Finding Relief from Trigeminal Neuralgia with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Trigeminal Neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, the nerve responsible for sensation in the face. It can cause sudden, severe, electric-shock-like pain in areas such as the cheek, jaw, teeth, or around the eyes. Even mild stimulation like brushing your teeth, talking, or feeling a breeze can trigger intense pain episodes.
While medications (such as anticonvulsants) or surgery are often used to manage symptoms, many people are exploring acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as natural, complementary options for pain relief and longer-term balance.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Research has begun to accumulate around acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia:
A recent overview of systematic reviews found that acupuncture shows promise for TN patients. Frontiers+2PubMed+2
One meta-analysis of 30 studies (2,295 participants) reported that compared with the drug Carbamazepine, acupuncture led to improvements in pain scores (mean difference −1.40, 95% CI −1.82 to −0.98) and higher response rates (risk ratio 1.20, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.25) . PubMed+1
Another network systematic review found that various acupuncture methods (manual, electro-acupuncture, combinations) were superior to conventional medicine on pain reduction and response rate . PubMed
A recent clinical study combining electro-acupuncture with low-dose carbamazepine found an apparent synergistic effect in reducing pain intensity in TN. SpringerLink
From a Chinese medicine perspective, TN is often seen as arising from patterns such as Liver Wind stirring internally, Qi & Blood stagnation, Cold or Heat obstructing the channels. Acupuncture treatments aim to restore smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood, calm internal Wind, and relieve stagnation of pain.
In practice, how acupuncture may help:
Regulating nerve function and calming over-active pain pathways
Improving blood circulation to the affected facial regions
Releasing endorphins (the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals)
Reducing inflammation and relaxing facial muscles that may irritate the trigeminal nerve
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Complementing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine can help address the underlying disharmony that may contribute to TN. While fewer high-quality trials exist on herbal medicine specifically for trigeminal neuralgia, here’s what we know:
A systematic review protocol looking at herbal medicine for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia indicates research is still emerging. Europe PMC
Traditional Chinese texts and modern integrative sources propose that herbal formulas may:
Nourish Liver & Kidney Yin to calm internal Wind
Move Qi & Blood to relieve stagnation and pain
Expel Wind and Cold (or Heat) that block facial channels
Strengthen the nerves and rebuild resilience
Typical herbal formulas will be personalised for the individual’s pattern (excess/deficiency, heat/cold, wind-phlegm etc). As such, herbal medicine is best administered by a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner experienced in neuropathic-type pain.
A Holistic Path to Relief
For those living with the debilitating pain of trigeminal neuralgia, Chinese medicine (acupuncture + herbs) offers a gentle yet evidence-based complementary approach that focuses on both symptom relief and longer-term nervous system support.
Many patients report reduced pain intensity, fewer attacks, improved quality of life when working with a skilled practitioner on a combined treatment plan. The research is still evolving, but the early results are encouraging.
While acupuncture and Chinese herbs show potential, they are not guaranteed cures for TN. Always work under the guidance of your neurologist and a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner, especially if you are on medications or considering surgery.
If you would like to chat to us here at Centre of Health Ivanhoe, please give us a call on (03) 9441 0088. And see if acupuncture is a good fit for your Trigeminal Neuralgia.