Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

Spring 2026 • 47

• Bruised, broken or inflamed skin in area to be treated • Broken bones in area to be treated • Sprains/strains in area to be treated • Cancer • Varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis Conditions That May Benefit From Facial Massage and Acupressure: Bell’s Palsy and Tinnitus Two conditions that may be helped by facial massage and acupressure are Bell’s palsy and tinnitus. According to the National Institutes of Health, “Bell’s palsy is estimated to affect about 40,000 people in the United States every year. It can affect anyone of any gender and age but seems to be highest in those in people 15 to 45 years old.” 28 According to the Mayo Clinic 29 , 50 million people have tinnitus in the United States. This common problem may be helped by facial massage and acupressure to manage the symptoms. Following, we’ll delve into each condition and give protocols for facial massage and acupressure. What is Bell’s palsy? According to the Mayo Clinic: “Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. In most cases, the weakness is temporary and significantly improves over weeks. The weakness makes half of the face appear to droop. Smiles are one-sided, and the eye on the affected side resists closing.” 28 Bell’s palsy is a sudden, temporary paralysis of the face caused by damage to the facial nerves, and can last from weeks to months. Experts think the condition is caused by swelling and inflammation of the nerve that controls the muscles on one side of the face, but the condition might also be caused by a reaction that occurs after a viral infection. 28 Typically, the virus attaches to the nerves on the face. When the virus focuses specifically around where the facial nerve, also called the seventh cranial nerve (CN VII), must pass through a narrow bony canal near the ear, the

Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face.

swelling can sometimes damage the nerve and function is temporarily lost. These nerves control the opening and closing of the eyes, tear glands, salivary glands and facial expressions, such as smiling or frowning. The CN VII can be found by gently putting your index finger just behind the earlobe and slightly opening the mouth. Bell’s palsy occurs in roughly 40,000 Americans each year and is more common in people who have diabetes or upper respiratory infections, such as the flu or cold. The good news is that because the facial nerve is a peripheral nerve, there is a protective layer that allows for regeneration. According to the National Institute for Neurologic Disorders and Stroke, “Massage may provide a small improvement with facial nerve function and pain.” 28 If you or your client experience weakness or paralysis in your face muscles, seek medical attention immediately. Although facial palsy can be a sign of a temporary, curable condition, it may also indicate a serious medical problem. The symptoms of Bell’s palsy . Symptoms of Bell’s palsy vary from person to person. Common symptoms can include: 30 • Drooping of the muscles on affected side of face

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