Trigeminal neuralgia is a disease characterized by radiating, burning, and convulsive pain in the distribution area of the trigeminal nerve, and it is one of the most typical neuralgias in clinical practice. This condition is more common in women over the age of 40, and there are primary and secondary types. The cause of the primary type is unknown, while the secondary type is closely related to intracranial tumors, local infections of the trigeminal nerve, and vascular spasms in the surrounding tissues of the trigeminal nerve. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, trigeminal neuralgia falls under the categories of "facial wind pain" and "cheek pain." This condition is often caused by the invasion of the six exogenous evils, or the internal generation of phlegm and turbidity, which obstructs the meridians of the face, leading to poor circulation of qi and blood in the face, and the loss of nourishment in the meridians and muscles, resulting in pain due to "no passage" or "no nourishment."
Wind-Cold Type: There is a history of exposure to wind and cold, facial pain worsens in the cold and alleviates with heat, nasal discharge is clear; the tongue coating is white, and the pulse is floating and tight.
Wind-Heat Type: There is a burning sensation at the site of pain, increased saliva, red eyes, and tearing; the tongue coating is thin and yellow, and the pulse is floating and rapid.
Qi and Blood Stagnation Type: Often there is a history of trauma, or the disease has lasted for a long time, with pain points that are mostly fixed and unchanging; the tongue is dark or has stasis spots, and the pulse is unsmooth.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course. (If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)
1. When eating, rinsing the mouth, speaking, brushing teeth, or washing the face, movements should be gentle to avoid triggering trigger points that may cause trigeminal neuralgia. 2. Pay attention to keeping the head and face warm, avoid local exposure to cold and dampness, do not use too cold or too hot water for washing the face. Maintain emotional stability, avoid excitement, avoid staying up late due to fatigue, listen to soft music often, keep a peaceful mood, and ensure adequate sleep. 3. Dietary therapy recipe: Chuanxiong boiled eggs. 1 egg, 10 grams of Chuanxiong. After boiling the egg until cooked, remove the shell, then cook it with Chuanxiong, remove the residue, and add brown sugar for seasoning. Take it twice a day, and take 5 to 7 doses consecutively each month. Eat the egg and drink the soup. Eggs and brown sugar nourish the essence and blood, Chuanxiong dispels wind and activates the collaterals. The combination of the three ingredients works together to stop facial pain caused by qi and blood stasis.