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.
Herbal Formulas for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address trigeminal neuralgia
Da Huang Fu Zi Tang
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Warms the Interior
- Disperses Cold
- Unblocks the bowels
- Alleviates pain
Dang Gui Shao Yao San
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness
Fu Zi Tang
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Warms the Meridians
- Assists the Yang
- Dispels Cold
- Transforms Dampness
Ge Gen Tang
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior and muscle layer
- Forms Body Fluids
Ma Huang Tang
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Releases exterior cold
- Treats wheezing
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Tonifes the Yang
- Releases the Exterior
Qing Wei San
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes the Yin
Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Blood and augments the Yin
- Moderates painful spasms
- Alleviates pain
Suan Zao Ren Tang
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Blood
- Calms the Mind and eliminates irritability
- Clears Heat
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Dispels Heat and
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation
Wu Ling San
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Promotes urination,
- Warms the Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Promotes Qi transformation function
- Drains Dampness
- Clears edema
Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Liver and Stomach
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops vomiting
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Dispels blood Stagnation
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Unblocks the channels
Yu Nu Jian
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Clears stomach Heat
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
Yu Nu Tang
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Drains heat from the Stomach
- Nourishes the Yin
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Pacifies the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Nourishes the Yin
- Anchors the Yang
Zhen Wu Tang
Traditional formula for trigeminal neuralgia
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Yang and Qi of the Spleen and Kidneys
- Eliminates Dampness