Ayurvedic Management of Synkinesis

Ayurvedic Management of Synkinesis

Synkinesis is a condition where involuntary muscle movements occur along with voluntary ones, usually after nerve damage and regeneration — most commonly seen after facial nerve palsy (like Bell’s palsy).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

1. Involuntary muscle movement during voluntary actions – e.g- Eye closes when smiling or chewing

2. Facial tightness or stiffness – Feels like the face is “pulled” or tense

3. Asymmetry of facial expressions – One side of the face reacts differently

4. Twitching or jerking of facial muscles
5. Difficulty with facial coordination – Trouble isolating movements (e.g., smiling without blinking)

6. Reduced facial flexibility – Limited or awkward expression control

7. Involuntary tearing  – Tears may flow when eating (called “crocodile tears”)

CAUSES

1. Bell’s Palsy – The most frequent cause; as the facial nerve heals, it may reconnect incorrectly.

2. Facial Nerve Injury or Trauma – Due to accidents, cuts, or fractures affecting the facial nerve.

3. Facial Nerve Surgery – Surgeries near the ear, parotid gland, or brain can damage the nerve.

4. Brainstem Stroke – Affects nerve pathways involved in facial movement.

5. Tumors – Acoustic neuroma, parotid tumors, or other growths affecting nerve function.

6. Infections – Herpes zoster oticus (Ramsay Hunt syndrome) or other viral infections.

7. Congenital (rare) – Some people may be born with miswiring of facial nerves.

 RISK FACTORS

1. Severe Facial Nerve Injury – Greater damage increases the chance of abnormal nerve regeneration.

2. Delayed or Incomplete Recovery from Bell’s Palsy – If facial palsy doesn’t fully heal within 3–6 months, the risk rises.

3. Inadequate Facial Rehabilitation – Lack of guided facial exercises post-palsy can lead to miswiring.

4. Repeated Episodes of Facial Palsy – Increases long-term nerve damage.

5. Facial Surgery or Trauma – Especially near the parotid gland or ear, where facial nerves are more exposed.

6. Female Gender – Some studies suggest synkinesis is slightly more common in females post-Bell’s palsy.

7. Younger Age – Younger patients may regenerate nerves faster, but sometimes less precisely.

COMPLICATIONS

1. Functional Impairment

– Involuntary eye closure while eating or smiling

– Difficulty speaking, blinking, or showing expressions naturally

– Facial stiffness or tightness

2. Cosmetic Concerns

– Asymmetrical facial movements

– Visible twitching or tightness on one side

– May affect self-confidence

3. Emotional & Psychological Effects

– Anxiety, frustration, or low self-esteem

– Social withdrawal due to appearance or discomfort

– Depression in chronic cases

4. Muscle Weakness & Fatigue

– Overworked facial muscles may tire easily

– Discomfort while performing daily facial actions

5. Long-Term Neuromuscular Dysfunction

– If untreated, abnormal nerve-muscle patterns become permanent

– May limit the success of future treatments like physiotherapy or botox

 SYNKINESIS IN AYURVEDA

Synkinesis is a complication of facial nerve damage, such as Bell’s palsy called as  Ardita in Ayurveda,where involuntary muscle movements occur alongside voluntary ones.

Synkinesis is understood as a disorder caused by Vata dosha imbalance, particularly affecting the Vyana Vata and Udana Vata, which govern nerve impulses and facial movements.

 TREATMENT PRINCIPLES

PANCHAKARMA TREATMENT MODALITIES

1. Snehana (Oleation)

– External: Abhyanga with Mahanarayana taila, Ksheerabala taila

– Internal: Medicated ghee like Ashwagandhadi Ghrita

2. Swedana (Sudation)

– Nadi sweda or mild steam on affected area to improve circulation

3. Nasyam (Nasal Therapy)

– Medicated oils (e.g., Anu Taila) instilled into nostrils

– Stimulates cranial nerves and supports facial nerve healing

4. Shirodhara

– Continuous pouring of warm herbal oil on the forehead

– Calms the nervous system and reduces muscle spasms

5. Pizhichil

– Warm medicated oil is poured over the body

– Beneficial for nerve rejuvenation in long-standing cases

6. Sirovasti / Shiro Abhyanga

– Oil is retained on the head using a leather cap or massaged gently

– Helps in managing facial nerve imbalances

7. Mukha Abhyanga & Facial Exercises

– Special facial massages and guided movements for retraining nerve-muscle pathways

8. Panasa Patra Sweda

-Panasa Patra Sweda is a type of Patra Pinda Sweda (fomentation using medicinal leaves) described in Ayurveda, where leaves of Panasa – Jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus) are used for sudation therapy.

9. Ksheera dhooma

-Ksheera = milk, Dhooma = steam.

It is a sudation therapy where steam generated from milk processed with herbs is directed onto affected areas or the whole body.

MEDICATIONS

AYURVEDIC FORMULATIONS

• Mahayogaraja guggulu
• Ekangaveera rasa
• Rasona pinda – garlic is the main ingredient
• Maharasnadi kwatha
• Rasnadi guggulu
• Dashamoola rasayana
• Arditakshepaka vatahara kashayam
• Maharasnadi kwatham
• Kaushikokta Rasnadi kwatham
• Kushtahara kashayam
• Karpasasthyadi Tailam
• Karpasathyadi taila
• Mahanarayana taila
• Mahamasha taila
• Saindhavadi taila
• Laghuvishagarbha taila
• Prasarini taila
• Vijayabhairava taila

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

Beneficial foods

• Warm water
• Lukewarm milk
• Black gram
• Wheat
• Red rice
• Drumstick
• Garlic
• Raisins
• meatsoup etc
• Green and leafy vegetables. Broccoli, spinach and asparagus all contain vitamin B, a nutrient important for nerve regeneration and nerve function
• Eat at least one fruit daily to help heal damaged nerves
• Sweet potato
• Avocado

Things to be avoided

• Stress and strain
• Bitter and dry substances
• Fried eatables
• hard, chewy, dry, crumbly, and mixed-consistency foods

AYURVEDIC HOME REMEDIES

1 Facial Relaxation Exercises

– Practice gentle massage over tight muscles (jaw, cheeks, around eyes)

– Perform slow, controlled facial movements in front of a mirror

– Avoid exaggerated expressions—focus on symmetry and control

2. Warm Compress

– Apply a warm towel over affected areas to reduce tightness and improve blood flow

3. Coconut or Castor Oil Massage

– Gently massage with warm coconut oil or castor oil to relax nerves and muscles

– Add a few drops of lavender oil for calming effect

4. Mindfulness & Stress Relief

– Stress worsens synkinesis—try breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga

5. Stay Hydrated & Eat Well

– Include B12-rich foods, omega-3s (flaxseeds, walnuts), and leafy greens

– Limit caffeine and processed foods which may increase nerve sensitivity

6. Avoid:

– Repeated forced facial exercises (can worsen miswiring)

– Cold exposure on the face

– Stressful triggers

AYURDHAMA TREATMENT PROGRAM INCLUDES

• Initial Consultation with Ayurveda Doctor and daily follow up consultation.
• Accommodation
• All Ayurvedic Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Supper) & herbal drink
• Advice on Diet & Lifestyle Management
• Ayurveda Therapies – Customized for each client
• Yoga (once a day – Yoga Asanas, Breathing, Meditation and Relaxation)

Pathya (Restrictions) during Treatment Package:

During these treatment Clients should strictly follow the Pathyas (restrictions) –

• Only very light and warm food is allowed, Only warm water for drinking and bathing.
• No coffee and Black tea
• No Non veg food (meat – All types, Fish and eggs)
• No Alcoholic drinks
• No exertion (mentally and physically)
• No Day sleep

RESERVATION DETAILS

• We are committed to keep up the quality of our treatment programs and we take only a limited number of patients each month.
• So, we advise you to reserve your treatment programs a minimum one month in advance.
• The 50% charges of the treatment programs should be paid in advance to reserve the treatment programs.
• The advance deposit will be deducted from the total treatment programs and the balance must be paid on the first day of the treatment program.