Acupuncture Points for Toothache

9 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

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Points cited for Toothache

How often each point appears across the 9 entries ranked highest for Toothache. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian8 of 9
  • ST06Jaw BoneStomach Meridian8 of 9
  • ST07Below The ArchStomach Meridian8 of 9
  • ST44Inner CourtStomach Meridian6 of 9
  • LI02Second SpaceLarge Intestine Meridian4 of 9
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian2 of 9
  • KD03Great StreamKidney Meridian2 of 9
  • TB17HurricaneTriple Burner Meridian2 of 9
  • CV23Clean SpringConception Vessel1 of 9
  • KD06Shining SeaKidney Meridian1 of 9
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian1 of 9
  • ST45Running PointStomach Meridian1 of 9

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (3 points)

100%

LI04 · ST44 · CV23

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

ST44Inner Court

ST44 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 內庭 (nèi tíng)

🎯 Location: Proximal to the web margin the between 2nd and 3rd toes in the depression the distal and lateral to the 2nd metatarsodigital joint.

⚠️ Cautions: Anticoagulant therapy or a coagulopathy raises the risk of haematoma at the needling site – apply prolonged pressure on withdrawal. The precaution governs technique; bleeding disorders remain a treatable indication.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Tinnitus, Common Cold, Constipation, Abdominal Pain

CV23Clean Spring

CV23 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 廉泉 (lián quán)

🎯 Location: Above adam's apple in the depression of the upper border of the hyoid bone.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with hyoid bone.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, Excessive Salivation, Dry Mouth

Study-reported

Needling · 1 session

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/j.jams.2013.03.005 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI04 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1002/sim.4003 ↗

Protocol (4 points)

100%

LI04 · ST06 · ST07 · TB17

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

ST06Jaw Bone

ST06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 頰車 (jiá chē)

🎯 Location: One finger breadth (middle finger) anterior & superior to the lower angle of the mandible where masseter is prominent when teeth are clenched & depressive when it is pressed.

⚠️ Cautions: Needle shallowly and obliquely; avoid the facial artery and deep needling into the joint capsule.

🛡️ Treats: Wind, Pain, Deviation Eye, Facial Droop, Mumps

ST07Below The Arch

ST07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 下關 (xià guān)

🎯 Location: On the face anterior to the ear in the depression the between zygomatic arch and mandibular notch; point is located with mouth closed.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with temporal artery.

🛡️ Treats: Tinnitus, Swelling, Pain, Deafness, Deviation Eye

TB17Hurricane

TB17 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 翳風 (yì fēng)

🎯 Location: Posterior to the lobule of the ear in the depression the between mandible and mastoid process.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution near facial nerve.

🛡️ Treats: Heat, Wind, Pain, Deviation Eye, Facial Droop

Study-reported

Needling · a single day

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1002/sim.4003 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI04 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1016/j.jams.2013.03.005 ↗

Protocol (5 points)

90%

LI02 · LI04 · ST06 · ST07 · ST44

Point 1 of 5

LI02Second Space

LI02 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 二間 (èr jiān)

🎯 Location: In the depression of the radial side of the index finger distal to the 2nd metacarpophalangeal joint; point located with finger slightly flexed.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in local skin infections.

🛡️ Treats: Tinnitus, Common Cold, Shoulder Pain, Pain, Deviation Eye

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

ST06Jaw Bone

ST06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 頰車 (jiá chē)

🎯 Location: One finger breadth (middle finger) anterior & superior to the lower angle of the mandible where masseter is prominent when teeth are clenched & depressive when it is pressed.

⚠️ Cautions: Needle shallowly and obliquely; avoid the facial artery and deep needling into the joint capsule.

🛡️ Treats: Wind, Pain, Deviation Eye, Facial Droop, Mumps

ST07Below The Arch

ST07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 下關 (xià guān)

🎯 Location: On the face anterior to the ear in the depression the between zygomatic arch and mandibular notch; point is located with mouth closed.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with temporal artery.

🛡️ Treats: Tinnitus, Swelling, Pain, Deafness, Deviation Eye

ST44Inner Court

ST44 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 內庭 (nèi tíng)

🎯 Location: Proximal to the web margin the between 2nd and 3rd toes in the depression the distal and lateral to the 2nd metatarsodigital joint.

⚠️ Cautions: Anticoagulant therapy or a coagulopathy raises the risk of haematoma at the needling site – apply prolonged pressure on withdrawal. The precaution governs technique; bleeding disorders remain a treatable indication.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Tinnitus, Common Cold, Constipation, Abdominal Pain

Text or case report

Point selection recorded in a clinical text or case report.

Tang Hua-Sheng et al.. [Controlled observation on combination of Shu-stream and Ying-spring acupoints for toothache].. Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion, 2013
Substantiated by a study. LI04, ST06, ST07 also appear in a study-reported protocol for the same search. That study did not test this prescription. doi:10.1002/sim.4003 ↗

Protocol (7 points)

90%

LI02 · LI04 · ST06 · ST07 · ST44 · TB17 · GB20

Point 1 of 7

LI02Second Space

LI02 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 二間 (èr jiān)

🎯 Location: In the depression of the radial side of the index finger distal to the 2nd metacarpophalangeal joint; point located with finger slightly flexed.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in local skin infections.

🛡️ Treats: Tinnitus, Common Cold, Shoulder Pain, Pain, Deviation Eye

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

ST06Jaw Bone

ST06 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 頰車 (jiá chē)

🎯 Location: One finger breadth (middle finger) anterior & superior to the lower angle of the mandible where masseter is prominent when teeth are clenched & depressive when it is pressed.

⚠️ Cautions: Needle shallowly and obliquely; avoid the facial artery and deep needling into the joint capsule.

🛡️ Treats: Wind, Pain, Deviation Eye, Facial Droop, Mumps

ST07Below The Arch

ST07 acupoint
Click to enlarge

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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 下關 (xià guān)

🎯 Location: On the face anterior to the ear in the depression the between zygomatic arch and mandibular notch; point is located with mouth closed.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with temporal artery.

🛡️ Treats: Tinnitus, Swelling, Pain, Deafness, Deviation Eye

ST44Inner Court

ST44 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 內庭 (nèi tíng)

🎯 Location: Proximal to the web margin the between 2nd and 3rd toes in the depression the distal and lateral to the 2nd metatarsodigital joint.

⚠️ Cautions: Anticoagulant therapy or a coagulopathy raises the risk of haematoma at the needling site – apply prolonged pressure on withdrawal. The precaution governs technique; bleeding disorders remain a treatable indication.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Tinnitus, Common Cold, Constipation, Abdominal Pain

TB17Hurricane

TB17 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 翳風 (yì fēng)

🎯 Location: Posterior to the lobule of the ear in the depression the between mandible and mastoid process.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution near facial nerve.

🛡️ Treats: Heat, Wind, Pain, Deviation Eye, Facial Droop

GB20Wind Pool

GB20 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 風池 (fēng chí)

🎯 Location: In the depression the between upper portion of the scm and trapezius on the same level with GV16.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with vertebral artery; avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Stress, Fever, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Wind

Text or case report

Point selection recorded in a clinical text or case report.

Tang Hua-Sheng et al.. [Controlled observation on combination of Shu-stream and Ying-spring acupoints for toothache].. Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion, 2013
Substantiated by a study. LI04, ST06, ST07, TB17 also appear in a study-reported protocol for the same search. That study did not test this prescription. doi:10.1002/sim.4003 ↗

Protocol (7 points)

90%

LI02 · LI04 · LI11 · ST06 · ST07 · ST44 · ST45

Point 1 of 7

LI02Second Space

LI02 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 二間 (èr jiān)

🎯 Location: In the depression of the radial side of the index finger distal to the 2nd metacarpophalangeal joint; point located with finger slightly flexed.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in local skin infections.

🛡️ Treats: Tinnitus, Common Cold, Shoulder Pain, Pain, Deviation Eye

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

LI11Pond At The Bend

LI11 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 曲池 (qū chí)

🎯 Location: When elbow is flexed point is in the depression the at the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease midway between LU05 and lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

⚠️ Cautions: Monitor blood pressure and avoid strong stimulation where hypertension is uncontrolled or unstable; hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency. Avoid excessive stimulation in weak patients.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Heat, Vomiting, Abdominal Bloating

ST06Jaw Bone

ST06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 頰車 (jiá chē)

🎯 Location: One finger breadth (middle finger) anterior & superior to the lower angle of the mandible where masseter is prominent when teeth are clenched & depressive when it is pressed.

⚠️ Cautions: Needle shallowly and obliquely; avoid the facial artery and deep needling into the joint capsule.

🛡️ Treats: Wind, Pain, Deviation Eye, Facial Droop, Mumps

ST07Below The Arch

ST07 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 下關 (xià guān)

🎯 Location: On the face anterior to the ear in the depression the between zygomatic arch and mandibular notch; point is located with mouth closed.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with temporal artery.

🛡️ Treats: Tinnitus, Swelling, Pain, Deafness, Deviation Eye

ST44Inner Court

ST44 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 內庭 (nèi tíng)

🎯 Location: Proximal to the web margin the between 2nd and 3rd toes in the depression the distal and lateral to the 2nd metatarsodigital joint.

⚠️ Cautions: Anticoagulant therapy or a coagulopathy raises the risk of haematoma at the needling site – apply prolonged pressure on withdrawal. The precaution governs technique; bleeding disorders remain a treatable indication.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Tinnitus, Common Cold, Constipation, Abdominal Pain

ST45Running Point

ST45 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 厲兌 (lì duì)

🎯 Location: On the lateral side of the 2nd toe 0.1 thumb width posterior to the corner of the nail.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders or diabetes.

🛡️ Treats: Poor Appetite, Knee Pain, Dizziness, Jaundice, Heat

Text or case report

Point selection recorded in a clinical text or case report.

Tang Hua-Sheng et al.. [Controlled observation on combination of Shu-stream and Ying-spring acupoints for toothache].. Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion, 2013
Substantiated by a study. LI04, ST06, ST07 also appear in a study-reported protocol for the same search. That study did not test this prescription. doi:10.1002/sim.4003 ↗

Protocol (7 points)

90%

LI02 · LI04 · ST06 · ST07 · ST44 · KD03 · KD06

Point 1 of 7

LI02Second Space

LI02 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 二間 (èr jiān)

🎯 Location: In the depression of the radial side of the index finger distal to the 2nd metacarpophalangeal joint; point located with finger slightly flexed.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in local skin infections.

🛡️ Treats: Tinnitus, Common Cold, Shoulder Pain, Pain, Deviation Eye

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

ST06Jaw Bone

ST06 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 頰車 (jiá chē)

🎯 Location: One finger breadth (middle finger) anterior & superior to the lower angle of the mandible where masseter is prominent when teeth are clenched & depressive when it is pressed.

⚠️ Cautions: Needle shallowly and obliquely; avoid the facial artery and deep needling into the joint capsule.

🛡️ Treats: Wind, Pain, Deviation Eye, Facial Droop, Mumps

ST07Below The Arch

ST07 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 下關 (xià guān)

🎯 Location: On the face anterior to the ear in the depression the between zygomatic arch and mandibular notch; point is located with mouth closed.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with temporal artery.

🛡️ Treats: Tinnitus, Swelling, Pain, Deafness, Deviation Eye

ST44Inner Court

ST44 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 內庭 (nèi tíng)

🎯 Location: Proximal to the web margin the between 2nd and 3rd toes in the depression the distal and lateral to the 2nd metatarsodigital joint.

⚠️ Cautions: Anticoagulant therapy or a coagulopathy raises the risk of haematoma at the needling site – apply prolonged pressure on withdrawal. The precaution governs technique; bleeding disorders remain a treatable indication.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Tinnitus, Common Cold, Constipation, Abdominal Pain

KD03Great Stream

KD03 acupoint
Click to enlarge

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🗺️ Meridian: Kidney Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 太谿 (tài xī)

🎯 Location: In the depression the between tip of the medial malleolus and achilles tendon.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, Heat Deficiency, Asthma

KD06Shining Sea

KD06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Kidney Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 照海 (zhào hǎi)

🎯 Location: In the depression the below tip of the medial malleolus.

⚠️ 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: Heat Deficiency, Dizziness, Constipation, Chest Fullness, Abdominal Bloating

Text or case report

Point selection recorded in a clinical text or case report.

Tang Hua-Sheng et al.. [Controlled observation on combination of Shu-stream and Ying-spring acupoints for toothache].. Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion, 2013
Substantiated by a study. LI04, ST06, ST07 also appear in a study-reported protocol for the same search. That study did not test this prescription. doi:10.1002/sim.4003 ↗
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How the studies delivered it

What the 2 studies behind the entries above ran, counted once per study. A record of the trials, not a recommendation.

  • Needling2 of 2

After a treatment: what large safety surveys recorded, and which reactions need a doctor.

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