SFN - facial symptoms - wanted share in case they help

Posted by sf2021 @sf2021, Apr 12, 2021

I have facial tingling/tightness/weakness from SFN. I wanted to share a few things which have alleviated the symptoms. They may not work for you but I thought I share as I've benefited so much from everyone's insight and feedback on this forum.

(1) acupuncture - I know it does not help everyone and it is controversial but it has helped me. Not only the face but also my feet and legs. But I didn't see the results until after six-seven sessions. But acupuncture is not helping my chest pressure symptoms; (2) the acupuncturist recommended something called "gua sha" - a massage technique using a small flat heart shaped tool (see picture - you can buy it online for like $10). Check out Youtube or the web on how to use it. Other people use the jade roller but I think gua sha tool is better for SFN. I've been doing it every night (when symptoms get worse) after applying facial oil and I noticed a difference after a week. I do it a bit more rigorously than the videos but you will find your own pace and pressure. It reduces inflammation and improves blood circulation; (3) facial exercises - I found facial exercises online which basically gets the facial muscles moving and stronger. Hope these help!

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 13, 2021

Thanks for starting this discussion @sf2021. I had not heard of Gua Sha so did a little reading. I'm happy to hear it is helping you. It would be great to hear from others who have used Gua Sha.

"Gua sha is the practice of using a tool to apply pressure and scrape the skin to relieve pain and tension. This action causes light bruising, which often appears as purple or red spots known as petechiae or sha. The name gua sha — pronounced gwahshah — comes from the Chinese word for scraping." -- Gua sha: Uses, benefits, and side effects - Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320397

willows | @willows | Apr 13, 2021

Just a comment about acupuncture. I had a bad case of foot pain lasting months. I didn’t really believe acupuncture would help but I though, oh what the heck, why not give it a try (when all fruits fail,,,) After the very first session my foot felt a strange lightness sensation. From then on my foot began to heal. Had a few other sessions and now I am walking normally with no pain in the foot. It’s not a recipe for everybody but it can’t hurt to try. They use a brand new package of needles for every session. Also it doesn’t hurt.

Willows

gator66 | @gator66 | Apr 13, 2021

Both things probably help, but if you are on a blood thinner or anticoagulant, you'll want to stay away from both of these. Gentle massage ok though. I wish there was something for face, lips and tongue. I use CBD salve twice a day. It helps some, but the tongue...can't put salve on it!

chestnut | @chestnut | Dec 15, 2022

Any help to ease facial tinling

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 15, 2022

In reply to @chestnut "Any help to ease facial tinling" + (show)

Hello @chestnut, You will notice that we moved your post to the following existing discussion on the same topic of facial tingling so that you can meet other members like @sf2021, @gator66 and @willows and learn what they have shared.

-- SFN - facial symptoms - wanted share in case they help: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sfn-facial-symptoms-wanted-share-in-case-they-help/

Do you mind sharing what treatments you have already tried?