Trigeminal Neuralgia in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different trigeminal neuralgia patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Trigeminal Neuralgia, often known as Tic Douloureux, is characterized by severe, shooting pain in the face, originating from the trigeminal nerve. This chronic condition can be triggered by mild facial stimuli and presents as acute, sporadic attacks of pain, typically affecting one side of the face.
It's named for the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. The discomfort can be so intense it's been termed the suicide disease due to the significant impact it can have on a person's quality of life.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), trigeminal neuralgia is often seen as a disharmony where external pathogenic factors such as Wind, Cold, and Dampness invade the channels, leading to Qi And Blood Stagnation.
Recognizing the correct pattern of disharmony is crucial, as it guides the treatment strategy—be it acupuncture, herbal medicine, or a combination of modalities. Each case is treated individually, acknowledging the interplay of the patient's constitution, lifestyle, and emotional state.
TCM Patterns for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Blood Stasis
Blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels
Causes: Lower abdominal pain, Night fever, Delirious speech, Irritability, Restlnessness, Thirst, Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Severe epigastric pain that may worsen at night, Dislike of pressure on epigastric area, Nausea or vomiting, Possible vomiting of blood, Bloody stools, Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest fullness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips, Purple nails, Painful period, Dark clots in menstrual blood
Qi Deficiency
Insufficient vital energy causing fatigue, weakness, poor digestion, and reduced function of organs and protective systems
Causes: Edema, General sensation of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary difficulty
Phlegm
Thick, sticky pathological fluid that obstructs body functions and can manifest anywhere in the body
Causes: Throbbing pulsations just below the umbilicus, Vomiting frothy saliva, Vertigo, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Muzziness of the head, Dizziness
Yang Deficiency
Insufficient yang qi causing coldness, fatigue, and diminished physiological functions throughout the body
Causes: Abdominal pain that worsens with cold, Urinary difficulty, Deep aching and heaviness in the extremities, Dizziness, Heavy sensation in the head, Edema, Loose stools, Palpitations, Coughing, Vomiting, Generalized body pain, Aching bones and joints, Cold extremities, No thirst, Aversion to cold - especially at the back, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Lassitude, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale complexion, Cold limbs, Chills, Undigested food in the stools, Gas, Bloating, Abdominal pain and distension relieved by pressure and warmth, Sallow complexion
Exterior Cold invading the Interior
Causes: Abdominal pain, Constipation, Hypochondriac pain, Chills, Low-grade fever, Cold hands and feet, Sweating that doesn't reduce fever, Palpitations in the epigastrium, Dizziness, Generalized twitching, Unsteadiness
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Causes: Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst
Yin Deficiency
Depletion of cooling, moistening fluids causing dryness, false heat rising, and restless agitation throughout the body
Causes: Sweating, Back pain, Diminished hearing, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty dark urination, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Tiredness, Lassitude, Depression, Anxiety, Five palm heat, Feeling of heat in the evening, Malar flush, Menopausal hot flushes, Thirst with desire to drink in small sips, Evening anxiety
Herbal Formulas for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address trigeminal neuralgia