Acupuncture Points for Temporomandibular Joint Pain

10 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Related Symptoms

Often treated alongside Temporomandibular Joint Pain:

Points cited for Temporomandibular Joint Pain

How often each point appears across the 10 entries ranked highest for Temporomandibular Joint Pain. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • ST07Below The ArchStomach Meridian9 of 10
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian8 of 10
  • ST06Jaw BoneStomach Meridian8 of 10
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian5 of 10
  • SI19Palace Of HearingSmall Intestine Meridian5 of 10
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian3 of 10
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian3 of 10
  • BL10Celestial PillarBladder Meridian2 of 10
  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel2 of 10
  • LU10Fish BorderLung Meridian2 of 10
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian2 of 10
  • SI18Cheek Bone HoleSmall Intestine Meridian2 of 10

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (8 points)

100%

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

Point 1 of 8

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:10.4317/medoral.17567
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST06, ST36 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2021/1286570

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:10.1016/j.imr.2024.101044

Protocol (8 points)

100%

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

Point 1 of 8

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:10.1155/2021/1286570
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST06, ST07, 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 (5 points)

100%

LU10 · LI04 · ST07 · SI18 · GV20

Point 1 of 5

LU10Fish Border

LU10 acupoint
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🗺️ 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 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2021/1286570

Protocol (5 points)

100%

LI04 · ST06 · ST07 · SI19 · GB34

Point 1 of 5

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:10.1093/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 (7 points)

100%

LI18 · ST06 · ST07 · SI19 · TB17 · GB20 · GB21

Point 1 of 7

LI18Beside The Prominence

LI18 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 扶突 (fú tū)

🎯 Location: On the lateral side of the neck, level with tip of the adam's apple between sternal and clavicular heads of the scm muscle.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep needling; proximity to carotid artery and thyroid.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Asthma, Swelling, Sore Throat, Facial Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/j.imr.2024.101044
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:10.1097/MD.0000000000018013
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Using Acupoints for Temporomandibular Joint Pain

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 Joint Pain
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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