Toothache is not a disease, but it can be excruciatingly painful. Those who have experienced toothache can deeply understand this. Toothache is often related to internal heat. Many people habitually rely on painkillers to relieve the pain. However, besides medication, massage therapy is also an effective method for treating toothache. Now let's take a look at the diagram of massage techniques for toothache caused by internal heat.
Causes and Mechanism of Toothache Caused by Internal Heat
The hand and foot yangming meridians connect to the upper and lower teeth. If there is heat in the large intestine and stomach, or if external wind pathogens invade the meridians and accumulate heat in the yangming meridian, it can lead to toothache.
Acupoints for Massage Therapy for Toothache Caused by Internal Heat
Clinical manifestations: Toothache, loose teeth, bleeding gums, or pus between the gums and teeth, which affect chewing, are the main symptoms. The onset is slow and gradually worsens. In severe cases, all teeth may become loose. During the course of the disease, there may be acute episodes of periodontal abscess with local redness, swelling, heat, and a large amount of pus, accompanied by fever. Oral examination may reveal red and swollen gums, loose teeth, or cavities, and the gums are prone to bleeding.
Treatment principles: Clear heat, relieve pain, and unblock the meridians.
Acupoints: Hegu, Xiaguan, Jiache, Fengchi, Dicang, and Yifeng.
Massage Techniques for Toothache Caused by Internal Heat
1. The patient can sit or lie down. The massage therapist uses the One Finger Zen technique on the face. If the cheeks are red and swollen and sensitive to pressure, use kneading technique to treat the acupoints such as Dicang, Xiaguan, and Jiache for about 5 minutes.
2. Massage Fengchi and Yifeng, and press Hegu acupoint for about 30 seconds each.
Differentiation and Modification of Massage Therapy for Toothache Caused by Internal Heat
1. Wind-Fire Toothache: Symptoms include severe toothache and swollen gums, accompanied by cold body and fever. The tongue coating is thin and white, the pulse is floating and rapid. Treatment focuses on dispersing wind and releasing the exterior. Additionally, press the bilateral Waiguan acupoints 5-10 times and heavily press the bilateral Fengchi acupoint for 1 minute.
2. Excessive Fire Toothache: Symptoms include severe toothache, bad breath, thirst, and constipation. The tongue coating is yellow and the pulse is wiry. Treatment focuses on clearing stomach fire and heart fire. Additionally, press the Neiting and Fenglong acupoints for 1 minute, and pinch the Laogong acupoint until a sour and distending sensation is achieved.
3. Deficiency Fire Toothache: Symptoms include intermittent and lingering toothache, loose teeth, and no bad breath. The tip of the tongue is red and the pulse is thin. Treatment focuses on nourishing kidney yin and reducing liver fire. Additionally, apply the Zusanli, Yongquan, and Xingjian acupoints for half a minute each.
Care and Precautions for Toothache Caused by Internal Heat
1. Pay attention to oral hygiene.
2. Regularly visit a dental professional for teeth cleaning and care.
3. Distinguish and treat toothache from trigeminal neuralgia.
