Facial acupuncture, often known as cosmetic acupuncture or facial rejuvenation acupuncture, is a popular treatment sought by many for its potential to improve complexion, reduce signs of aging, and promote overall skin health. However, facial acupuncture has more to offer beyond vanity. It can also be a valuable therapy for addressing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, teeth grinding, and jaw tension.
What is TMJ?
TMJ, short for temporomandibular joint, refers to the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. Many individuals experience symptoms related to the jaw, such as teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, and jaw chomping due to stress or other underlying causes like trigeminal neuralgia or nerve pain.
Teeth grinding is often noticed by a partner who hears the grinding noise during sleep. Additionally, waking up with aching jaw muscles can be a sign of teeth grinding. Stress is a common factor contributing to teeth grinding.
Dentists and doctors can provide initial strategies to minimize damage to the teeth, such as using a mouthguard. However, if stress-induced unconscious tension is the underlying cause, acupuncture can help with general relaxation and nerve calming. Acupuncture addresses unconscious stress, racing thoughts, and a busy mind at night, which can lead to tensing of the neck and jaw muscles during sleep.
How does Facial Acupuncture help with TMJ?
Facial acupuncture can offer long-term strategies for managing stress, promoting restful sleep, and aiding relaxation. By targeting specific points around the TMJ, such as motor points in the masseter and temporalis muscles, acupuncture can release tension and promote muscle relaxation. The insertion of needles in the jaw muscles helps alleviate localized tension and enhances the relaxation of the fascia.
While facial acupuncture is commonly associated with improving complexion and addressing skin issues like acne and discoloration, it also serves as an effective therapy for pain management and neuralgia in the face. TMJ pain, teeth grinding, and clenching can be effectively addressed through facial acupuncture. Acupuncture's ability to relax and calm individuals extends to the muscles of the jaw, providing relief from discomfort.
Combining Facial Acupuncture with Buccal Massage
To further amplify the benefits of facial acupuncture for TMJ and teeth grinding, the addition of buccal massage can be immensely beneficial. Buccal massage involves gentle manipulation of the facial muscles inside the mouth. This technique can provide additional relief by targeting the muscles directly involved in jaw movement and TMJ pain. Combining facial acupuncture and buccal massage creates a synergistic effect, enhancing relaxation, relieving tension, and promoting overall jaw health.
