A nasty toothache has the power to spoil a meal and cast a shadow over the rest of your day. But could an ancient Chinese medical tradition hold the key to the relief you seek?
Acupressure, a practice dating back over 2,000 years, is revered by many for its ability to ease muscle aches and pains naturally. Proponents suggest that specific pressure points can even provide relief from toothaches.
What exactly is acupressure?
Think of acupressure as a holistic approach to healthcare. It involves applying pressure to certain points on the body, prompting the body to ease tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. You can do this through self-massage or enlist the help of a professional or a friend.
How do you perform acupressure?
Acupressure can be practised at home or at a specialised therapy centre. If you opt for the home route, choose a peaceful, stress-free spot in your living environment to enhance your focus and reap the full benefits of acupressure.
Here’s a simple guide:
- Find a comfortable position.
- Take deep breaths and aim to relax your muscles and limbs.
- Apply firm pressure to each point through massage or rubbing.
- Repeat as desired.
- Cease if you experience severe pain.
Top 5 pressure points for toothaches
Small Intestine 18: SI18
Situated perpendicular to the outer edge of your eye and your nose, the Small Intestine 18 point, also known as the cheekbone hole, is commonly used to alleviate toothaches, swollen gums, and tooth decay.
Gall Bladder 21: GB21
Located at the top of your shoulder, precisely between the end of your shoulder and the side of your neck, GB21 is believed to assist with facial pain, neck discomfort, and headaches.
Large Intestine 4: LI4
Found between your thumb and index finger, LI4 is utilised for headaches, stress, and other pains above the neck. You can locate it by resting your thumb next to the second knuckle of your index finger.
Stomach 6: ST6
Ideal for mouth and tooth issues, ST6 sits halfway between the corner of your mouth and the bottom of your earlobe. It’s the muscle that tenses when you clench your teeth together naturally.
Stomach 36: ST36
Commonly targeted for nausea, fatigue, and stress, ST36 lies beneath your knee. Place your hand on your kneecap, and you’ll typically find it where your pinky finger rests. Apply pressure downwards, towards the outer edge of your shin bone.
When to seek medical advice
While acupressure can offer temporary relief, it’s crucial not to replace a visit to your dentist or doctor with this practice. However, it can serve as a stopgap measure until you can arrange a professional appointment.
Contact your doctor if:
- Your pain intensifies or becomes unbearable.
- You develop a fever.
- There’s swelling in your mouth, face, or neck.
- You experience difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- You notice bleeding from the mouth.
In conclusion
Acupressure may provide temporary respite from tooth, gum, or mouth pain by targeting specific pressure points. Nonetheless, it’s imperative to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough examination and treatment. If acupressure causes extreme discomfort, discontinue immediately.
To minimise future discomfort, maintaining proper oral hygiene and making dietary adjustments can often prevent tooth pain altogether.
I believe that nutrition science is a wonderful helper both for the preventive improvement of health and adjunctive therapy in treatment. My goal is to help people improve their health and well-being without torturing themselves with unnecessary dietary restrictions. I am a supporter of a healthy lifestyle – I play sports, cycle, and swim in the lake all year round.
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