Ayurveda Treatments And Herbal Remedies For Trigeminal Neuralgia

Introduction

Trigeminal neuralgia can be described as severe neuropathic facial pain in the Trigeminal nerve. Trigeminal neuralgia is also known as suicide disease because of the sharp and intense pain. The function of the Trigeminal nerve is to carry sensations from the face to the brain. The lower face and jaw are the most affected areas in the face due to Trigeminal Neuralgia. An electric shock-like pain is the main indication of Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Trigeminal neuralgia usually affects people over the age of 50. The proportion of affected women is more than men in a ratio of 2:1. Trigeminal neuralgia can be classified into two like Classical and Secondary. One person among 8000 people is affected with Trigeminal neuralgia. The pain may arise 5 to 10 times per day. The milder form of Trigeminal Neuralgia is known as Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia. The ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves are the three branches of Trigeminal Neuralgia.

According to Ayurveda, Trigeminal Neuralgia is considered similar to Anantha Vata. Vitiated Vata dosha is the main reason for Anantha Vata.

Symptoms Of Trigeminal Neuralgia

General symptoms of Trigeminal neuralgia are,

• Pain mostly on one side of the face.
• Pain while chewing, brushing, talking, drinking, and shaving.
• Pain lasts for two minutes usually, but severe.
• Pain in the areas where the Trigeminal nerve supplies like cheeks, gums, teeth, lips, sometimes in eyes and forehead.
• Pain may be at some point or maybe wider sometimes.
• Constant burning sensations.

Sharp and intense pain are the major symptoms of Trigeminal neuralgia. The pain lasts for seconds to minutes. Other symptoms are pain while chewing, brushing, shaving, etc, the pain usually on one side, constant burning sensations, etc.

Ayurveda has preventive measures to cure the pain that occurs due to Trigeminal neuralgia.

Causes Of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Some notable causes of Trigeminal neuralgia are:

• Injuries on the face

  Facial nerve injuries due to accidents, stroke, surgery, causes Trigeminal symptoms.

• Cold weather

  Winter may be a painful season for people who suffer from Trigeminal Neuralgia because of the disorder of the nerve system due to temperature changes.

• Hot and Cold drinks

  Drinking hot and cold drinks adds pain when the liquid comes into contact with the painful areas in the mouth.

• Nerve compression

  Here, pressure incurred to the Trigeminal nerve due to the contact with blood vessels.

• Space occupying lesions

  Space occupying lesions are tumors present in the skull. Such a health condition causes the symptoms of Trigeminal neuralgia.

• Multiple Sclerosis

  Multiple Sclerosis damages the cells which is the protective coating around nerves.

General causes of Trigeminal neuralgia are space-occupying lesions, injuries on the face, drinking hot and cold water, nerve compression, multiple Sclerosis damages, the pressure of the Trigeminal nerve due to the contact with blood vessels, etc.

Herbal Remedies In Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia

Some of the popular herbs that have medicinal properties and can heal Trigeminal Neuralgia naturally are:

• Ashwagandha

  Ashwagandha is rich in anti-stress agents called Sitoindosides and acyl steryl glucosides which automatically relax the nerves. Also, Ashwagandha is good at preventing nerve damages.

• Guduchi

  Guduchi is widely used in preparing Ayurvedic medicines. Guduchi is called the protector of the body. Guduchi is considered a nerve tonic and also gives strength to the whole body.

• Sunti

  Sunti has been widely used from the ancient period onwards and has medicinal properties. The herb can intensify brain function properly. Sunti can prevent nerve damages and swell in the facial muscles.

• Shallaki

  Shallaki can reduce inflammation and pain because shallaki is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Shallaki acts as an analgesic agent and lessens facial pain.

• Guggulu

  Guggulu is known as a nerve tonic and prevents intense pain due to trigeminal neuralgia.

• Errand

  Errand can reduce nerve pains and offers a soothing action.

• Rasna

  Rasna is a fine herb in treating nerve disorders. Rasna can prevent nerve damages and inflammations due to trigeminal neuralgia.

Most of the Ayurvedic herbs have medicinal properties and can easily treat various diseases naturally. Some of the popular herbs that can control Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms are Ashwagandha, guggulu, rasna, errand, shallaki, sunti, guduchi, etc. Always follow Ayurvedic principles and rules while consuming herbs.

Ayurvedic Treatments Trigeminal Neuralgia

From the ancient period onwards, Ayurveda has a rich history of treating various diseases. Similarly, Trigeminal neuralgia also can be treatable through effective Ayurvedic treatments.

• Deepana

  Deepana treatment aims to improve metabolism and lights the digestive fire.

• Abhyanga

  Abhyanga treatment ensures overall improvement of health through the application of whole-body massage. Under the Abhyanga process, the herbal-infused hot oil is applying to the whole body which helps in the loosening of nerves. Abhyanga is a very effective method in treating Trigeminal neuralgia.

• Snehapana

  Snehapana is the process of administering medicated ghee and aims to improve physical strength.

• Swedana

  Swedana process aims to induce sweat in the body through steaming and removing body toxins. Swedana treatment is very effective in treating Vata disorders. Here the nerves are loosened through the steam procedure.

• Nasya

  Nasya is the method of administering herbal oils or medicated oils through the nasal passage. During Nasya treatment, the central nervous system becomes cleansed. Soothing of facial nerves is another advantage of Nasya treatment.

• Rasayana

  Rasayana is an Ayurvedic rejuvenation Therapy that aims to increase immunity levels and the overall health of the body. Various herbs are used to make Rasayana. Consuming Rasayana is a relief for strained nerves.

• Sadhyo Virechana

  Virechana is a purgation therapy that ensures the removal of ama (toxins) from the body and Virechana is a controlled process.

Ayurvedic treatment methods to cure Trigeminal neuralgia are Deepana, Abhyanga, Snehapana, Rasayana, Nasya, Swedana, and Sadhyo Virechana. Ayurvedic treatments can rejuvenate the mind and soul of a person.

Conclusion

All the information was collected from ancient Ayurvedic Grandhas. Always seek the opinion of your Ayurvedic practitioner before starting self-medication, because the body type of every individual is different.