5 Acupoints Good for Toothache — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

Introduction

Few pains are as unbearable as a sudden toothache. Many people experience pain that strikes in the middle of the night or suffer while waiting for a dental appointment. Modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine have long recommended acupoint stimulation for relieving facial pain. In particular, acupoints around the face have rich nerve distribution, so acupressure alone can provide quick relief. In this article, we’ll introduce five of the most effective acupoints for toothache relief and the correct acupressure techniques.

Five Acupoints Effective for Toothache

1. Hegu (LI4) — The Starting Point for Pain Relief

Location: This point is located where the thumb and index finger meet, at the highest part of the muscle between the fingers. When your palm faces up, it’s located in the webbing between the thumb and index finger.

Acupressure Technique: Using the thumb of the opposite hand, press firmly on the Hegu point and hold for 10 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat this 10 times, and perform the same technique on both hands. The pressure intensity should be firm enough to feel slight discomfort.

Effects: As a primary acupoint on the Large Intestine meridian, it’s excellent for relieving pain throughout the face. It’s especially widely used for alleviating tooth pain, jaw pain, and headaches. It’s effective not only for toothaches but also for migraines and trigeminal neuralgia.

2. Jiache (ST6) — The Specialty Acupoint for Jaw Pain

Location: Located about 1cm above the lower jaw edge in the direction of the ear. It’s positioned directly above where the masseter muscle (chewing muscle) protrudes when your mouth is closed.

Acupressure Technique: Locate the Jiache point with your index or middle finger, then apply pressure at a slight angle toward the ear. Press firmly for 10 seconds, then massage in circular motions about 10 times before slowly releasing. Perform this on both sides of the jaw.

Effects: As an acupoint on the Stomach meridian, it’s especially effective for jaw joint pain and tooth pain around the lower teeth. Stimulating this point relieves muscle tension around the jaw, quickly alleviating pain.

3. Xiaguan (ST7) — The Special Remedy for Lower Tooth Pain

Location: Located in the depression below the cheekbone, approximately 1cm below the ear in the direction of the lower jaw. It’s positioned directly in front of where the joint moves when you slightly open your mouth.

Acupressure Technique: Locate Xiaguan with your index or middle finger, then apply vertical downward pressure and press for 10 seconds. Perform circular massage motions 10-15 times, then slowly release. Repeat on both sides.

Effects: As a primary acupoint on the Stomach meridian, it’s especially effective for lower incisor pain and jaw pain. It’s even more effective when stimulated together with Jiache (ST6).

4. Yingxiang (LI20) — Relief for Pain Around the Nose and Mouth

Location: Located in the area where the wrinkle beside the nostril deepens, slightly below the outer corners of the nose. It’s at the point where a vertical line drawn upward from the corner of the mouth meets this area.

Acupressure Technique: Locate Yingxiang simultaneously with both index fingers, then apply pressure at a slight angle toward the nostrils and press for 10 seconds. Perform circular massage motions 10-15 times, then slowly release. Use light pressure since this area is sensitive.

Effects: As an acupoint on the Large Intestine meridian, it’s effective for relieving tooth pain in the upper incisors and around the nose. It’s particularly beneficial for toothaches caused by maxillary swelling or those associated with sinusitis.

5. Sanjian (LI3) — The Emergency Acupoint on Your Hand

Location: Located between the index and middle finger metacarpals on the back of the hand, in the area where hand creases appear. It’s directly below where your index finger touches when you make a fist.

Acupressure Technique: Locate the Sanjian point with the thumb of the opposite hand and press vertically for 10-15 seconds. Repeat this 5-10 times, then massage by moving your finger up and down. Perform this on both hands.

Effects: As an acupoint on the Large Intestine meridian, when used together with Hegu (LI4), the pain-relieving effect is doubled. It’s very useful in emergencies since it can be easily stimulated anytime and anywhere.

5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine

When toothache strikes suddenly, follow this routine in order:

1. Hegu Acupressure (1 minute) — 30 seconds on each hand, medium-to-firm pressure
2. Jiache Acupressure (1 minute) — 30 seconds on each side of the jaw, being mindful of the jaw joint
3. Xiaguan Acupressure (1 minute) — 30 seconds on each side, maintaining downward pressure
4. Yingxiang Acupressure (1 minute) — 30 seconds simultaneously on both sides, light pressure
5. Sanjian Acupressure (1 minute) — 30 seconds on each hand, final step

Tip: After performing the routine once, wait about 15 minutes and repeat if necessary. You can repeat up to 3-4 times per day.