Toothache is a common symptom of oral diseases. It worsens when exposed to cold, heat, acid, sweetness, and other stimuli. Toothache can be classified into two types: real pain caused by stomach fire or wind fire, and virtual pain caused by insufficient kidney yin. In addition to medication, acupressure on relevant points can help clear heat, relieve pain, and alleviate toothache. Let's take a look at the acupressure techniques for toothache.
Clinical Manifestations of Toothache
Wind-heat toothache: The toothache is intermittent and worsens with exposure to wind. Cold alleviates the pain, while heat intensifies it. The gums are red and swollen, accompanied by fever, chills, thirst, red tongue, white and dry coating, and rapid pulse.
Stomach fire toothache: The toothache is severe, the gums are highly swollen, and there may be bleeding, pus, and swelling extending to the cheeks. Headache, thirst, foul breath, constipation, yellow and greasy tongue coating, and strong pulse are also present.
Virtual fire toothache: The toothache is mild or dull, the gums are slightly red and swollen, and over time, the gum tissue may shrink, causing loose teeth and weakened biting force. In the afternoon, there may be lower back pain, dizziness, dry mouth, red and tender tongue without coating, and thin and rapid pulse.
Acupressure Points for Toothache Treatment
Treatment principles: Disperse wind, clear heat, reduce swelling, and relieve pain.
Acupressure points: Hegu (LI4), Xiaguan (ST7), Jieche (ST5), Neiting (ST44), Taixi (KI3), Xingjian (LR2), Taichong (LR3), facial points.
Hegu: Located between the first and second metacarpal bones of the hand, about at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone (place the transverse crease of the thumb interphalangeal joint on the web between the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand, and the point is located just below the tip of the thumb).
Xiaguan: Located in the depression between the zygomatic arch and the lower border of the mandible (this point has a hole when the mouth is closed, and it disappears when the mouth is opened, so it should be pressed when the mouth is closed).
Jieche: Located in the depression above the anterior lower angle of the mandible, at the highest point of the masseter muscle when the teeth are clenched.
Neiting: Located at the end of the crease between the second and third toes on the dorsum of the foot.
Taixi: Located in the depression between the highest point of the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon on the foot.
Xingjian: Located at the end of the crease between the first and second toes on the dorsum of the foot.
Taichong: Located in the depression in front of the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones on the dorsum of the foot.
Acupressure Techniques for Toothache
1. Apply pressure, knead, and rub at Neiting, Taixi, Xingjian, Taichong, and other points. The pressure should be moderately strong, and the treatment time should be about 3 minutes.
2. Use One Finger Zen technique or apply pressure, knead, and rub at Xiaguan, Jieche, and other facial points. Gradually increase the pressure from light to heavy, and the treatment time should be about 3 minutes.
3. Apply pressure, knead, and hold at Hegu point for about 1 minute.
4. Finally, knead, hold, apply pressure, and rub the affected gums.
Differentiation and Modification of Acupressure for Toothache
1. Wind-heat toothache: Use One Finger Zen technique to stimulate Taiyang point, and apply pressure and hold at Fengchi, Quchi, and Waiguan points.
2. Stomach fire toothache: Apply pressure and knead at Erjian and Sanjian points, and apply pressure and hold at Neiting point.
3. Virtual fire toothache: Use One Finger Zen technique to stimulate Shenshu point, and apply pressure and knead at Taixi and Xingjian points.
Precautions for Toothache Prevention and Treatment
1. Develop good oral hygiene habits and brush your teeth after meals.
2. When performing facial acupressure for toothache, the technique should be fixed and without any friction to prevent redness and swelling.
3. Cavities, gingivitis, and apical periodontitis are acute inflammatory conditions. Acupressure treatment should be combined with anti-inflammatory medication to improve clinical efficacy.
