Abdominal acupuncture effective treatment for temporomandibular pain

Italian clinicians have found that abdominal acupuncture (AA) is an effective treatment for chronic facial pain related to temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and can improve mandibular function. The study involved 28 patients with subacute chronic pain related to TMD that was non-responsive to previous conventional therapies such as occlusal splint, medications and physical therapy. The patients underwent two sessions of AA per week for four weeks. Acupuncture points were used based on Bo’s method of abdominal acupuncture, including Zhongwan REN-12, Xiawan REN-10, Qihai REN-6, Guanyuan REN-4, Huaroumen ST-24, Shangfengshidan (0.5 cun lateral and superior to Huaroumen ST-24), Shangqu KID-17 and Yindu KID-19. The results showed statistically significant improvements in maximum mouth opening, oral functioning and subjective pain perception with AA, along with reduced interference of pain on patients' quality of life.

Abdominal Acupuncture for Non-Responding TMD Patients: a Retrospective Observational Study in General Practice. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2023 Apr 30;16(2):56-64.