Finding Relief from Trigeminal Neuralgia: How Acupuncture Can Help
Trigeminal neuralgia is often described as one of the most intense and excruciating pain conditions a person can experience. For many, simple daily activities like brushing their teeth, talking, or even feeling a breeze on their face can trigger sudden, stabbing facial pain. If you're living with this condition, you're not alone and more importantly, you're not without options.
At White Plains Acupuncture, we offer a natural, non-invasive approach to help calm the nervous system and reduce the intensity and frequency of trigeminal neuralgia episodes.
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic nerve disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensations from the face to the brain. The condition typically causes sudden, severe, electric shock-like pain in the cheek, jaw, teeth, or forehead usually on just one side of the face. These episodes may last seconds to minutes and can repeat many times a day.
Common triggers include:
Touching your face
Eating or drinking
Talking or smiling
Brushing your teeth
Shaving or applying makeup
The pain can come and go or persist over time, often worsening if not treated effectively.
What Causes It?
The most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia is pressure on the trigeminal nerve, often from a blood vessel near the brain. This pressure can damage the protective coating (myelin) of the nerve, making it hyper-sensitive.
How Acupuncture Can Help
While conventional treatments like medications and surgical procedures are commonly used, many patients seek gentle, drug-free options to manage pain and improve quality of life. That’s where acupuncture can play a powerful role.
Here’s how acupuncture may help:
Calms overactive nerve signals – acupuncture helps regulate nerve pathways and may reduce the firing of pain signals from the trigeminal nerve
Reduces inflammation – by improving blood flow and balancing the immune response
Relieves muscle tension – especially in the jaw, neck, and face, which can contribute to nerve irritation
Supports overall nervous system regulation – helping the body manage stress and prevent flare-ups
Improves mood and sleep – both often disrupted in chronic pain conditions
Real Relief Is Possible
Many of our patients with trigeminal neuralgia report fewer attacks, reduced pain intensity, and a greater sense of control over their condition after consistent acupuncture sessions.
While every person is unique, we take time to understand your full health picture and create a customized plan tailored to your needs.
“The pain used to strike out of nowhere I couldn’t even wash my face without bracing myself. Ms.Diaz treatments have helped calm my system in ways I didn’t know were possible. I’m finally getting some peace.”
— Sandra P., Harrison
