Trigeminal neuralgia also known as tic douloureaux is a condition consisting of excruciating pain affecting one or other side of the face. It most frequently involves the lower lip and lower teeth or upper lip and cheek, but can also involve the nose and the area above the eye. It usually occurs in people older than 60 years of age and slightly more often in females. Pain occurs in attacks lasting from seconds to minutes to hours and can be brought on by stimuli such as light, touch or a gentle breeze on the face or even chewing, talking or brushing of teeth.
Four therapeutic methods for trigeminal neuralgia in TCM
Pattern of WInd-Cold Blocking the meridians
Pattern of Wind-heat Invading the Meridians
Therapeutic method: Chinese medicine is used to dispel wind and heat, and stop pain.
Pattern of Liver and Stomach Heat
Therapeutic method: Chinese medicine is used to clear the heat in the liver and stomach.
Pattern of Yang Deficiency
Therapeutic method: Chinese medicine is used to warm Yang and stop pains.