Acupressure Points to Relieve Trigeminal Neuralgia Facial Pain Attacks

Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain.

It causes intense, electric shock-like facial pain, often triggered by touching certain areas on the face or performing routine tasks like brushing teeth or chewing.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Symptoms

The most common trigeminal neuralgia symptoms include:

• Sudden, severe, stabbing or burning pain on one side of the jaw, cheek, or area around the nose or eyes
• Pain lasting from a few seconds to several minutes
• Pain triggered by lightly touching the face, chewing, brushing teeth, swallowing, talking, or even encountering a breeze
• Periods of remission with no pain in between bouts of active pain

Causes

It’s often caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve due to an adjacent blood vessel or benign tumor pressing on it.

In some cases, multiple sclerosis or other neurological condition damages the myelin sheath protecting this sensitive facial nerve.

Acupressure for Natural Trigeminal Neuralgia Relief

Acupressure is a therapeutic technique from traditional Chinese medicine involving applying pressure with the hands or fingers to specific points on the body.

Stimulating acupressure points can activate natural pain relief by:

• Releasing endorphins
• Improving blood flow
• Reducing muscle tension
• Balancing energy (qi in Chinese medicine)

Here are some of the best acupressure points for relieving trigeminal nerve pain at home.

Large Intestine 4 (LI 4)

This vital hand point sits between the thumb and first finger.

According to ancient medicine, stimulating LI 4 calms the face and head while releasing endorphins for natural analgesia.

How to Locate: LI 4 lies in the soft, fleshy webbing between the thumb and index finger closest to the index finger nail crease. Apply steady pressure with the thumb of your other hand.

Stomach 7 (ST 7)

ST 7 near the jaw hinge can relieve facial pain and spasms when stimulated.

How to Locate: To find it, open your mouth wide. Place your fingers just in front of the protruding bone at the base of your earlobe. Press into the depression you feel there.

Gallbladder 20 (GB 20)

GB 20 is another hugely influential acupoint for treating head, neck and facial disorders like trigeminal neuralgia.

It sits among dense neck muscles that can contribute to compressed nerves and pain.

How to Locate: Tip your head back slightly to access GB 20 at the base of your skull. It lies one to two inches apart on both sides of your spine, among tense neck muscles. Use your thumbs or knuckles to gradually apply pressure to these spots.

Bladder 10 (BL 10)

You can activate this master point for relieving head pain by massaging either side of the back of your neck.

According to ancient teachings, BL 10 nourishes the nerve energy and blood supply flowing to the head.

How to Locate: Use your thumbs or knuckles to seek out a subtle depression one-half inch from the spine at the base of your skull, among the thick muscles lining the neck. Stimulate gently for several minutes at a time.

Other Acupressure Techniques For Facial Pain

Beyond specific acupoints, some simple facial massage techniques may calm overactive trigeminal nerves.

Stroking

With clean hands, use your fingertips to lightly stroke areas of facial pain in outward flowing movements.

Focus first on the center between your eyes, then move outward over your temples, cheeks and jaw using gentle pressure.

Tapping

Using just your fingertips, gently tap sore trigger points in the face in tune with your breathing.

Focus on tapping lightly over the exact point that elicits shocks of pain when touched.

Gradually increase intensity as the area numbs itself through the repetitive stimulation.

Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system helps remove waste and fluids from tissues. Lymphatic massage encourages this natural detoxification to reduce facial swelling that can aggravate compressed nerves.

Use minimal pressure as you lightly stretch facial skin outward or in gentle circular motions over painful zones.

Self-Acupressure Precautions

To avoid potential discomfort, take care when doing acupressure on sensitive facial areas.

• Always start slowly and increase pressure gradually.
• Stimulate points for just 20-30 seconds to start.
• Use the pads or fleshy parts of fingertips rather than nails to prevent scratching delicate facial skin.
• Stop if stimulation causes ringing in the ears, increased pain or dizziness.

Those on blood thinners or with bleeding risks should take extra precaution with all massage techniques.

Does Acupressure Help Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Some scientific studies provide supporting evidence that acupressure and acupuncture benefit those suffering from trigeminal nerve pain:

• One clinical trial found electroacupuncture treatments significantly reduced pain intensity and need for medication in TN patients.
• Multiple reviews concluded acupuncture and acupressure offer short-term relief for trigeminal neuralgia, especially in reducing pain severity and frequency of episodes.

The World Health Organization lists acupuncture as an effective method for relieving facial pain from trigeminal neuralgia.

Other Ways to Manage Trigeminal Neuralgia Without Drugs

While acupressure provides natural pain relief between attacks, other lifestyle measures can help minimize episodes.

Identify and Avoid Triggers

Keep a symptom journal. Note what activities, foods or environmental exposures seem to spark painful flare ups. Then try to limit triggers.

Apply Warm or Cold Compresses

A warm compress helps ease tense facial muscles while an ice pack can numb nerve pain.

Keep Stress Levels Low

Anxiety and emotional stress exacerbate nerve pain sensitivity. Practice relaxation techniques regularly.

Correct Poor Posture

Good posture reduces pressure on the trigeminal nerve root. Don’t slouch while sitting or standing.

When to See Your Doctor

Though often effective for symptomatic relief, acupressure should complement medical treatment plans for trigeminal neuralgia rather than replace them.

See your doctor promptly if you experience any new facial pain to diagnose the cause and discuss comprehensive treatment options, which may include anticonvulsant or tricyclic antidepressant medications.

For severe or worsening nerve pain despite self-care efforts, pursue advanced treatments like surgery, botox injections or specialized nerve blocks to achieve lasting relief.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.