Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes sudden, intense pain in the face, usually on one side. It happens when the trigeminal nerve, which controls feeling in the face, gets irritated or compressed. The pain can feel like sharp, electric shocks or a burning sensation, often triggered by simple things like talking, eating, or even a light touch. Some people have short, occasional attacks, while others deal with constant, severe pain. It’s a tough condition, but treatments like trigeminal neuralgia acupuncture can help make it manageable.
What Causes Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is usually caused by something pressing on the trigeminal nerve, which can make it overreact and send pain signals. The most common cause is a blood vessel pressing against the nerve, but it can also happen because of nerve damage, aging, or conditions like multiple sclerosis that affect the protective coating around nerves. In some cases, an injury, surgery, or even a tumor can trigger it, though that’s quite rare. Sometimes, it’s very hard to determine what exactly caused it, and symptomatic treatment is used.
What are the Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia causes intense facial pain that can come and go or be around longer. The pain usually affects one side of the face and can be triggered by everyday actions like talking, eating, or even a light breeze. Symptoms can include:
- Sharp, electric shock-like pain in the cheek, jaw, or around the eye.
- Burning or stabbing sensations.
- Pain lasts a few seconds to minutes, sometimes in waves.
- Pain by simple activities like touch, chewing, or brushing teeth.
- Periods of relief between attacks, but they usually become more frequent over time if not treated.
- Muscle twitching or spasms on the affected side.
- Mild tingling or numbness before the pain starts.
Can Acupuncture Help With Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia can be a great supportive therapy. Many people choose acupuncture when medications cause side effects or don’t provide enough relief. By targeting specific trigeminal neuralgia acupuncture points, acupuncture helps relax tense muscles, reduce inflammation, and even regulate the nervous system, which can help lower both intensity and frequency of attacks.
Some treatments also include electroacupuncture, which uses gentle electrical pulses for deeper pain relief, or benefits of gua sha to ease muscle tension. While acupuncture isn’t a cure, many people find it very helpful.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Acupuncture is a natural way to manage trigeminal neuralgia. Since this condition can be unpredictable and difficult to treat with medication alone, many people choose acupuncture for extra help. Some of the most notable benefits include:
Pain relief. Acupuncture helps regulate nerve signals and reduce the intensity of sudden facial pain.
Less reliance on medication. Regular treatments can help you lower medication intake.
Relaxed muscles. It eases tension in the face, jaw, and neck, which can sometimes make symptoms worse.
Improved circulation. Better blood flow can help recover irritated nerves and reduce inflammation.
Fewer attacks. Neuralgia episodes become less frequent over time.
Safety and Side Effects of Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a trained professional practitioner, but there are a few things you may want to keep in mind. Most people tolerate it well, experiencing little more than a slight pinch when the needles are inserted. Some even find the sessions very relaxing.
Possible side effects include mild bruising, slight soreness, or temporary dizziness, but these usually fade quickly. Rarely, improper technique or unsterilized needles could cause infection, which is why it’s important to visit a licensed acupuncturist to avoid these rookie mistakes.
For trigeminal neuralgia, acupuncture is a gentle, drug-free, and minimally invasive option that won’t interfere with medications or other treatments.
Consider Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia at Pulse Acupuncture
If you’re suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, acupuncture is a natural way to manage pain without relying just on medication. At Pulse Acupuncture, located in Clifton, NJ, and Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Marina Doktorman, L.Ac. provides safe and highly effective acupuncture therapy by targeting acupuncture points for trigeminal neuralgia to help calm the nerve, reduce inflammation, and ease facial pain.
Along with acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia, Marina specializes in acupuncture for endometriosis, helping patients manage pain and hormonal changes. She also uses complementary treatments like red light therapy, which can make recovery and relaxation even better. Whether you’re dealing with chronic nerve pain, muscle tension, or menstrual issues, at Pulse Acupuncture we offer fully personalized care to help you feel your best. Schedule your consultation today to finally feel the difference!
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Marina Doktorman, M.S., L.Ac., is an experienced acupuncturist who obtained her Masters of Acupuncture from the Tri-State College of Acupuncture in New York City in 2001. During her studies, she focused on Chinese Herbology, a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that utilizes herbs to complement acupuncture treatments. Marina is licensed in both New York (NY) and New Jersey (NJ) and holds a Diplomate of Acupuncture from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), indicating her expertise in the field.
Why Pulse Acupuncture?
Experience
Marina Doktorman, L.Ac. has over 20 years of clinical experience.
RELAXATION
At Pulse Acupuncture, we aim to cultivate a spa-like environment.
Comfort
All of our needles are of the highest quality for painless insertion.
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Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia - FAQ
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for carrying sensation from your face to your brain. It is characterized by sudden, severe, and shock-like facial pain that can be debilitating.
How might acupuncture help with trigeminal neuralgia?
Acupuncture is thought to help by stimulating specific points on the body to promote the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals (endorphins), reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow. This can potentially lessen the intensity of pain and help manage symptoms.
What does an acupuncture session for trigeminal neuralgia typically involve?
A session usually involves the insertion of very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the face, head, and sometimes along the body. The treatment is generally gentle, and needles are typically left in place for 30 to 60 minutes. Some practitioners might combine this with other techniques like moxibustion or cupping.
Is acupuncture considered safe for patients with trigeminal neuralgia?
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Acupuncture therapy at Pulse Acupuncture Practice, at Clifton, NJ and Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYC offers unique combination of various cupuncture types for healing on all levels: emotional, spiritual and physical by integrating ancient wisdom of energy healing with modern acupuncture techniques.