Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition in which the trigeminal nerve is agitated, sending pain and numbness across the face. This condition is most common in women more than 50 years of age and can be aggravated by the slightest stimulation, such as a breeze across the face. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment for trigeminal neuralgia that inserts tiny needles to energy points called meridians to improve circulation and energy flow in the body. Always consult your doctor about alternative remedies you are considering.
Acupuncture Diagnostics
Chinese medicine believes that illness is caused by a blockage of energy flow within the body. Acupuncturists use a tongue reading along with pulse points and complexion to diagnose patients. The goal is to diagnose not only the symptomatic issue but the underlying issues causing it. Trigeminal neuralgia is aggravated by environment, and symptoms can be increased by diet and stress. People with the condition experience spasms in the trigeminal nerve and resulting pain and abnormal sensations in the face. A person who has problems with trigeminal neuralgia triggered by food may exhibit sweating, a red complexion and rapid pulse. Those aggravated by stress may have a purple cast over the tongue with a pulse that trebles like a guitar string.
Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia
While it is possible to treat trigeminal neuralgia along the meridians of the face where the trigeminal nerve resides, some schools of thought think it is better to stimulate other meridian points that will create energy flow to the face. These can be found at points on the arms and legs. For people who experience extreme pain, the acupuncturist may add electrical stimulation to the needles to increase treatment strength. The sooner acupuncture is applied after the onset of the condition, the more effective it is in curing it.
Diet to Improve Acupuncture
Many acupuncturists take a holistic approach to treating an illness such as trigeminal neuralgia. If your condition is aggravated through diet, you should refrain from eating spicy foods, including curries and chilies. In addition to diet modifications, your acupuncturist may recommend you avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a vasodilator, which increases heat within the body. This can increase trigeminal aggravation. Your acupuncturist also may recommend a combination of herbal remedies such as thuja, which is a strong analgesic. Dietary changes will help the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments to try to control your condition.
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