Acupuncture Points for Temporomandibular Disorder

21 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Temporomandibular Disorder

How often each point appears across the 21 entries ranked highest for Temporomandibular Disorder. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian16 of 21
  • ST06Jaw BoneStomach Meridian16 of 21
  • ST07Below The ArchStomach Meridian14 of 21
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian11 of 21
  • SI19Palace Of HearingSmall Intestine Meridian10 of 21
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian8 of 21
  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel4 of 21
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian4 of 21
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian4 of 21
  • XH05Supreme Yang (Sun)Extra Points: Head4 of 21
  • TB17HurricaneTriple Burner Meridian3 of 21
  • TB21Ear GateTriple Burner Meridian3 of 21

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (7 points)

100%

ST04 · ST06 · ST07 · SI19 · TB20 · GB03 · GB20

Point 1 of 7

ST04Earth Granary

ST04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 地倉 (dì cāng)

🎯 Location: Lateral to the corner of the mouth directly below pupil.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with facial nerve.

🛡️ Treats: Pain, Facial Droop, Channel Stagnation, Voice Loss, Toothache

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000018013
Corroborated by a second study. ST06, ST07, SI19, GB20 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1177/25785478251385389

Protocol (7 points)

100%

LI04 · ST06 · ST07 · SI18 · BL10 · GB20 · GV20

Point 1 of 7

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/j.jams.2017.08.005
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST06, ST07, GB20, GV20 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1716631

Protocol (4 points)

100%

LI04 · GB20 · GV20 · XH05

Point 1 of 4

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1177/02692155241229282
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, GB20, GV20 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1016/j.jams.2017.08.005

Protocol (3 points)

100%

LI04 · ST06 · ST07

Point 1 of 3

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1080/09638288.2024.2310766
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST06, ST07 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1016/j.jams.2017.08.005

Protocol (5 points)

100%

LI04 · ST06 · ST07 · SI19 · GB34

Point 1 of 5

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcae094
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST06, ST07, SI19, GB34 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20241204-k0004

Protocol (9 points)

100%

LI04 · ST06 · ST36 · TB05 · TB17 · TB21 · GB02 · GB34 · XH05

Point 1 of 9

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
Click to enlarge

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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32075
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST06, ST36, TB21, GB34 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1716631
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Using Acupoints for Temporomandibular Disorder

Self-Treatment Guidelines

  • Locate acupoints using anatomical landmarks
  • Apply firm, steady pressure for 1-3 minutes
  • Treat 2-3 times daily for best results

When to Seek Professional Help

  • Severe or persistent Temporomandibular Disorder
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

Disclaimer: The acupoint information provided is for educational purposes only.