Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), also known as ‘Anantavata’ in Ayurveda, is considered one of the most painful neurological disorders. It causes sudden, severe, electric shock-like facial pain, usually on one side of the face, significantly affecting daily activities such as speaking, eating, or even smiling.
Modern medicine primarily manages TN with painkillers, anti-convulsant drugs, or surgical interventions in severe cases. While these treatments offer temporary relief, they often come with side effects and may not provide long-term healing. Ayurveda, on the other hand, presents a holistic and side-effect-free approach, focusing on root cause correction, balancing aggravated doshas, and strengthening nerve function naturally.
In this blog, let’s delve into the Ayurvedic understanding and management of Trigeminal Neuralgia for lasting pain relief and nerve rejuvenation.
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is characterized by sudden, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain on one side of the face. The pain is typically triggered by routine activities such as:
- Chewing
- Talking
- Brushing teeth
- Even a gentle breeze
The condition arises due to issues in the trigeminal nerve, which has three branches that supply sensation to the forehead, cheeks, and jaw.
Common Causes:
- Compression of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel
- Multiple sclerosis or nerve demyelination
- Facial trauma or surgery
- Idiopathic (unknown cause)
TN is more common in women over the age of 50, although it can affect anyone. Pain episodes usually last from a few seconds to a few minutes and may occur several times a day, severely disrupting quality of life.
Trigeminal Neuralgia in Ayurveda: Understanding the Disease
In Ayurveda, Trigeminal Neuralgia is most closely associated with Anantavata, a type of Vata Vyadhi (neurological disorder). It is caused by aggravated Vata dosha affecting the facial nerves, leading to sharp, sudden facial pain.
Contributing Factors for Vata Imbalance:
- Excessive exposure to cold
- Mental stress and anxiety
- Irregular or erratic eating habits
- Consuming dry, cold, or light foods in excess
- Suppression of natural urges.
- Not having adequate sleep.
- Excessive travelling.
Vata is considered the primary dosha involved, but Kapha (causing nerve compression) and Pitta (causing inflammation) may also play a role. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on Vata pacification, nerve nourishment, and dosha balance for effective management.
Ayurvedic Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia:
Internal Herbal Medications:
Ayurveda employs specific herbs and formulations to:
- Pacify aggravated Vata
- Nourish nerves
- Alleviate pain
- Improve vitality
Key Herbs and Formulations:
- Dashamoola Kwatha – Reduces Vata and inflammation
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – Nervine tonic, stress reliever, and nerve strengthener
- Bala (Sida cordifolia) – Promotes nerve health and pacifies Vata
- Shankhapushpi & Brahmi – Enhance nervous system function and reduce anxiety
- Yogaraj Guggulu – Beneficial for chronic Vata disorders involving pain
Brihat Vata Chintamani Rasa, Suvarna Sutashekhar, Godanti Decoction, Pathyadi Decoction, and Shirashuladi Vajra Rasa – A potent herbo-mineral formulation used under strict medical supervision
These medicines should always be prescribed by a qualified Ayurvedic physician after assessing individual Prakriti (body constitution) and Vikriti (disease condition).
Panchakarma Therapies:
Panchakarma is Ayurveda’s detoxification and rejuvenation therapy that addresses root imbalances and provides long-lasting relief.
Recommended Panchakarma Treatments:
- Snehana (Oleation) & Swedana (Fomentation): Massage with Mahanarayan Taila, Ksheerabala Taila, or Dhanwantharam Taila followed by steam therapy to reduce stiffness and nourish nerves.
- Nasya (Nasal Administration of Oils): Nasal drops of Anu Taila, Ksheerabala Taila, or pure saffron-infused Goghrut (cow’s ghee) are used to strengthen cranial nerves, clear toxins, and balance Vata in the head region.
- Shirodhara: Continuous pouring of medicated oils like Brahmi Taila on the forehead calms the mind, reduces stress, and enhances nerve conductivity.
- Basti (Medicated Enema): Dashamoola , narayan, chandanbalalakshadi Anuvasana Basti helps manage systemic Vata disorders by targeting the colon where Vata primarily resides.
- Karna Poorana (Ear Oiling): Useful for calming Vata and supporting nerve functions around the ears and face. All therapies are customized based on the patient’s Prakriti and disease severity.
- Raktamokshana (Bloodletting): In certain cases where there is a Rakta dhatu vitiation or inflammation contributing to nerve compression and pain, controlled bloodletting using leeches (Jalaukavacharana) or other techniques ( Siragat Raktmokshan) is employed to relieve congestion and pacify Pitta and Rakta doshas. This therapy is performed under strict medical supervision.
- Panchabhautik Chikitsa: Comprehensive abdominal examination includes observation of vital organs such as the liver,speen, kidneys and uterus. If any abnormalities are detected, appropriate Ayurvedic treatments are initiated, which help in reducing Vata imbalance effectively.
External Applications:
Regular application of Mahanarayan Taila, Ksheerabala Taila, or Bala Ashwagandha Taila over the affected area helps reduce nerve irritation and offers warmth. Gentle facial massage with these oils enhances circulation and relieves pain.
Diet and Lifestyle Modifications:
- Vata-Pacifying Diet:
Include:
- Warm, cooked grains
- Ghee, milk, soaked almonds, dates, sweet potatoes
Avoid:
- Cold, dry, processed, stale food
- Excess caffeine
- Irregular meal timings
Lifestyle Tips:
- Keep face warm; avoid cold winds or direct air conditioning.
- Practice daily Abhyanga (oil massage) before bath.
- Manage stress with meditation, gentle yoga, and pranayama (especially Anulom Vilom).
Ayurvedic Home Remedies:
- Turmeric Milk: Anti-inflammatory and healing; take at bedtime.
- Ginger Tea: Natural anti-inflammatory for pain relief.
- Warm medicated Sesame Oil Massage: Soothes Vata and reduces pain when applied gently.
- Jatamansi & Saraswatarishta: Mental stress plays a significant role in health conditions. For individuals experiencing high levels of internal stress, Ayurvedic remedies like Jatamansi are beneficial. Saraswatarishta, a classical liquid formulation, is also effective in managing chronic stress and promoting mental well-being.
Role of Rasayana (Rejuvenation) Therapy:
Once acute symptoms are under control, Rasayana therapy is essential to:
- Rejuvenate nerves
- Build Ojas (immunity & vitality)
- Prevent recurrence
- Recommended Rasayana Herbs:
- Ashwagandha
- Shatavari
- Guduchi
- Brahmi
These herbs support long-term nerve health and overall well-being.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Ayurvedic Approach:
Conclusion:
Trigeminal Neuralgia can severely affect quality of life with its sudden and excruciating pain. While conventional treatments provide symptomatic relief, Ayurveda offers a comprehensive and long-lasting solution by targeting the root cause, rejuvenating nerves, and preventing recurrence.
If you or your loved ones are suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia, consult an experienced Ayurvedic doctor in Pune who can assess your dosha imbalance and tailor a treatment plan suited to your needs.
With a well-integrated protocol of internal medicines, Panchakarma, dietary regulation, and lifestyle changes, Ayurveda can help you reclaim a pain-free and balanced life.