Acupressure for Toothaches
For those seeking relief from pain and many other symptoms in a natural way, a technique people are turning to in increasing numbers is acupressure. Acupressure is a traditional eastern medicine technique of applying pressure to points along the body’s various meridians. However, acupressure is also supported by science. In fact, studies have found that acupressure triggers the body to release various endorphins and promotes anti-inflammatory effects, which explains some of the benefit.
Those who engage in acupressure can find relief for a wide variety of ailments including fatigue, insomnia, headaches, cramping, motion sickness, muscle pain, and other aspects of wellness. Acupressure is beneficial due to a variety of things including its ease of use and effectiveness towards many problems. Acupressure can be particularly useful in providing relief from toothaches, which can cause a great deal of pain whether people get them frequently or are experiencing a problem and have a wait before they can see a dentist. Here are the top acupressure points for toothache relief.
SI 18
The SI18 acupressure point lies along the small intestine meridian, but is actually located on your face, making it a convenient one to access. Its Chinese name is Quanliao, which translates to “cheekbone crevice,” which gives a hint at where you’ll find this one. This acupressure point has a few different uses including addressing toothache, swollen gums, sinus congestion, and twitching of the eyelids.
Finding this acurpressure point is relatively simple. Simply trace a line from the outside of your eyes down towards your cheekbone. Find the hollow crevice on your cheekbone. This is the point and where you will apply pressure. You’ll want to apply firm, consistent pressure for up to one minute. Move your finger back and forth or in a circular motion to help trigger this point in an effective manner.
LI 14
This point is found along the large intestine meridian and goes by the name He Gu, which means “joining valley.” It is found on your hand. The joining valley acupressure point has a lot of different uses including headaches and providing for reductions in sinus congestion and inflammation. As you can see, it primarily governs the facial area, which is why it is very effective for providing relief from toothaches.
To access this point, simply hold your hand in front of you with your palm facing down. You will find the point near where your thumb connects with your index finger, hence the name joining valley. A trick to finding it is to rest your thumb next to your index finger. This will push the point upwards. The highest point of the muscle just inside of the base of your thumb is the point. Apply pressure for approximately thirty seconds in a circular manner. This point can be very sensitive, so be careful with the amount of pressure. If you feel discomfort, reduce the pressure. Additionally, it is important to note that this acupressure point is not recommended to be triggered by pregnant women as there is evidence that suggests it may induce labor. Due to the sensitivity of the area, this point should only be triggered a few times per day.
ST 36
Found on the stomach prime meridian, ST 36 is named Zusanli, which translates to “leg three miles.” This point was thought to harmonize and strengthen the spleen and stomach by tonifying qi and blood. It has a number of uses including assisting with gastric pain, coughing, and knee pain. However, it is also useful in relieving pain experienced from toothaches. This particular point is only recommended for relief of pain in toothaches on your upper teeth; thus, if your tooth pain comes from a lower tooth, ST 36 likely won’t provide relief.
This point can be found on your leg below your knee. If you place your hand on your kneecap, it is typically where you’re pinky will be resting thanks to the fact that our bodies have similar proportions. You’ll find it below and outside the knee. Explore the area under and around your pinky for a small depression between two bones. This is the point. Apply pressure for up to a minute then apply pressure to the point on your other leg. This point can be triggered as frequently as needed.
ST 6
Another point along the stomach meridian, ST 6 is known as jianjing or “shoulder well.” This is another point that you will find on your face. It is particularly useful for a number of things including assisting with swelling of the cheek and TMJ. In terms of toothache relief, this acupressure point helps provide relief for pain felt in the lower teeth. Thus, if your pain is in an upper tooth, you’ll want to try a different point.
This point is located roughly halfway between the corner of your mouth and the bottom of your earlobe, which may make finding it a bit difficult. However, there is a trick to help you find it more quickly. When you press your teeth together, this muscle tightens. Thus, holding your teeth together will allow you to feel it. If your toothache permits, you can even lightly press your teeth together while triggering it to improve access. Simply apply firm circular pressure for up the thirty seconds and then repeat on the other side. You may trigger this point several times a day.
Final Thoughts
Toothaches are things we all get from time to time and can be some of the most difficult pain to deal with due to the sensitivity of the nerves in our teeth. In many cases, the wait for the dentist may be longer than desired while over the counter medications may not effectively bring enough relief. Triggering acupressure points provides a way to naturally relieve pain through the release of chemicals within your body. This can be particularly useful for helping address troublesome toothaches. These four acupressure points are among the most effective in providing quick relief from tooth pain.
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