Introduction
The excruciating pain of Trigeminal neuralgia can be overwhelming. The sharp, shooting, electric-shock-like pain gets triggered by simple activities like eating, brushing or even a gentle touch or light breeze on the face. It is listed as one of the most intense facial pains, affecting the quality of life and making day-to-day activities a constant struggle. In Ayurveda, it is correlated with Anantavata, one of the eleven shirorogas, characterised by an imbalance of Tridosha, especially Vata dosha. Ayurveda has a comprehensive treatment protocol that includes oleation- both internal and external to help deal with the pain and discomfort of Trigeminal neuralgia. In this blog, we will discuss some tips on how to prevent and reduce the intensity of trigeminal neuralgia attacks.
Symptoms and causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The attacks of Trigeminal Neuralgia can be brief but can occur in rapid succession, leading to intense discomfort –
- Aching pain or numbness on the sides of the face
- Agony lasts from a few minutes to hours
- Pain especially on the gums, teeth, cheek, and jaw area
- Pain reminiscent of an electric shock
- Pain while brushing, talking, laughing, etc.
- Facial spasm
The exact cause of Trigeminal neuralgia is not known, however, several factors might contribute to its development-
- More common in women
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Family history
- People above 50 years of age
- Injury to nerve
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Improper dental work
Home Remedies for Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Application of heat- Some people might find relief by applying heat. Tie a potali of a muslin cloth filled with ajwain seeds and make it warm, by keeping it on a hot tawa and apply on site of pain. Avoid this if you are sensitive to heat, as it may trigger an attack.
- Apply a pichu or thick cotton pad soaked in warm sesame oil over the affected area can provide Trigeminal nerve pain relief at home.
- Consume warm, nourishing foods and include ghee in your diet.
- Practice Pranayama to regulate stress.
- Understand your triggers and try to avoid them.
- If hot or cold foods trigger your pain, drinking with a straw can prevent it.
Conclusion
Trigeminal neuralgia is a challenging condition, that can severely impact the quality of life. With Ayurveda home remedies, you can find relief from debilitating pain, although for long-lasting relief, it is recommended to get in touch with an Ayurveda doctor, who can guide you about natural solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
