Does your jaw feel tense, sore, or stiff? Do you wake up with headaches or find yourself clenching your teeth throughout the day?
If so, you may be struggling with TMJ disorder (TMD).
Beyond causing you discomfort, TMD can affect how you eat, speak, and even sleep. While some people try night guards, pain relievers, or dental procedures to help, these treatments don’t always address the real problem and aren’t for everyone.
Instead, consider a natural approach with acupuncture for TMD.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder is more than just jaw pain – it’s a functional misalignment that can have serious effects on your daily life.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most frequently used joints in the body. It connects your jaw to your skull and allows you to chew, speak, yawn, and express emotions through facial movement.
When this joint works properly, it moves smoothly like a well-oiled hinge. But when something disrupts its natural movement (such as tension, inflammation, or misalignment) it can lead to the painful and often frustrating condition we know as temporomandibular disorder (TMJ disorder or TMD).
Common Symptoms of TMD
- Jaw pain or stiffness that may worsen with chewing or speaking
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Headaches or migraines, often caused by jaw tension or teeth grinding
- Ear pain, ringing (tinnitus), or pressure, which can be mistaken for an ear infection
- Neck, shoulder, or facial tension, as tight jaw muscles can create a ripple effect of discomfort
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully, sometimes leading to jaw “locking”
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
There is no single cause of TMJ disorder. That said, several factors can lead to its development, with the most common being things like:
- Stress and anxiety
Emotional stress can lead to jaw clenching and teeth grinding (also called “bruxism”), which overworks the TMJ and surrounding muscles. - Poor posture
Forward head posture (such as looking down at phones and screens) puts strain on the jaw and neck muscles and causes misalignment. - Jaw misalignment or injury
A misaligned bite, past dental work, or direct trauma to the jaw can contribute to TMJ disorder. - Inflammation and muscle tension
Chronic tension in the jaw, neck, and facial muscles can restrict proper joint movement and increase pain. - Hormonal and systemic factors
Some cases of TMJ disorder are linked to hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, or systemic inflammation.
Why TMD Pain Can Become Chronic
Many people experience temporary jaw pain from stress or overuse, but when TMJ dysfunction becomes chronic, it can start to affect daily life. Without proper treatment, the cycle of tension, pain, and inflammation can lead to worsening symptoms, limited jaw mobility, and increased reliance on pain medication.
This is where acupuncture for TMJ provides a powerful, non-invasive solution. Unlike temporary fixes like painkillers that only mask your symptoms, acupuncture works to address the underlying causes of TMJ pain. Over time, treatments restore balance and proper function in the jaw joint.
TMJ Pain and Oriental Medicine
How does Oriental Medicine view and treat TMJ pain? As Dr. Ko explains, “Western medicine often diagnoses jaw pain or TMJ as an issue involving the trigeminal nerve. In Eastern medicine, these issues are diagnosed as a teeth imbalance. TMJ or jaw pain can also be caused by high stress, which disrupts the body’s overall balance and harmony. When one experiences high stress, it ultimately burdens the liver. When the heart is under high stress, it causes imbalance in the San Jiao and Gall Bladder meridians which ultimately causes a disruption of the body’s balance.”
How Acupuncture for TMJ Works
Acupuncture is a time-tested therapy that has a long history of helping people relieve their pain naturally – including TMJ pain. Let’s explore how.
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Acupuncture Relaxes Tight Jaw Muscles
TMJ pain is often caused by muscle tension in the jaw, face, and neck. Acupuncture for TMJ helps release tightness in the related muscles (masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles). This allows the jaw to move more freely and comfortably.
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Acupuncture Reduces Inflammation and Pain
Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural painkillers (endorphins) to relieve pain and swelling in the jaw joint. Studies show that acupuncture for TMJ can significantly reduce pain intensity and improve mobility.
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Acupuncture Calms the Nervous System
Does your TMJ flare up when you’re under stress? Stress and anxiety are common triggers for teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Acupuncture balances the nervous system to reduce stress-related tension and prevent involuntary jaw tightening.
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Acupuncture Improves Blood Flow for Faster Healing
Poor circulation can slow the healing process in the jaw joint. Acupuncture improves this much-needed blood flow and helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the area. This reduces stiffness and promotes long-term healing.
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Acupuncture Treats the Root Cause of TMJ Pain
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views TMJ pain as an imbalance in the body’s energy, or Qi. Stress and emotional tension are linked to Liver Qi stagnation, while chronic inflammation or weakness may point to imbalances in the Kidney or Spleen systems. Acupuncture for TMJ restores balance, preventing future flare-ups.
Unlock a Pain-Free Jaw with Acupuncture
Jaw pain doesn’t have to be part of your daily life. At 120 Acupuncture clinic, we offer acupuncture for TMJ as a safe, natural way to relieve tension, reduce pain, and restore your balance.
So, whether your TMJ pain is mild or severe, acupuncture can help you regain comfort and function without relying on medication. Each person’s treatment plan is different, but most people can expect to come for acupuncture two to three times a week for 7-8 months to relieve the pain caused by TMJ.
At 120 Acupuncture, Dr. Ko specializes in Traditional Korean medicine, which uses both acupuncture and herbal medicine to address issues like TMJ pain. He explains, “combining herbal medicine with Korean-style acupuncture will result in a treatment that is more effective and time-efficient. Herbal medicine is an effective method of treatment to support liver function and help relieve stress.”
Ready to feel the relief? Book your consultation with 120 Acupuncture Clinic in Studio City, Los Angeles or call us at 1-818-980-7979 to start living pain-free.
