Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction primarily presents with symptoms like joint pain, limited mouth opening, and joint clicking, often resulting from occlusal trauma, ligament laxity, or joint inflammation. Acupuncture has shown significant effectiveness in treating TMJ dysfunction, notably in alleviating joint pain and aiding the recovery of mouth opening and masticatory function.
Acupuncture at the Hegu (LI4) point is particularly effective in controlling TMJ pain and increasing the range of mouth opening. Improvements are often seen during the needle retention period or immediately after needle removal.
Acupuncture is especially suitable for patients with TMJ dysfunction who do not have significant joint damage but whose conditions are predominantly psychophysiological or neuromuscular disorders. This treatment approach focuses on the holistic balance of the body, addressing both the physical symptoms and underlying stress or muscular tension that can exacerbate TMJ dysfunction.