Published: 2026-07-21 | By SEASONS Wellness
Jaw tension, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, and teeth grinding (bruxism) are incredibly common in modern life. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the jaw is closely connected to the Stomach and Gallbladder meridians, which both pass through the face and jaw. When stress causes Liver Qi to stagnate, it affects the Stomach meridian (Wood overacting on Earth in the Five Elements cycle), manifesting as jaw clenching and facial tension.
Location: In the depression below the cheekbone, in front of the ear opening. Open your jaw slightly to find the spot.
Technique: Press gently with your index finger for 1-2 minutes on each side. You may feel a tender spot or clicking sensation.
Benefits: Directly relaxes the jaw muscles, relieves TMJ pain, reduces facial swelling.
Location: At the belly of the masseter muscle. Clench your jaw and feel for the muscle bulge on the lower cheek.
Technique: Press firmly with your thumb or knuckle while opening and closing your mouth slowly. Massage in small circles for 2 minutes on each side.
Benefits: Releases the masseter muscle, the primary muscle involved in teeth grinding.
Location: In the depression in front of the ear, slightly above ST-7.
Technique: Press gently with your index finger. Open and close your mouth while pressing.
Benefits: Relieves jaw clicking, ear pressure, and tinnitus associated with TMJ.
Location: Just below SI-19, in a small depression below the ear.
Technique: Press gently while opening your jaw slightly.
Benefits: Eases jaw pain radiating to the ear, relieves tension headaches.
Location: In the webbing between the thumb and index finger.
Technique: Press firmly with your opposite thumb for 1 minute on each hand.
Benefits: The master point for facial pain. Relieves jaw tension, headaches, and sinus pressure.
Note: Avoid during pregnancy.
Location: Between the big toe and second toe, 1-2 inches up from the webbing.
Technique: Press firmly for 1 minute on each foot.
Benefits: Moves stagnant Liver Qi, addressing the root emotional cause of jaw clenching. Reduces stress and irritability.
Location: At the base of the skull, on either side of the neck.
Technique: Interlock fingers behind head, use thumbs to press into the hollows. Tilt head back slightly.
Benefits: Releases neck and shoulder tension that often accompanies jaw pain.
Consult a licensed acupuncturist or healthcare provider if you experience:
Jaw tension is often a physical manifestation of stress and Liver Qi stagnation. By combining acupressure with stress management and dietary adjustments, you can find lasting relief from TMJ pain and bruxism naturally.
Explore more acupressure techniques in our facial acupressure guide or try the SEASONS app.
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