Effective Management of Bell’s Palsy (Ardita) Through Ayurvedic Intervention Combined with Acupuncture: A Case Report

Bell’s palsy is an acute peripheral facial nerve paralysis of unknown etiology, leading to sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side. Although the condition is usually self-limiting, patients often experience significant functional and psychological distress during the course of the disease. In Ayurvedic classics, a similar presentation is described as Ardita, a disorder of Uthamanga (head region) characterised by deviation of the face and dysfunction of oral and ocular movements. This case report describes a 40-year-old male patient who presented with deviation of the mouth towards the right side, drooling of saliva, difficulty in chewing, and inability to close the right eye for 7 days. He was clinically diagnosed with Bell’s palsy and managed with an integrative protocol involving Ayurvedic therapies and acupuncture. Treatment included Snehan (oil massage), Nasya (nasal medication), Tarpana (ocular therapy), and selected internal medicines for symptomatic relief. The patient’s recovery was assessed using the House-Brackmann scale over a period of one month. Notable improvement was observed, with restoration of facial muscle function and resolution of ocular symptoms, without any adverse effects. The novelty of this case lies in the integrative approach of combining classical Ayurvedic modalities with acupuncture, which is rarely documented in the management of Bell’s palsy. This holistic treatment not only promoted functional recovery within a short duration but also demonstrated safety and patient satisfaction. The report highlights the potential of Ayurveda, when applied in conjunction with complementary therapies, as a natural, risk-free alternative to conventional management of Bell’s palsy.