Famous Company

So, today is day 6 of Bell's Palsy for me. I'm feeling a little less 'disfigured' today. I'm not sure if that's because I think I've regained a little bit of movement around my mouth, that I had some time to relax at my first acupuncture treatment (a little more on that later), or that I've taken solace in those who have has this condition before me... there are a few famous types...

Pierce Brosnan

George Clooney

Katie Holmes

The last one is of particular interest to me, as Dave has always listed her (and Jessica Biel) on his "hot" list. And, I actually think I look vaguely like her (in my last Driver's license picture anyway ;) So, maybe I'm on my way to fulfilling more of Dave's dreams than even he thought!

On the treatment/recovery front, I mentioned that I had my first acupuncture treatment last night. I was happy to hear that they've had very successful results when treated early on. So, I decided to give it a whirl - it really can't hurt, and at the very least I'll be forced to get 35-40 minutes of relaxation for 3 more days in the next two weeks! I go back tomorrow, and then two days next week. Then we'll re-evaluate. He also said at this point he's not using any herbal remedies because my case is on the mild side.

I wasn't really nervous about the acupuncture itself, some of the needles hurt a little more than i thought they would, and others left me a bit more sore than i would have thought afterward. But, I feel those 'pains' mean its working! After the needles are inserted (mine are in my arms, hands, lower legs, feet, a couple in my face and one in the top of my head), the lights are lowered, relaxing music plays, and with an in fared heater over my feet, to keep from getting cold, you set out to relax for about 30 minutes. I don't think I quite fell asleep, but sure was relaxed!

One thing the acupuncturist recommended was to keep any cold drafts off my ear, and being that I'm in suburban Chicago... And it's January... That means returning to hat-wearing! Why you might ask? Apparently eastern medicine believes that Bell's Palsy is caused by a "cold wind" entering the system - at least that's my most basic understanding. Also that putting warmth on that side would help too. Which probably would explain why I've been sleeping so much better on my left side than usual!

Then I was reading a magazine online that I was 'teased' with at the office last night... Whole Living. And a blog article reminded me of the importance of rest. So I decided to take 20 minutes in the quiet to sit and rest, eyes closed, deep breaths, and if I fell asleep - so be it! I didn't, but I did feel relaxed and refreshed when I got up. So I'm making it my goal to take 20-30 minutes on my non-treatment days in the coming 2 weeks to rest & relax and let my immune system get to work!