TCM treatments for two common illnesses that cause facial pain

 by Jimmy Wang

1. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ or TMD) and Jaw Pain

Jaw pain is often caused by the dysfunction of the joint between the cheekbone and mandibular bone. Common symptoms may include pain, swelling, and lack of movement in or popping of the jaw.

Acupuncture is often effective in the treatment of TMJ pain. 

According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the pathogenesis of TMJ can be explained as the superficial meridians of the human body being attacked by wind, and cold and damp pathogens. This results in poor circulation of Qi and blood, obstruction of the meridians or joints, stasis of Qi and blood in the veins, and dystrophy of bones, muscles, and joints. Local tissue congestion and swelling and uncoordinated joint movement of the muscles in the area can also cause temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

From an anatomical point of view, the protruding point when the masseter muscle is tightened is known as the Jiache point in TCM. The starting point of the masseter muscle is known as the Xiaguan point. Using acupuncture and massage therapy on these points can help relax tense muscles and prevent or treat spasms. Acupuncture and massage can also heat the skin, dilate capillaries, improve blood circulation in the temporomandibular joint, reduce aseptic inflammation, relieve inflammatory adhesions, and prevent the development of diseases. Acupuncture and massage are especially useful for the early stages of disease and disorder. Acupoint massage therapy can help stabilize the normal structure of joints and play a good role in joint function.

Self-Massage

Before attempting any treatments including any home treatments, please consult with a qualified health practitioner. 

Two areas to consider: one area is directly above the ear to the temple, and the other area is about 3 cm in front of the earlobe. Place your finger on either of the two areas and then open and close the mouth. When you close your mouth, gently bite your teeth together. You should feel the muscles contract and relax with your fingertips. This should feel like the muscles jumping in and out. Place your thumb, index finger and middle finger on these areas and gently massage in the form of small circles. Massage each point for 1 to 2 minutes to relax the tense muscles surrounding the joints             

2. Trigeminal Neuralgia               

Trigeminal neuralgia is known to be a very painful disorder. According to traditional Chinese medicine facial pain usually refers to Trigeminal Neuralgia(TN). In TCM, the onset of facial pain is mostly described as an excess syndrome with factors such as wind, cold, fire (heat), phlegm, and blood stasis. The location of symptoms can be around the Yangming, Shaoyang, and Jueyin meridians. 

As the famous doctor of the Ming Dynasty, Wang Kentang (?-1638), said: "Facial pains are all fire... the violent pain is more excess, the long-term pain is more deficient. The excess one suppresses it, the depressed one opens it, the blood heat cools the blood, the Qi deficiency replenishes the Qi, and do not just use bitter cold medicine to reduce the fire. " [direct literal translation] Later, TCM doctors frequently repeated these words. 

The TCM treatment of TN is effective, but the recurrence rate is relatively high. TCM employs a system of syndrome differentiation: mainly Liver Qi stagnation transforms fire, liver heat generates wind, and collaterals are stagnant. 

The treatment method should be to nourish the yin and calm the liver, relieve spasms and eliminate wind, promote blood circulation and relieve pain. 

In clinical experience, patients with frequent relapses should try to avoid the simultaneous occurrence of four unfavourable factors. This is the best prevention method:

① catch a cold; 

② lack of sleep; 

③ anger; 

④ too tired. 

Patients with trigeminal neuralgia should pay special attention to the enrichment and rationalization of their daily diet. Try to eat more foods rich in protein, sugar, fat, and vitamin B1 and vitamin C to help relieve the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia.

Total Wellness Centre hosts a pain clinic specifically dedicated to the treatment of Head Pain.

We look forward to seeing you and providing the highest level of care we have always strived to achieve.  

Total Wellness Staff