[LIU Xing's experience in treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia by the integration of acupuncture and medication].

This study describes a Chinese acupuncture expert's integrated approach to treating primary trigeminal neuralgia, a condition causing severe facial pain. Professor Liu Xing combines multiple traditional Chinese medicine techniques based on the theory that "wind" invasion and blocked qi (energy) and blood circulation cause this painful condition. The treatment method begins with careful palpation of the neck, face, and inside the cheek to locate areas of tissue hardness or masses. The practitioner then uses acupotomy (a specialized needle-knife technique) at specific points including Shangguan, Xiaguan, and along the white line inside the cheek to release these tight areas. The protocol also includes needling at strategic point combinations: five "wind" points to expel pathogenic wind, three nape points, and three governor vessel points, all aimed at stopping pain. Additionally, patients receive an herbal decoction called "Wu Feng Tang" (Five Wind Decoction) and undergo bloodletting at the ear apex point. This "one needle, two herbs, three bloodletting" integrated approach aims to dispel wind, promote circulation of qi and blood, and provide comprehensive pain relief. While this article describes one expert's clinical experience rather than a controlled research study, it offers insight into how traditional Chinese medicine conceptualizes and treats facial nerve pain through multiple complementary therapeutic methods. Patients interested in this approach should seek treatment from a licensed acupuncturist with advanced training in acupotomy techniques.

This clinical experience paper details Professor Liu Xing's integrative approach to primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) based on traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis of wind invasion causing qi and blood stagnation. The treatment protocol combines: (1) acupotomy at palpable masses located at GB3, ST7, and buccal mucosa white line following careful neck, face, and oral cavity palpation; (2) acupuncture at "five-wind points" (GV16, bilateral GB20, TE17, SI12, BL12), "three-nape points" (bilateral GB19, BL10, GB21), and "three-governor-vessel points" (GV20, GV9, GV24+); (3) Wu Feng Tang herbal decoction; and (4) ear apex bloodletting. This "one needle, two herbs, three bloodletting" integrated model emphasizes wind dispersion and promotion of qi-blood circulation for holistic PTN management. No sample size, control group, or outcome measures are provided as this represents expert clinical experience rather than a controlled trial. Clinical takeaway: experienced practitioners may consider this multi-modal approach combining acupotomy, specific point combinations, and adjunctive therapies for refractory PTN cases.