🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Toothache is a common symptom of dental and periodontal diseases, particularly noticeable when exposed to cold, heat, acid, or sweet stimuli. Traditional Chinese medicine attributes toothache to wind-fire, wind-cold, stomach heat, or deficient fire. Self-massage techniques can relieve toothache symptoms.
1. Preparation Position
Seated or standing, fully relaxed, eyes slightly closed, breathing evenly, rest quietly for 1–2 minutes.
2. Pressing Hegu Point (LI4)
Use the tip of the thumb to press the opposite Hegu point, other four fingers resting on the palm. Apply gradually increasing pressure for 0.5–1 minute.
Effect: Dispelling wind, clearing exterior, activating collaterals, relieving pain.
3. Massaging Xiaguan Point (ST7)
Use the fingertip of either middle or index finger on the same-side Xiaguan point, press and massage moderately for 0.5–1 minute.
Effect: Dispelling wind, clearing heat, relieving spasm, stopping pain.
4. Pressing Jia Che Point (ST6)
Use the pad of both thumbs on the same-side Jia Che point, apply gradually increasing pressure for 0.5–1 minute.
Effect: Relieving spasm, stopping pain, activating blood, reducing swelling.
5. Massaging Fengchi Point (GB20)
Use the fingertips of both thumbs on the same-side Fengchi point, other four fingers resting on both sides of the head. Press and massage moderately for 0.5–1 minute.
Effect: Expelling wind, dispelling cold, invigorating the mind.
6. Pressing Shaohai Point (HT3)
Use the tip of the thumb on the opposite Shaohai point, press moderately for 0.5–1 minute.
Effect: Expelling wind, dispelling cold, unblocking collaterals, relieving pain.
7. Massaging Yangxi Point (LI5)
Use the pad of the thumb on the opposite Yangxi point, press moderately for 0.5–1 minute.
Effect: Clearing intestinal heat, cooling, relieving pain.
8. Pressing Toothache Point
Use the tip of the thumb on the opposite Toothache point, press moderately for 0.5–1 minute.
Effect: Activating blood, relieving pain, unblocking collaterals.
9. Massaging Facial Area
Use the palm of both hands on the same-side cheek, massage moderately for 0.5–1 minute, aiming for warmth in the cheek area.
Effect: Activating collaterals, dispelling cold, relieving spasm, easing pain.
10. Pushing Xingjian Point (LR2)
Use the pad of one thumb on the opposite Xingjian point, push up and down moderately for 0.5–1 minute.
Effect: Reducing swelling, relieving pain, unblocking collaterals.
Self-massage can be performed during pain episodes. During facial massage, gradually increase pressure until a sense of soreness and distension spreads to the painful area—focus mainly on the affected side. For limb massage, use bilateral points. Also maintain good oral hygiene daily.
Tip:
Hegu Point (LI4): Located at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone, lateral side—on the web between thumb and index finger.
Xiaguan Point (ST7): Located 1 cun anterior to the ear screen, in the depression formed by the zygomatic arch and mandibular notch.
Jia Che Point (ST6): Located 1 cun anterior to the angle of the jaw, at the bulge of the masseter muscle when biting.
Fengchi Point (GB20): Located in the depression lateral to the posterior neck tendons.
Shaohai Point (HT3): Located at the midpoint of the line connecting the medial end of the elbow crease and the medial epicondyle of the humerus, when the elbow is flexed.
Yangxi Point (LI5): Located in the depression between the tendons of the extensor pollicis brevis and extensor pollicis longus, when the thumb is raised.
Toothache Point: Located between the third and fourth metacarpal bones on the palm, about 1 cun from the transverse palmar crease.
Xingjian Point (LR2): Located at the junction between the first and second toes, behind the webbing at the red-white flesh boundary.