Acupuncture Points for Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia

The trigeminal nerve branches into three parts—the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves—in the submandibular region. Acupuncture treatment typically begins by stimulating points such as Xiaguan (ST7), Yifeng (TE17), and Fengchi (GB20). Below is a detailed breakdown of specific acupoint selections based on the affected nerve branch:

Acupuncture for Ophthalmic Nerve Pain

Eye branch pain can be effectively addressed by targeting acupoints around the orbital region. Recommended points include Taiyang (EX-HN5), Sizhukong (BL2), Cuanzhu (BL2), Yangbai (GB14), and Simian (ST2). These points help relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the eye area.

Acupuncture for Maxillary Nerve Pain

Maxillary branch pain often affects the upper jaw and cheek area. Suitable acupoints for this condition include Quanliao (SI18), Shangyingxiang (Extra), Yingxiang (LI20), and Dicang (ST4). These points help alleviate discomfort and improve nerve function in the upper facial region.

Acupuncture for Mandibular Nerve Pain

Mandibular branch pain typically involves the lower jaw and chin. Effective acupoints for this type of pain include Jiache (ST6), Chengjiang (CV24), Lianquan (CV23), and Renzhong (GV26). Stimulating these points can reduce tension and improve circulation in the lower facial muscles.

Addressing the Root Causes with Distal Points

In addition to local points, it's essential to treat the underlying imbalances that contribute to trigeminal neuralgia. In traditional Chinese medicine, this condition is often linked to excessive heart fire or rising liver yang. To address these systemic issues, distal points such as Xinshu (BL15), Ganshu (BL18), and Weishu (BL21) can be used. This holistic approach not only treats the symptoms but also restores internal balance, offering long-term relief and improved nerve function.