Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is often described as one of the most excruciating pain conditions known to medicine. The sudden, electric shock-like pain of TN can make simple daily activities—like speaking, chewing, or even a light touch on the face—unbearable.
Conventional medicine relies on medications and surgery to manage TN. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approaches it with a holistic alternative: the Upper Gate (Shang Guan, GB3) acupoint, which has been recognized for centuries for its ability to ease pain and improve energy circulation in the face and head.
Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that strikes without warning. It is a chronic pain disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve responsible for facial sensation. It primarily affects older adults, especially those over 50, and is more common in women. The sudden and severe pain episodes can be triggered by everyday activities or even a gentle breeze. Because of its intensity and unpredictability, TN significantly disrupts a person’s life.
Conventional Treatments and Associated Risks
Doctors typically prescribe carbamazepine, an anti-seizure medication, as the first-line treatment for TN. This drug helps dull nerve pain but may cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or nausea. If medication proves ineffective, surgical procedures like microvascular decompression may be recommended to relieve pressure on the trigeminal nerve. Some patients also explore Botox injections or nerve blocks to manage their symptoms.
Special Warning
Individuals of Asian descent, particularly those with Han Chinese ancestry, should take extra precautions before using carbamazepine. This is because of the HLA-B*1502 gene, which significantly increases the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis—potentially fatal skin reactions. Because of this risk, genetic screening is highly recommended before starting carbamazepine therapy in Asian patients.
A Natural Approach to Pain Relief
Shang Guan was first described in “The Spiritual Pivot,” a classic text on traditional Chinese medicine believed to date back to the first century B.C.E. It has been recommended for treating headaches and toothaches, and its unique ability lies in alleviating trigeminal neuralgia. By activating this point, you can enhance the circulation of qi and blood in the head, naturally relieving discomfort.
Moreen Liao
R.Ph. of TCM (Taiwan)
Moreen was born into a family with a lineage of four generations of traditional Chinese medicine doctors and professors.
She was Dean of the Natural Therapies Institute in Sydney, Australia.
Drawing on her family heritage, she created a certified organic wellness brand, and co-founded the largest Chinese medical image encyclopedia online.
