Acupuncture
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a non-surgical method for relieving neuropathic facial pain. Originating in China over 2000 years ago, acupuncture is one of the oldest and medical procedures in the world and is used commonly is some geographic regions.
TN is one of the medical conditions that the World Health Organization lists as being treatable by acupuncture. In Asia, the combination of acupuncture and herbal therapy is a front-line approach to treating all types of face pain.
Treatment
The acupuncture procedure involves the insertion of slender, tapered needles into various areas of the skin. Patients typically say they feel nothing or a “pricking” sensation only as the needle is being inserted. The needles are left in for 20-30 minutes.
Acupuncture usually takes at least five to eight sessions to begin relieving face pain, although some people get quicker results. The norm seems to be somewhere between 10 and 20 treatments for complete or significant relief. Acupuncture does not provide relief for everyone who has facial pain.
For acute pain, acupuncturists may suggest two or more treatments a week at first. For more chronic pain, weekly sessions may be done over the course of several months. Once pain is under control, acupuncturists typically suggest “maintenance” treatments about four times a year.
Complications
Complications from acupuncture are rare. It was approved by the FDA in 1996. Disposable needles should be used, and skin should be cleansed before insertion to prevent infection. Internal injury from acupuncture is a rare complication and one of the reasons that it’s important to choose an experienced and certified practitioner.
Understanding acupuncture
Chinese medicine is founded on what is known as “Qi,” which is considered the basic substance of the universe. It’s often translated as “vital energy” in English.
Qi energy is thought to flow throughout the body on a network of 12 main channels or “meridians,” each of which is connected to a particular organ. These meridians branch out into numerous smaller channels.
If any of these channels is impeded, the normal “circuit” is not being completed and symptoms may result. The job of the acupuncturist is to locate the impeded channels and free them at various acupuncture points so the body can return to a balanced state.
Acupuncturists locate impediments in a variety of ways. They focus on the cause of facial pain by using clues, such as examining the tongue, checking one of six “energy pulses” in each wrist, observing how the person looks and sounds, and finding out about the person’s lifestyle habits.
By putting it all together, the acupuncturist arrives at what the Chinese call a “pattern of disharmony.” So rather than having a set plan to treat facial pain, acupuncturists tailor the needle placement to fit each person’s situation.
Although inserting needles is the most common way these acupuncture points are stimulated, it’s not the only way. These same points can be stimulated by pressing them (acupressure), by heating them with laser beams (laserpuncture) or even stimulating them with magnets.
Finding a balance
Qi can become unbalanced for a variety of reasons. Consequently, Chinese medicine practitioners tend to spend time probing for these underlying causes of imbalance.
For face pain, Chinese practitioners may recommend herbal supplements in addition to acupuncture sessions.
They also may recommend lifestyle and dietary changes and may suggest relaxation techniques.
How acupuncture works
Increased acceptance of acupuncture by Western medicine is based on numerous studies which have illustrated its effectiveness for various medical problems, although not specifically for facial pain. These studies show that this treatment has actual physiological effects on the spinal cord, the mid-brain, and the pituitary gland. The effects produce an anti-inflammatory effect, pain relief, and a general sense of well-being. Needle placement for pain control (whether nearer or further from the pain site) varies in order to stimulate all of the three areas.
How well does it work?
As with all facial pain therapies, feedback from patients reveals that it works for some, does not work at all for others, and some get temporary pain relief. Some people find that acupuncture becomes ineffective over time.
Tips
Make sure all of your health care practitioners know all the treatments you are receiving.
Use only certified practitioners. Ask whether the practitioner is certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists.
Check on the experience of the practitioner before you begin treatment.
Make sure disposable needles are used.
Understand the type of acupuncture being done, as there are various styles.
Discuss fees and the number of visits before beginning treatment.
Re-evaluate progress after 6-8 treatments.
Check to see if your health insurance covers acupuncture.
Resources
American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
4929 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 428
Los Angeles, CA 90010
1-800-521-2262
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
11 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-9004
American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
909 22nd St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
1-866-455-7999 or 916-443-4770
1-866-455-8000; 1-866-455-8001
National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance
6405 43rd Ave Ct. NW Ste. B
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
253-851-6896