How Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Can Help Alleviate Morning Sickness
August 9, 2025
Jaw pain and tension are more common than many people realise. Sometimes it’s caused by stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), or a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, jaw discomfort can affect your daily life—leading to stiffness, headaches, sleep problems, and even cracked teeth. Many people are now looking for natural ways to ease these symptoms. Acupuncture for jaw pain and Chinese medicine offers a holistic approach to relieving jaw pain and tension, while also addressing the root causes behind your clenching and grinding.
How many acupuncture sessions are needed for jaw pain?
Many people notice improvement after 2–3 sessions, though a full treatment plan may involve 6–8 sessions depending on severity and underlying causes, particularly if the condition is chronic (longer than 6 months).
Does acupuncture hurt when treating the jaw?
Acupuncture uses very fine needles, and most people find the treatment comfortable and even relaxing. Some feel a gentle tingling or warmth at the points.
Can acupuncture help with teeth grinding at night?
Acupuncture may help calm the nervous system and relax tight jaw muscles in some people, which may reduce night time grinding and improve sleep quality.
What Causes Jaw Pain and Tension?
Jaw pain can develop for several reasons, including:
- Stress and anxiety: Often leading to jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
- TMJ disorders: Causing stiffness, clicking, or even locking of the jaw.
- Muscle overuse: From chewing, poor posture, or repetitive habits.
- Headaches and neck pain: Which often links closely with jaw tension.
Acupuncture for jaw pain: A natural option for managing discomfort and tension.
Because these causes can be related, a whole-body approach like Chinese medical acupuncture may be helpful.
How Acupuncture May Help Jaw Pain
Acupuncture may help to release muscle tightness, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system. By placing fine needles in specific points, acupuncture encourages the jaw muscles to soften and eases the tension contributing to your discomfort. Many people notice relief during or shortly after treatment, and with regular sessions, longer-term symptom relief may be felt.
Lifestyle and natural options
Lifestyle adjustments, eating small frequent meals and avoiding triggers may assist. Consider integrating acupuncture for jaw pain along with your lifestyle adjustments for better results.
Acupuncture for TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and plays an important role in speaking and chewing. When this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can cause pain, clicking, or restricted movement. Acupuncture for TMJ disorders may help reduce inflammation, release muscle tightness, and restore comfortable jaw movement. Research suggests acupuncture may reduce TMJ-related pain and improve quality of life for some people. Acupuncture for jaw pain targets the underlying issues contributing to your discomfort, aiming to promote long-term relief.
Research
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2023 indicated that acupuncture, when combined with other treatments, may reduce the symptoms of TMJ pain. While the quality of evidence was rated as low and more research is needed, a 2024 randomised controlled trial indicated that acupuncture provided significant pain relief and improved both physical and emotional wellbeing compared to sham acupuncture for the participants in the research trial.
Acupuncture for jaw pain is a holistic approach that addresses both symptoms and underlying causes.
Acupuncture for Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Jaw clenching and teeth grinding often happen unconsciously, especially while you are sleeping. Over time, this can lead to worn-down or cracked teeth, headaches, and chronic jaw discomfort. Acupuncture for clenching and bruxism helps by calming the nervous system, reducing stress, and allowing overworked jaw muscles to relax. Some people report that after a series of treatments their clenching softens, nighttime grinding decreases, and overall stress levels improve.
Holistic Treatment for Jaw Pain and Tension
Chinese medicine sees the body as an interconnected system. Jaw pain is rarely just about the jaw—it may also relate to stress, sleep quality, posture, or even digestion. As a holistic treatment, acupuncture not only eases immediate symptoms but also supports your body’s natural balance. Lifestyle advice—such as relaxation techniques, stretching, applying warmth, or incorporating gentle movement practices like Tai Chi or Qigong—may further enhance results.
Release Jaw Tension with Acupuncture Points
Specific acupuncture points along the face, jaw, and body help encourage deep relaxation of tight jaw muscles. Some clients describe a sense of immediate relief during the session as the jaw “lets go.” This release may spread beyond the jaw, easing tension in the head, neck, and shoulders as well. Many individuals find that acupuncture for jaw pain not only alleviates symptoms but enhances overall wellbeing.
Acupuncture for Headaches Linked to Jaw Pain
Jaw clenching and grinding often go hand-in-hand with headaches or migraines, creating a cycle of discomfort. Acupuncture for headaches and jaw pain addresses both issues together. By reducing muscle tension and improving blood flow, acupuncture may bring relief that lasts beyond the treatment room.
What to expect in a TMJ acupuncture session
During a TMJ acupuncture session, very fine, sterile needles may be placed in the jaw, face, head, and other areas of the body to reduce tension and calm the nervous system. Many practitioners also include a soothing facial massage using acupressure and Chinese Tui Na techniques to further support relaxation. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, but people may begin noticing improvements after a few sessions.
Natural Relief for Jaw Pain
Experience the benefits of acupuncture for jaw pain and regain control over your life.
Jaw pain, tension, and clenching can affect everything from eating and speaking to sleeping comfortably. Acupuncture provides a natural, drug-free, and holistic way to ease these symptoms and restore balance, focusing on the cause of your discomfort. If you’ve been searching for support, acupuncture may be an option you’ve been looking for.
Contact us to discover how acupuncture for jaw pain can benefit you.
Book Your Jaw Pain Acupuncture Today
If jaw pain, clenching, or tension are impacting your daily life, you don’t have to manage it alone. Reach out to Peninsula Child and Family Acupuncture today to learn more with a free 15min consult or you can book your appointment online — and take the first step toward greater comfort and wellbeing.
Make the choice today to explore acupuncture for jaw pain and its potential benefits.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how acupuncture can help you achieve greater well-being.
