Trigeminal Neuralgia: What You Need to Know
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve — the main sensory nerve of the face. It is often described as one of the most severe forms of facial pain, sometimes earning the nickname “the suicide disease” due to the extreme distress it can cause. While the exact cause is not always clear, TN is often linked to irritation of the trigeminal nerve, sometimes from blood vessels compressing the nerve near its root in the brainstem, or from other structural or inflammatory changes. If your Trigeminal Neuralgia came on after a lot of emotional upset then you are likely to respond to the “Dive Reflex” release process.
The Trigeminal Nerve and the Dive Reflex
The trigeminal nerve has three main branches:
-
Ophthalmic (V1) – sensation from the forehead, scalp, and upper eyelid
-
Maxillary (V2) – sensation from the cheek, upper lip, and nasal cavity
-
Mandibular (V3) – sensation from the lower lip, jaw, and some chewing muscles
Interestingly, stimulation of certain areas innervated by the trigeminal nerve can activate the mammalian dive reflex— a primitive, protective response that slows the heart rate, constricts peripheral blood vessels, and promotes a state of relaxation. This reflex is typically triggered when the face is immersed in cold water, but other diamagnetic materials — such as copper, silver, and gold — can also influence tissue properties when applied to the skin. The Clinic uses water pads and copper pads to innervate the dive reflex.
The Trigeminal Ganglion and Tissue Tension
The trigeminal ganglion — a sensory nerve cluster — sits in a small cavity on the petrous portion of the temporal bone, between the sphenoid and occipital bones at the base of the skull. The ganglion’s position means that subtle changes in the tension of nearby soft tissues or bone alignment can potentially influence nerve sensitivity.
One proposed approach is to combine diamagnetic material placement over the face with gentle, targeted pressure over the temporal bone. This may create a small flexoelectric effect — a mechanical-to-electrical field interaction — that could alter the tension in tissues surrounding the trigeminal ganglion. By activating the dive reflex simultaneously, the body may shift into a more relaxed state, potentially reducing pain sensitivity.
The 54 Clinic’s Approach talk to us. on 01295 265267
At The 54 Clinic, our “Trigeminal Neuralgia” sessions focus solely on activating the body’s dive reflex. This is a non-invasive, donation-only service aimed at supporting the body’s own ability to relax pain-sensitive tissues. Importantly, it is the body’s natural response, not an external force, that drives any reduction in pain.
Whether your trigeminal neuralgia is responsive to this method depends on individual factors — something we can discuss in detail during a consultation.
Want to learn more?
Listen to our dedicated Trigeminal Neuralgia Podcast at www.the54clinic.com for an in-depth discussion of this condition, the science behind the dive reflex, and real patient experiences.
