Complementary Techniques

Acupuncture – Invented in China thousands of years ago, this practice involves putting long, thin needles into specific points along the body to relieve pain and discomfort. Acupuncturists believe that a healthy body contains channels through which energy flows. When these channels are blocked, energy cannot flow and bad health can occur. Needles are inserted into the blocked areas to correct imbalances and open up the energy channels again. Little quality research has been done to accurately reflect the benefit of acupuncture for treating TN but it can be effective for some people.

Biofeedback – This involves a learning process using visual or sound-based feedback. Biofeedback allows you to train your mind and body to control or normalize the way you respond to pain. It makes you more aware of your body and helps you learn how to relax and relieve pain. Electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback may be helpful for patients with TN. Patches are put on the skin. The EMG machine measures muscle activity and makes a sound to tell the patient how tense and stressed the muscles are. The patient can use these sounds to practice techniques for relieving muscle tension and discomfort caused by TN.

Relaxation breathing – Breathing techniques help your body relax and take your mind off of everyday worries. Practice relaxation breathing by breathing in through your nose as you count to four, hold it as you count to seven, and breathe out through your mouth while you count to eight. It may seem silly or uncomfortable at first, but relaxation breathing will feel more natural with practice. Slow, steady relaxation breathing can help you relax tense muscles. Truly focusing on your breathing can help you break a cycle of negative thoughts.

Vitamin and supplement therapy – Some people take B vitamins such as B6, B12 and folate in addition to the therapy prescribed by their health care provider. The effect of vitamin and other supplements has not been well researched for TN. Ask your health care provider to give you suggestions on vitamins and supplements that may be helpful.

More Information

Massage and Acupuncture
Meditation
Rejuvenate Yourself
Using Complementary Therapy to Relieve Pain
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine