Q Whenever I'm stressed before exams or presentations, my eye twitches even more. Besides managing stress, is there anything else I can do?
A Stress overactivates the sympathetic nervous system and is a major trigger for facial nerve overexcitability. Getting at least 7 hours of sleep, cutting back on caffeine, and eating magnesium-rich foods (nuts, green vegetables) help to stabilize the nerves.
Detailed Answer
Under stress or anxiety, adrenaline is released and the nerve's excitation threshold lowers, so spasms become more frequent. Caffeine (coffee, energy drinks) also overactivates the nervous system, so it is best to cut back. Adequate sleep is the foundation of nerve recovery, and a lack of it greatly increases spasm frequency. Magnesium is a mineral that suppresses neuromuscular excitability, and a deficiency worsens muscle and nerve hypersensitivity.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, stress is a leading cause of Liver qi stagnation (gangi-ulgyeol). When Liver qi becomes knotted, it generates Wind, and this Wind rises to the face to cause spasms. Treatment begins with soothing the Liver (sogan) by releasing the knotted qi, and uses herbal medicine and acupuncture to ease the internal impact of tension and stress.
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