Trigeminal neuralgia is known as one of the most common causes of facial pain. Acupuncture has been successful in treating various symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. Research shows acupuncture is able to reduce shock-like pain, intensity of pain, and mandibular limitations. Acupuncture can also be used as a complementary therapeutic method for treatment for severe pain control. The analgesic effects of acupuncture are thought to be due to the increased levels of mediators including enkephalin, serotonin and endorphins. Acupuncture remains a safe and effective therapy for trigeminal neuralgia.
References:
Ichida MC, Zemuner M, Hosomi J, et al. Acupuncture treatment for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia: A longitudinal case-control double blinded study. Chin J Integr Med. 2017;23(11):829-836.
Sert H, Usta B, Muslu B, Gözdemir M. Successful treatment of a resistance trigeminal neuralgia patient by acupuncture. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2009;64(12):1225-1226. doi:10.1590/S1807-59322009001200014
Kim JI, Kim HJ, Lee JJ, Jun JH, Choi TY, Lee MS. Acupuncture for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: A protocol for the systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(11):e0108. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000010108