Acupuncture Points for Temporomandibular Dysfunction

1 sourced protocol, each with its citation.

Points cited for Temporomandibular Dysfunction

How often each point appears across the 12 entries ranked highest for Temporomandibular Dysfunction. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian10 of 12
  • ST07Below The ArchStomach Meridian10 of 12
  • ST06Jaw BoneStomach Meridian8 of 12
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian7 of 12
  • SI19Palace Of HearingSmall Intestine Meridian5 of 12
  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel4 of 12
  • SI18Cheek Bone HoleSmall Intestine Meridian4 of 12
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian4 of 12
  • GB03Above The ArchGallbladder Meridian3 of 12
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian3 of 12
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian3 of 12
  • TB17HurricaneTriple Burner Meridian3 of 12

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (10 points)

100%

LI04 · ST44 · SI03 · BL60 · PC06 · TB05 · GB20 · GB41 · LV03 · GV20

Point 1 of 10

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ 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, SI03, 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 (10 points)

87%

LI04 · LI11 · SI19 · BL02 · TB23 · GB20 · GB21 · GB34 · LV02 · CV23

Point 1 of 10

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ 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:10.1590/1678-7757-2020-1035
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, SI19, GB20, 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

Protocol (3 points)

79%

LI04 · ST06 · ST07

Point 1 of 3

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ 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:10.1007/s10103-019-02837-x
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:10.17245/jdapm.2022.22.1.19

Protocol (3 points)

79%

LI04 · ST06 · ST07

Point 1 of 3

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ 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:10.17245/jdapm.2022.22.1.19
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:10.1007/s10103-019-02837-x

Protocol (8 points)

77%

LI04 · ST06 · ST07 · ST36 · SP06 · BL10 · GB20 · LV03

Point 1 of 8

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ 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:10.1155/2021/1286570
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST06, ST07, ST36, GB20 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13359/j.cnki.gzxbtcm.2024.03.026

Protocol (6 points)

77%

LU10 · LI04 · ST07 · SI18 · GV20 · XH03

Point 1 of 6

LU10Fish Border

LU10 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 魚際 (yú jì)

🎯 Location: On the radial aspect of the midpoint of the 1st metacarpal bone on the junction of the red and white skin of the hand.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Anxiety, Tongue Coating Yellow, Heat Deficiency

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.3389/fneur.2022.931412
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST07, GV20, XH03 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
Hot Spots™ Press Needles
Sterile 1.5mm press needles on 3M backing tape · 100 per box
$19.99
per box · choose the quantity at checkout
AcuiQ Self-Treatment Guide
Acupressure you can do at home, every protocol traced to a trial.$12.99, free updates for life

Using Acupoints for Temporomandibular Dysfunction

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 Dysfunction
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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