Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. It is also called “tic douloureux”. It feels like an electric shock, and it can sometimes be intense. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves in the head. The trigeminal nerves are among these pairs, and they let the face feel sensations. One nerve runs down each side of the head. Each trigeminal nerve splits into three branches, controlling the feeling for different parts of the face. The ophthalmic branch controls the eye, upper eyelid, and forehead. The maxillary branch affects the lower eyelid, cheek, nostril, upper lip, and upper gum. The mandibular branch runs the jaw, lower lip, and some chewing muscles. The disorder can affect any of the three nerve branches, causing pain from the forehead to the jaw. Usually the pain will only affect one side of the face. Sometimes, the pain is on both sides. When that happens, it’s called bilateral trigeminal neuralgia. Usually, the problem is contact between a normal blood vessel and the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain. This contact puts pressure on the nerve and causes it to malfunction.

Trigeminal neuralgia starts with irritation of the trigeminal nerve. The blood vessel pressing on the nerve, damaging the protective coating around it, which is called the myelin sheath. Certain diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, can also injure the myelin sheath. Sometimes a tumor or a tangle of arteries presses on the nerve. The trigeminal nerve can be injured by surgery, shingles, an accident, a stroke, brain lesion, facial trauma, or other cause. Women are more likely than men to experience trigeminal neuralgia, and the disease is more common in people over 50. The disorder may run in families, perhaps because of how blood vessels are formed in the brain. It may also be linked to high blood pressure.

Oriental Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, and some other Alternative medical practices believe it is related to the disharmony of the liver, gallbladder, stomach and the intestine. Some also believe there is an imbalance of the heart and the kidney, the changing of the weather, the foods we eat, and the physical and emotional stress we experience, and our lifestyle. Acupressure, acupuncture, tuning forks healing, and Reiki can improve blood circulation to reduce pressure healing the blood vessels and the trigeminal nerve to stop pain. Some cases might need vitamins, supplements, and or herbs to speed up the healing process.

To help the trigeminal nerve healing and also prevent trigeminal neuralgia, eating a variety of organic vegetables every day is important. At the same time get regular tuning fork or acupuncture/acupressure treatments to be sure the food is digested well. It might be a good idea to start a preventative healing plan at about 40 years of age. Each individual will have a different plan according to the condition of her or his health.

Moderate exercise on a daily basis is very important. This should include, yoga, or tai chi, meditation, breathing exercises, slow walking, and other passive type of exercises. Soaking the feet in warm water before bedtime is useful as well as getting plenty of sleep every night.

Remember you are incredible, and worth the effort to be healthy, strong and vibrant.