Facial expression is how we connect with other people, and losing it, even temporarily, has a profound psychological impact that is frequently underestimated.
If you’ve been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, it’s worth acting early. Several meta-analyses have found better response and cure rates with acupuncture than with drug treatment alone, and treatment started in the acute phase is where the research is most encouraging.
Book your first appointment online. This includes a full consultation and treatment, looking at your symptoms, lifestyle and health history.
At The Get Well Clinics we offer affordable acupuncture at £42 a session.
★★★★★
“I developed bell’s palsy at the beginning of August. After 10 days of steroids I started acupuncture. It is now 18th September and I am fully recovered.” Catherine
★★★★★
“Very sympathetic and thoughtful treatment from Marion. I like the no-nonsense, affordable approach of a communal treatment room — you still get plenty of attention.” John
★★★★★
“Very relaxing and effective acupuncture”. Anne
★★★★★
“The treatments had a tremendously positive impact on my well-being, both physically and mentally.” Isa
Individual patient experiences. Results vary.
What Causes Facial Palsy?
Facial palsy, most often Bell’s palsy, is a loss or weakening of function in the muscles supplied by the facial nerve.
Swelling, compression and inflammation around the nerve, and disruption to its blood and nutrient supply, are usually involved.
What Usually Causes It
- A viral or bacterial infection, often when your immune system is already under strain
- Periods of prolonged stress, poor sleep or exhaustion beforehand
- Swelling and compression of the facial nerve as it passes through the skull
- Less commonly, shingles affecting the ear (Ramsay Hunt), Lyme disease, injury or a middle ear infection
What You May Be Feeling / Experiencing
- Weakness or drooping on one side of the face, usually coming on over hours
- Difficulty closing one eye, smiling or holding liquid in your mouth
- Pain or aching around the jaw or behind the ear
- Altered taste, or sounds seeming uncomfortably loud on that side
- A dry or watering eye on the affected side
See a doctor urgently if facial weakness comes on suddenly, so it can be assessed and distinguished from a stroke.
Prompt medical assessment matters, and steroids are usually most effective for Facial Palsy when started within 72 hours.
Acupuncture works alongside medical care, not instead of it.
Source: NHS, Bell’s palsy; NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary, Bell’s palsy.
How Acupuncture Supports Facial Palsy (Bell’s Palsy)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, facial palsy is read as an invasion of Wind and Cold into the channels of the face, obstructing the flow of Qi and Blood, which is why the weakness comes on so suddenly and on one side.
Treatment aims to clear that obstruction and restore flow to the affected channels, and we use pulse and tongue diagnosis alongside a look at your recent health to work out where the depletion sits.
Facial palsy has been studied with over a thousand patients across randomised trials. A 2019 meta-analysis of 11 trials found a higher cure rate with acupuncture than drug treatment alone (Medicine, 2019), and a meta-analysis of 14 trials found a higher effective response rate (Li P, Qiu T, Qin C. PLoS One. 2015), though both note the trials varied in quality.
As to why acupuncture works for facial palsy, researchers point to several mechanisms:
- Supporting the recovering nerve: a systematic review found acupuncture increased local blood flow in muscle and skin (Kim et al., 2016), one of the mechanisms proposed for its role while the facial nerve repairs.
- Calming the nervous system: a sudden change in how your face works is frightening, and stress keeps the nervous system in alert mode.
- Acupuncture is aimed at the parasympathetic “rest and restore” side of that system, and a meta-analysis of 9 randomised trials found it affected heart-rate variability and parasympathetic activity (Hamvas et al., 2023).
- Releasing endorphins: research points to the release of endogenous opioid peptides, including endorphins, the body’s own pain-relieving and feel-good chemicals (Han, Neuroscience Letters, 2004).
- Easing the discomfort around it: dryness, soreness and tension around the eye and jaw, and we will show you how to care for an eye that will not fully close.
Individual results vary. These findings are not a guarantee of outcome for every patient.
Support Beyond the Physical
The sudden loss of facial function can bring shock, fear, and withdrawal from social situations.
Alongside treatment, we also offer support through:
- Eye care guidance: practical advice for protecting a dry or sore eye that isn’t closing properly.
- Emotional support: understanding the psychological impact of a sudden change in how you look, not just the physical symptoms.
Flavio Cabral
3 months ago
The service I received was unhurried, kind, personal, as well very educative from both treatments I had on full body and head only (ear). I strongly recommend it.
Mdm Pleguebyrne
3 months ago
I first came to the Gate Well Clinic last year, and it was a fantastic experience. I'm now back again to help get myself back on the healthy path I was on before.
I feel that we live in a very different world compared to a couple of generations ago. Life moves at such fast pace, and much of our food has been depleted of its nutrients or replaced with ultra-processed alternatives, making it increasingly difficult to maintain good health.
Coming back to the clinic is helping me regain control of my health. The acupuncture treatment with George, together with the guidance and natural supplements he recommends, have given me the support I need to feel better, more balanced, and more in tune with my body.
I'm truly grateful for the care, knowledge, and support that George and the whole team provide. I would highly recommend the Gate Well Clinic to anyone looking to take a more natural approach to improving their overall health and well-being.
Tom Tom C
5 months ago
I have been seen by the fantastic Luke Warburton for a year for acupuncture & bodywork. He combines both skills in treatment at the get well clinics in Paddington. His knowledge really helps me maintain my health conditions like Fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis and anxiety. The get well clinics is my go to comfort zone for well being. Tom
Vincent Crooks
5 months ago
It's so good to have a place like the getwell clinic which for me is acceptable,affordable, clean and pleasant, with experience and professional practioners ,with the knowledge to read and diagnose ailments,
Vincent Crooks.
Emma Williamson
6 months ago
Marion is an excellent acupuncture therapist - I have really benefited from her treatment and highly recommend her.
Daria
8 months ago
Very good services at affordable prices. Acupuncture treatments have been helping me to balance my energy - either to bring it up or down depending on how I was feeling. Sheree is very helpful.
Fiona Blakeman
9 months ago
I couldn’t recommend this highly enough and I’m very grateful that this service is available in my local community. I’ve had a lot of experience receiving acupuncture, and despite the heavily discounted cost, the level of care, attention, and quality of treatment is exceptional.
The initial consultation is carried out privately, with treatments taking place alongside other patients. The setting is calm and peaceful, and I felt very safe and supported by both the practitioner and the environment overall.
Lucy Brook
11 months ago
This was a first time trying acupuncture, in a welcoming and tranquil space that's affordable to have professional treatment in a community clinic. I have several issues with my spine and I came initially with my sciatica pain at a 10 so severe for months struggling to walk and cope with daily functioning using mobility aids. I felt a major difference in pain relief after the first treatment and by the third session it has drastically reduced to a 2 and sometimes no pain on good days.
George is excellent and I feel so thankful, his knowledge and recommendations has been helpful and I've slowly been implementing. I come away from the sessions feeling relaxed and able to sleep better. I look forward to continuing my journey of pain relief, health and wellbeing, plus getting some normality slowly back in my daily life and functioning.
Elisa R
11 months ago
I went for several sessions this year to help with an extra heartbeat caused by stress. I also changed my lifestyle slightly, but acupuncture definitely made a difference. It takes time and trusting the process, and since I’m not used to slowing down, having this dedicated ‘me time’ was exactly what I needed.
John and Marion are knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely take the time to listen. I love how welcoming the community clinic is, and I always felt in very good hands.
Thank you to both of them, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for support with stress or overall well-being.
Lucia Krupova
6 months ago
If you are preparing for IVF or struggling with back pain, you need to book an appointment with John.
I was a little bit worried about sharing room with other people but the place is incredibly peaceful which is exactly what you need when dealing with the stress of fertility treatments.
I came in for fertility support and a bad back, and I am amazed at how quickly it worked.
It only took a few sessions for my back pain to disappear entirely, and my periods are now perfectly on schedule. It has given me so much peace of mind and physical comfort heading into my IVF cycle.
Camilla Cooper
8 months ago
Get Well Community Acupuncture clinic is absolutely incredible. I’ve had really healing and helpful treatments with both Phil and Luke who are both exceptional & extremely caring practitioners. I can’t recommend this clinic enough for all your Community Acupuncture needs.
Maria del Mar Arranz Martin
11 months ago
Excellent service and professionals
John Watson
12 months ago
Very sympathetic and thoughtful treatment from Marion. I like the no-nonsense (and affordable) approach of having a communal treatment room. You still get plenty of attention and then lie and relax with the needles in whilst other people are attended to.
Vicki Zhang
1 year ago
Marion is super attentive and skilful - would highly recommend her to anyone considering acupuncture.
Sehr schön
2 years ago
I landed at Paddington location in Marion Rolling’s magical hands at the end of Jan 25.
I had high anxiety, heart palpitations and frequent migraines. I was always on high alert expecting a catastrophe at every corner and on the verge of tears at all time.
After a few Acupuncture sessions with Marion, my anxiety is manageable , I have more energy and I go for days without my previous symptoms. Also have not had a migraine since then.
I’m looking forward to seeing Marion a few more times this spring to help me with my hayfever.
Can’t recommend them enough. Thank you 🙏
Isabel Pitcaithly
2 years ago
Recently I attended The Get Well Clinic in Paddington where I had 3 accupuncture sessions a week apart with the very knowledgeable Marion Rollings. I did my homework before choosing Marion who has trained extensively including 7 years in China. I was impressed with how she managed to remember all I had told her in pre treatment forms and lying there relaxing with the needles in place ( completely painless) I could tell she remembered all about her other patients. I felt very relaxed and well cared for.
I had a problem with my ankle/foot which was very debilitating and this has greatly improved. I am so pleased as I was afraid to go out in case I suddenly couldn't walk any more. I no longer have this problem.
I was also concerned about headaches which seemed to take over my life. I can honestly say since the first treatment up to now several weeks down the line I have only had one headache which for me is amazing !!
To anyone considering a treatment with Marion go ahead. You will not be disappointed !!!
I plan on further treatments for my back when I have finished work in the garden. Isabel 76
Common Questions Answered
Early is better. The research on acupuncture in facial palsy is most encouraging where treatment started in the acute phase, so there is little to gain from waiting. See your GP first for assessment, as steroids are usually most effective when started within 72 hours.
Yes. Acupuncture is intended to be used alongside conventional treatment, and many patients have it while taking prescribed medication or having talking therapy. Never stop or change your medication without speaking to your GP first, and do tell us what you are taking so we can plan around it.
Most cases of Bell’s palsy do improve on their own, and we would never suggest otherwise. Acupuncture is something active you can do alongside the care your GP provides, and it is one of the conditions we most often see in the first weeks. Individual results vary.
Acupuncture works by building change slowly over time, small shifts that add up, rather than one big fix. Everyone is different, but most patients start to notice a difference after several regular sessions rather than a single visit.
Why Choose Our Low Cost Acupuncture Clinics in London?
Expert
Our highly qualified acupuncturists, without the private clinic price tag.
Whole-body approach
We use traditional acupuncture diagnostic principles to look at your symptoms in the context of your whole health, not just the area that hurts
Convenient locations
Our clinics in Camberwell and Paddington are close to bus, train, and Tube lines, so getting here is simple.
Acupuncture Articles
You don’t need to understand how acupuncture works for it to work. But if you’re curious about the science, we’ve linked some articles below, with more on Traditional Chinese Medicine in our Articles section.
Acupuncture can be difficult to study. Researchers use sham acupuncture as a control, with needles placed away from recognised acupuncture points, but these “fake” points can still have an effect. Many studies are also small because research funding is limited. This means some conditions have not yet been studied at the scale needed for firm conclusions. That is not the same as acupuncture being tested and failing.
Where high-quality, large-scale research has been carried out, the evidence is much stronger
Does acupuncture help Bell’s Palsy?
Li P, Qiu T, Qin C. Efficacy of acupuncture for Bell’s palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomised controlled trials (1,541 people). PLoS One. 2015;10(5):e0121880. See also Chen N, et al. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010;(8):CD002914.
Caring for Your Eye During Recover
Practical guidance for a dry or sore eye that will not fully close, following NHS advice on eye protection in Bell’s palsy.
Acupuncture Compared With Drug Treatment
Compare the efficacy of acupuncture with drugs in the treatment of Bell’s palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Medicine. 2019. Eleven trials, 1,258 people, reporting higher cure rates.