methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12 involved in nerve-myelin repair; its specific benefit in Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsNerve repair is slow; think weeks to monthsTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Generally well tolerated, but if you have a known B12-related blood disorder, check with your doctor first.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
An unchecked B12 gap can stall nerve healing
Why it may be relevant
If movement is coming back only slowly, it is worth ruling out a hidden reason. Low vitamin B12 on its own causes nerve problems and can slow the nerve repair your face is relying on now.
Checking and correcting a B12 deficiency removes one fixable roadblock to recovery; it is a simple blood test and an easy correction if you turn out to be low.
Dose or use Ask your doctor for a B12 blood test, and supplement only if you are found to be low.
Key study Vitamin B12 deficiency independently harms nerve function; whether correcting it speeds Bell's palsy recovery has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsIf low, correcting it supports healing over weeks to monthsTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Supplementing can mask the blood signs of B12 deficiency, so test before you treat, ideally with your doctor.
–
Nutrient gap worth checking
Vitamin D Deficiency
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
Low vitamin D is common in Bell's palsy
Why it may be relevant
As you recover, low vitamin D is worth checking: people presenting with Bell's palsy have repeatedly been found to have lower vitamin D than others, sometimes with more severe weakness at the start.
This is association-level evidence, not proof, but a vitamin D test is simple and correcting a real deficiency benefits nerve, muscle and bone regardless.
Dose or use Ask for a 25(OH)D blood test and supplement to correct a confirmed deficiency.
Key study Case-control studies have found lower vitamin D in people with Bell's palsy than in controls; this is an association only and has not been shown to change recovery in controlled trials.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsWeeks to months to restore healthy levelsTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Very high-dose vitamin D can be harmful; dose to your blood level rather than guessing.
What kind of support for your facial nerve appeals to you most?
I'd rather have simple things I can do myself at home, between appointments
–
Pressure point
GB20 (Fengchi) - Gallbladder 20
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Point at the base of the skull for the face
Why it may be relevant
GB20 sits in the hollows at the base of the skull, near the facial-nerve region on the affected side. In Chinese medicine it is the main point for 'wind' patterns affecting the face, the traditional category Bell's palsy falls under.
A long-used TCM point for the head and face that you or a helper can press by hand; the same point features in the acupuncture protocols used for facial palsy.
Dose or use Apply gentle pressure to the two hollows just below the base of the skull for 1-2 minutes; keep it light.
Key study GB20 is a traditional acupressure point for the head and face; this specific use for Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsVaries; used as ongoing gentle supportTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Use gentle pressure only, as the area sits near the base of the skull; avoid deep or forceful poking.
–
Pressure point
LI4 (Hegu) - Large Intestine 4
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
At-home acupressure point for the face
Why it may be relevant
Early on you may want something you can do yourself between appointments. LI4, in the web of the hand between thumb and index finger, is the classic self-acupressure point for the face and mouth in Chinese medicine.
In traditional Chinese medicine LI4 is a long-used point for problems of the face and jaw, and you press it yourself, so it costs nothing to try alongside your care.
Dose or use Press the fleshy web between the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand for 1-2 minutes, a few times a day.
Key study LI4 is a traditional acupressure point for the face and mouth; this specific use for Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsVaries; used as ongoing gentle supportTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Traditionally avoided in pregnancy, so skip firm stimulation of LI4 if you are pregnant.
Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Bell's Palsy, not a promise of results. A higher grade is not a personal recommendation. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.
Related pressure points
Hands-on options you can try yourself.
Acupressure is a comfort measure, not a treatment for Bell's Palsy itself. Each page shows where the point is and how to press it.
We track 4 natural options for Bell's Palsy — what each is typically used for, usual dose, cautions, and the study behind the ones with real trial data.
One email with the summary. We'll also send a short weekly evidence update — unsubscribe any time.
Build your plan in the app
Build and track your natural-health plan for Bell's Palsy in the app.
