Facial Palsy, known in Ayurveda as Ardit, is a neurological condition where one side of the face becomes weak or paralyzed. It often strikes suddenly, leaving the patient unable to smile, close one eye, or move facial muscles normally. This not only affects physical appearance but also impacts speech, eating, and emotional confidence.
In modern medicine, this condition is generally known as Bell’s Palsy — a temporary paralysis due to inflammation or compression of the facial nerve (the seventh cranial nerve). While steroids and physiotherapy are the mainstay of conventional treatment, Ayurveda takes a deeper, holistic view. It aims not just to treat the paralysis but to correct the underlying imbalance of the body’s vital energies, restore nerve strength, and rejuvenate the mind–body system. This comprehensive and natural approach makes Ayurvedic Treatment for Facial Palsy highly sought after.
Understanding Facial Palsy from a Modern View:
In modern neurophysiology, the facial nerve controls most of the muscles responsible for expressions, blinking, and mouth movement. When this nerve becomes inflamed or compressed — often due to viral infections like herpes simplex or after exposure to cold air — it stops transmitting proper signals between the brain and the facial muscles. This leads to drooping of the mouth, loss of taste on one side of the tongue, difficulty closing one eye, and sometimes pain around the ear or jaw.
In most cases, the paralysis is temporary, but recovery can take weeks to months. In some patients, especially when nerve inflammation is severe or healing is delayed, residual weakness or asymmetry may persist. This is where Ayurveda’s Vata-based approach to nerve healing provides remarkable results.
Ardit in Ayurveda – The Classical Understanding:
The word Ardit comes from Sanskrit, meaning “twisted” or “distorted.” Ancient Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita describe Ardit as a disorder caused by the aggravation of Vata Dosha, one of the three vital energies governing movement, nerve impulses, and coordination in the body.
Vata element is light, dry, and mobile by nature. When it becomes aggravated — due to cold exposure, irregular diet, emotional stress, or exhaustion — it disturbs the normal flow of energy (Prana Vayu) in the nerves and muscles of the head and face. This leads to sudden weakness or deviation of facial structures.
Ayurveda identifies the root cause not as an isolated nerve problem but as a systemic imbalance of Vata, especially in the Uttamanga (head region). The imbalance obstructs the normal functioning of the Nadis (subtle nerve channels), leading to stiffness, numbness, and deviation of the face.
In many patients, this imbalance is accompanied by Kapha (causing heaviness and stagnation), or Ama (toxic metabolic waste), which further blocks nerve conduction and delays recovery. Thus, the treatment in Ayurveda aims to pacify aggravated Vata, clear the channels, and strengthen the nervous system holistically.
Causes of Ardit According to Ayurveda:
The causes mentioned in the classical texts align surprisingly well with modern medical triggers. Ayurveda lists several factors that disturb Vata and can precipitate Ardit:
- Excessive exposure to cold air or wind, especially immediately after bathing or sweating.
- Suppression of natural urges like sneezing or yawning, which disturbs Prana Vayu (Vegavrodh).
- Irregular sleeping habits, staying up late, or sleeping during the day.
- Emotional factors such as fear, grief, or stress.
- Head or neck injury causing nerve blockage.
- Improper diet, fasting, or consumption of dry, light, or cold food.
All of these factors dry up or constrict the body’s channels, leading to an obstruction in the flow of vital energy and resulting in paralysis or deviation of one side of the face.
Symptoms and Ayurvedic Pathophysiology:
A person suffering from Ardit may suddenly notice that one side of the face feels heavy, the mouth is drawn to one side, and they are unable to close one eye. There may be difficulty in speech, dribbling of saliva, and partial loss of taste. In severe cases, even the movement of the eyebrow or blinking may stop.
Ayurveda explains that due to Vata vitiation, the Prana Vayu and Vyana Vayu (subtypes of Vata governing nerve impulses and circulation) become disturbed. They cause improper movement of facial muscles, resulting in deviation and stiffness. Over time, if untreated, the muscles become weak, and the Majja Dhatu (nervous tissue) loses its nourishment.
The goal of Ayurvedic management, therefore, is to restore the normal movement of Vata and strengthen the Majja Dhatu, ensuring the complete revival of nerve function.
Ayurvedic Line of Treatment for Facial Palsy (Ardit):
Ayurveda approaches Ardit systematically — first aiming to pacify Vata and remove obstructions, and then to nourish and rejuvenate the nerves. The Ayurvedic Treatment for Facial Palsy includes external Panchakarma therapies, internal medications, and lifestyle modifications that work together to promote recovery.
1. Snehana – Oleation Therapy:
The first step in the treatment is Snehana, or oleation, which involves the use of medicated oils to lubricate the nerves and tissues. In Facial Palsy, both external oil massage (Abhyanga) and internal oleation are recommended.
A gentle massage is performed over the affected side of the face, neck, and scalp using oils like Mahanarayan Taila, Ksheerabala Taila, or Dhanwantaram Taila. These oils are enriched with herbs like Bala, Ashwagandha, and Dashamoola, which strengthen the nerves and improve blood circulation. The warmth of the oil helps to soften stiff muscles, release trapped Vata, and improve nerve conduction.
Internal oleation involves the consumption of small doses of medicated ghee, such as Mahatiktaka Ghrita or Ksheerabala Tail under the guidance of an Ayurvedic physician. This nourishes the Majja Dhatu and provides deep, internal lubrication.
2. Swedana – Fomentation (Sudation) Therapy:
After oleation, mild steam therapy is applied to the face and neck. This process, known as Swedana, dilates the channels and enhances the absorption of medicated oils.
In Nadi Sweda, herbal steam is directed to the affected area using a special tube, relieving stiffness and heaviness. In some cases, Patra Pinda Sweda — the use of herbal leaves like Nirgundi or Eranda, dipped in medicated oil and applied warm — is used to improve muscle flexibility and nerve function.
3. Nasya – Nasal Administration of Medicated Oils:
In Ayurvedic classics, Nasya is considered the best therapy for diseases of the head and neck region. Since the nose is described as the “gateway to the brain” (Nasa hi Shiraso Dwaram), administering medicated oils through the nostrils directly influences the cranial nerves.
In Facial Palsy, Nasya with Anu Taila, Ksheerabala Taila, helps to reduce inflammation, clear Kapha blockages, and restore nerve conductivity. Patients often experience improved facial movement and reduced stiffness after a few sessions.
4. Basti – Medicated Enema Therapy:
For chronic or recurrent cases of Facial Palsy, Basti (medicated enema) is the most effective internal therapy. Ayurveda considers Basti as the ultimate treatment for Vata disorders because the large intestine is the main seat of Vata.
Administering medicated decoctions or oils through the rectal route helps to balance systemic Vata and promote nerve regeneration.
A combination of Niruha Basti (herbal decoction enema) and Anuvasana Basti (oil enema) using formulations like Dashamoola Kwatha and Ksheerabala Taila is often used in a 7–14 day course. It strengthens the nervous system, relieves stiffness, and aids long-term recovery.
5. Shirodhara and Shiro Abhyanga:
In conditions where Facial Palsy is associated with stress, anxiety, or insomnia, Shirodhara (gentle streaming of medicated oil on the forehead) and Shiro Abhyanga (head massage) are profoundly beneficial.
They soothe the nervous system, regulate hormonal balance, and calm the mind. The therapy also enhances the effect of Nasya by improving circulation in the cranial region.
6. Internal Medications:
In parallel with Panchakarma therapies, specific Ayurvedic medicines are prescribed to pacify Vata and strengthen nerves. Ashwagandha, Bala, Rasna, Sahachar, Dashamoola etc. are widely used herbs for their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.
Formulations like Brihat Vata Chintamani Rasa, Vatakulantaka Rasa, Rasna Saptak Kwath, and Saraswatarishta are used to enhance nerve strength, reduce stiffness, and improve overall vitality. Chyawanprash or Brahma Rasayana may be added later for rejuvenation.
Additionally, in cases where Vata is associated with Kapha — such as after cold exposure, fever, or post-infection — certain herbs like Lasuna (Garlic) and Bhallataka (Marking Nut) are used judiciously. These herbs help reduce Kapha accumulation, clear blockages, and thereby assist in faster Vata pacification and nerve recovery.
Classical Ayurvedic combinations prepared using Ashtavarga (a group of eight rejuvenating herbs) are also mentioned to be beneficial in Ardit, as they strengthen the nervous system and enhance vitality.
These medicines, when chosen carefully based on the patient’s constitution (Prakriti), help restore both physical and mental balance.
Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations:
Ayurvedic healing is incomplete without correcting food and lifestyle. Since Facial Palsy is a Vata-dominant disorder, the diet should be warm, nourishing, and unctuous.
Freshly cooked meals with ghee, soups, and rice gruel help maintain internal lubrication. Milk, almonds, sesame seeds, and herbal teas with ginger or cumin are supportive for nerve health.
One simple home remedy suggested in Ayurveda involves the use of Urad Dal (Black Gram) — a powerful Vata-pacifying ingredient. Take about 40 grams of Urad Dal flour, add a pinch of Hing (asafoetida) and some fresh ginger. Prepare small fritters (Vadas) from this mixture, fry them lightly, and consume them with fresh butter (Loni). The combination of Urad Dal and butter helps pacify aggravated Vata effectively and promotes faster nerve recovery.
Cold, dry, and rough foods — such as fried snacks, stale food, or refrigerated items — should be avoided, as they aggravate Vata. Excessive fasting, skipping meals, and late-night eating should also be restricted.
Lifestyle measures include avoiding exposure to cold wind or fans, managing stress through meditation, and ensuring adequate sleep. A gentle daily oil massage on the face and scalp is recommended to maintain muscle tone and prevent recurrence.
Role of Yoga and Physiotherapy:
Ayurveda and Yoga go hand in hand in restoring the harmony of mind and body. In Facial Palsy, gentle yoga practices can complement Ayurvedic therapies.
Simhasana (Lion Pose) is particularly beneficial — it activates facial muscles and improves blood flow. Bhramari Pranayama and Nadi Shodhana help calm the mind, regulate Prana, and support nerve healing.
Along with this, modern facial physiotherapy — like mirror exercises, cheek puffing, and whistling — can enhance the recovery rate. The combination of both systems provides comprehensive neuro-muscular rehabilitation.
Scientific and Integrative Insights:
Modern research has started validating Ayurvedic principles in neurological disorders. Herbs like Ashwagandha and Bala are found to enhance nerve regeneration and reduce oxidative stress.
Studies show that Nasya therapy improves cranial nerve stimulation, while Abhyanga and Basti regulate the autonomic nervous system, reducing inflammation and improving neuromuscular coordination.
This integrative approach — combining Ayurveda with modern physiotherapy and nutrition — offers better outcomes, faster recovery, and prevention of relapse.
Conclusion:
Facial Palsy or Ardit is not merely a local nerve issue; it is a manifestation of disturbed Vata energy and disrupted Prana flow in the body. Modern medicine can offer temporary relief, but Ayurveda addresses the root imbalance, rejuvenates the nerves, and restores facial symmetry naturally.
Through therapies like Nasya, Snehana, Swedana, and Basti, along with nerve-strengthening herbs, nourishing food, and mindful living, Ayurveda offers a gentle yet powerful path to recovery.
As the classical texts beautifully describe:
“When Vata is balanced, Prana flows freely, and every cell of the body regains its vitality.”
Thus, with early diagnosis, proper Panchakarma, and disciplined lifestyle, Facial Palsy can be effectively managed and complete recovery is often possible.
If you are seeking specialized care for Facial Palsy (Ardit), Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya, Pune offers authentic, holistic treatment protocols. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Manoj Deshpande, the clinic provides personalized Panchakarma therapies and specific herbal medications designed to pacify Vata, repair nerve damage, and promote complete recovery.
Book your appointment today to begin your journey toward natural healing and facial nerve rejuvenation.