Primary Points for TMJ Disorders: 66.04, 66.03, and 99.07
Byung Sik Cho, L.Ac.
In clinical practice, patients frequently visit acupuncture clinics for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Common symptoms include TMJ pain, clicking sounds when opening the mouth, and difficulty opening the jaw. This article reviews practical acupuncture strategies for oral and jaw-related disorders commonly encountered in the clinic.
TMJ Pain
For TMJ pain, the primary points used are 66.05 and 66.04. Typically, 66.05 is needled on the left side and 66.04 on the right side, using one point on each side.
The meridian associated with 66.04 circulates the mouth and is closely related to the action of opening the jaw. The meridian related to 66.05 also travels around the mouth and passes along the mandible before ascending toward the temporal region. By combining 66.05 and 66.04, practitioners can address both the inner and outer regions of the mouth and the TMJ itself.
In milder cases, the combination of 66.03, 66.04, and 99.07 alone may provide sufficient relief. The point located between LR2 and LR3 corresponds anatomically and energetically to the TMJ region. Because the Liver channel governs the tendons and passes through the cheek and inner lips, these points are particularly effective for treating masticatory muscle tension and TMJ dysfunction.
In severe cases, pricking or bloodletting at EX-HN5 can be highly effective. EX-HN5 lies at the intersection of several yang meridians associated with the cheek and jaw region, making it particularly useful for TMJ syndrome.
Additional Treatment Points
The combination of 22.01 and 22.02 with ST7 can be used for TMJ disorders and trigeminal neuralgia.
The Lung Tonifying formula, in Saam Acupuncture, may be applied when TMJ pain is accompanied by jaw clicking.
When patients have difficulty opening the mouth, treatment may include GB41 and ST43, which can significantly improve jaw mobility.
When TMJ pain is accompanied by stiffness or recurrent jaw dislocation during laughing or chewing hard foods, the Stomach Tonifying formula in Saam Acupuncture may be used. In cases where the jaw frequently dislocates or mouth opening is limited, the Stomach Tonification or Liver Tonifying formula may also be applied.
Oral Ulcers and Inflammatory Conditions
Acupuncture can also be effective for oral ulcers and inflammatory conditions within the mouth. Bloodletting therapy is often beneficial for inflammatory lesions, particularly at EX-HN5.
Oral ulcerations are often associated with excessive internal heat. Treatment, therefore, focuses on clearing this heat. Bloodletting at 77.13, followed by needling at 77.08, is a commonly used protocol.
Point 22.17 is located near TE2, the Ying-Spring point of the Sanjiao channel. Ying-Spring points are known for their strong heat-clearing properties. This point is therefore useful for treating disorders of the facial region, such as stomatitis, cheilitis, glossitis, and oral ulcers.
Another useful point is 22.10, corresponding to HT8, which clears Heart fire and helps resolve inflammatory conditions of the mouth and tongue.
Loss of Voice
Points located on both sides of LR8 at the medial knee are highly effective when the voice becomes hoarse or speech becomes difficult. Needling is effective, but even manual stimulation of this area may produce therapeutic effects.
Additional points include CV22, which may restore voice when speech suddenly becomes difficult.
ST40 may be used when loss of voice is due to a throat obstruction.
For sudden hoarseness, HT7 and KI1 may also be effective.
