6. Ancient Wisdom: The Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture, an age-old practice originating from traditional Chinese medicine, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. Though it might sound intimidating, acupuncture can be an incredibly soothing experience that helps to balance the body’s energy channels or ‘Qi.’
These energy pathways can affect various systems in the body, including the musculoskeletal system responsible for jaw tension and bruxism. An experienced acupuncturist can target points that correspond to your jaw muscles, aiming to release trapped energy and tension.
Interestingly, some acupuncturists use “auricular” acupuncture, targeting points on the ear that correspond to the jaw. Others might focus on areas around the jaw or even distal points on the hands and feet. The idea is to rebalance your energy flow, thus reducing the stress and muscle tension that contribute to teeth grinding.(6)
