Unlocking Relief: Exploring Acupuncture Points for TMJ Pain Management

Understanding TMJ / TMD Disorders 

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ / TMD) affect millions of people worldwide, causing pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. From difficulty chewing to persistent headaches, the impact of TMJ disorders can significantly reduce one’s quality of life.

The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull, enabling essential functions like speaking and chewing. TMJ / TMD disorders can result from various causes, including stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis, or jaw misalignment. Common symptoms include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness

• Clicking, popping or crunching sounds when opening the mouth

• Limited jaw mobility

• Headaches or earaches

• Neck and shoulder tension

Treatments such as physical therapy, medications, dental botox and even surgery can provide relief, but acupuncture can be just as effective and less intrusive. More importantly it gets to the root cause of the TMJ/TMD pain which means the results are longer lasting rather than a band-aid fix.

TMJ / TMD and Pelvic Floor Disorder

In Sarah's experience, many patients also have pelvic floor pain as well as TMJ/TMD, such as lower back pain, digestive issues (constipation, diarrhoea), urinary incontinence, gynaecological issues (eg PCOS), some form of prolapse (eg uterine prolapse, haemorrhoids). Acupuncture can treat both issues at the same time and can also help to relief the TMJ/TMD with longer lasting results.

TMJ / TMD and Stress

Stress is often a key trigger for TMJ/TMD. Many times clients are unaware that they are under some form of stress, particulalry amongst chronic sufferers. Acupuncture is very effective for managing stress. By helping to reduce stress, the pain of TMJ/ TMD can be managed at the same time.

How Can Acupuncture Help TMJ Pain?

Several mechanisms suggest acupuncture could benefit individuals with TMJ / TMD disorders:

1. Pain Relief: Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which may reduce TMJ-related pain.

2. Muscle Relaxation: By targeting acupoints around the jaw, neck, and shoulders, acupuncture can alleviate muscle tension contributing to TMJ / TMD pain; and helping to improve jaw movement.

3. Stress Reduction: Since stress often exacerbates TMJ disorders, acupuncture’s calming effects on the nervous system can be particularly helpful.

4. Improved Circulation: Acupuncture promotes blood flow to the affected areas, enhancing healing and reducing inflammation.

Acupuncture Points for TMJ Pain

Acupuncture points for TMJ will typically consist of local points around the jaw, distal points on the hands and feet, and points for general tension release. These may include:

• Local points near the jaw and ear (e.g., GB3, GB20, ST7, ST6, SJ17, SI17, SI18)

• Distal points on the hands and feet that influence jaw function (e.g., LI4, GB34, GB41, ST44, SJ5, SI4, BL64)

• Points to relieve stress and tension (e.g., DU20, PC6, LIV3, SI7)

The procedure is generally painless, and most patients report feeling relaxed afterward. Treatment plans often involve weekly sessions over a few weeks. Most people report noticeable reduction in pain within the first few sessions

Case study

Jane was coming out from a stressful time in life, having breaking up from a long-term relationship and moving home. Jane was suffering from stress, IBS and TMJ / TMD. Jane was treated for all conditions. Her TMJ/TMD pain was significantly reduced within the first few sessions. Jane continued with her acupuncture treatments to work on reducing her stress and IBS symptoms. By working on managing her stress levels (the root cause of her TMJ/TMD), the TMJ/TMD pain has no longer come back.

Summary

While acupuncture may not be a standalone cure for TMJ disorders, it offers a valuable tool for pain management and stress reduction. Whether combined with conventional treatments or used independently, many patients find significant relief through this ancient practice. If TMJ pain is affecting your quality of life, acupuncture could be worth exploring.

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Sarah San Acupuncture is located near Esher, Cobham, Claygate, Oxshott, Walton on Thames, Weybridge, Surrey.