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Tooth pain
17 Tooth pain Introduction Toothache is a complaint commonly encountered in daily practice. Postoperative toothache refers to the occurrence of pain after operation at one or more teeth, either at the upper or lower dental alveoli. Usually there is tooth pain prior to the operation, with possible aggravation or residual tooth pain after the operation. Postoperative tooth pain can occur after cementoma, cracking of a crown, dentognathic deformity, dental fixation by ligature, dental prosthesis, dental cyst, odontoneuralgia, pulp necrosis, pulpectomy, tooth trauma, tooth transplantation, gingival pyorrhoea, gingivectomy, periodontal infection or abscess and gingival carcinoma. In mild cases, as well as toothache, there would be increased sensitivity of the teeth to sour, cold and hot food. However, in severe toothache, there would be headache, a swollen cheek, gum bleeding, eating difficulties, fever or chills, or even insomnia and restlessness. The following channels, divergences or sinews have connections with the teeth: ● ● ●
The Stomach channel enters the upper teeth. The branch of the Large Intestine channel, from the supraclavicular fossa, runs upward to the neck, passes through the cheek, and enters the gum of the lower teeth. A branch of the Connecting Vessel of the Large Intestine channel runs along the arm to LI-15 Jianyu, crosses the jaw and extends to the teeth.
Postoperative tooth pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine is usually caused by invasion of Toxic-Heat, accumulation of Heat in the Stomach, hyperactivity of Deficient Kidney-Fire, deficiency of Kidney-Yang and bacterial infection.
Treatment based on differentiation INVASION OF TOXIC-HEAT SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS Acute postoperative toothache with continuous aggravation, aggravation of toothache by eating hot food and alleviation of the pain by consuming cold foods and beverages, swelling of the gum with slight bleeding, fever, aversion to cold, throat pain, thirst, constipation, a red tongue
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tooth pain (especially the tip) with a thin yellow coating, and a superficial and rapid pulse.
PRINCIPLE OF TREATMENT Clear the Heat, remove the Toxin, reduce the swelling and relieve the toothache.
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT LI-2 Erjian, LI-4 Hegu, LI-6 Pianli, LI-7 Wenliu, ST-6 Jiache, ST-7 Xiaguan, ST-34 Liangqiu, ST-40 Fenglong, ST-42 Chongyang, ST-43 Xiangu, ST-44 Neiting and SP-6 Sanyinjiao. Reducing method is applied on all these points.
109
5. If there is thirst, add KI-6 and LU-8 to promote the secretion of Body Fluids and relieve the thirst. 6. If there is cough and expectoration of yellow phlegm, add LU-7 and LU-5 to clear the Heat, disperse the Lung-Qi and relieve the cough.
ACCUMULATION OF HEAT IN THE STOMACH SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS Postoperative toothache, swelling and redness of the gums or gum bleeding, thirst, a dry mouth, a preference for cold drinks, a foul smell from the mouth, constipation, restlessness, a red tongue with a dry yellow coating, and a rapid and forceful pulse.
EXPLANATIONS ●
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LI-2 and ST-44, the Spring points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, and LI-4 and ST-42, the Source points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, are used to clear the Heat, remove the Toxin and relieve the toothache. LI-7 and ST-34, the Accumulation points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, and LI-6 and ST-40, the Connecting points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, are used to harmonise the collaterals, promote the Qi and Blood circulation and relieve the toothache. ST-43, the Stream point, is used to harmonise the collaterals of the Stomach, benefit the teeth and relieve the toothache. SP-6, the crossing point of the three Yin channels of the foot, is used to promote the Qi and Blood circulation and relieve the toothache. ST-6 and ST-7, the local points, are used to regulate the collaterals and relieve the toothache.
PRINCIPLE OF TREATMENT Clear the Heat, promote defecation, consolidate the teeth and relieve the toothache.
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT LI-4 Hegu, LI-11 Quchi, ST-4 Dicang, ST-5 Daying, ST-6 Jiache, ST-7 Xiaguan, ST-34 Liangqiu, ST-36 Zusanli, ST-40 Fenglong, ST-42 Chongyang, ST-43 Xiangu, ST-44 Neiting, SP-2 Dadu and SP-6 Sanyinjiao. Reducing method is applied on all these points.
EXPLANATIONS ●
MODIFICATIONS 1. If there is gum bleeding, add SP-10 to clear the Heat, cool the Blood and stop the bleeding. 2. If there is fever, add GV-14 and LI-11 to clear the Heat and reduce the fever. 3. If there is headache, add GB-20 to relieve the headache. 4. If there is a painful and swollen throat, add LU-10 to clear the Heat, remove the Toxin and relieve the pain in the throat.
Ch17-F10361.indd 109
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ST-44 and SP-2, the Spring points of the Stomach channel and the Spleen channel, respectively, LI-11 and ST-36, the Sea points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, and LI-4 and ST-42, the Source points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, are used to clear the Heat in the Stomach channel and organ and relieve the toothache. ST-34 and ST-40, the Accumulation point and the Connecting point of the Stomach channel, respectively, are used to harmonise the collaterals, promote the Qi and Blood circulation and relieve the toothache. ST-43, the Stream point, is used to harmonise the collaterals of the Stomach, benefit the teeth and relieve the toothache.
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110 ●
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sense organ pain after the operation
SP-6, the crossing point of the three Yin channels of the foot, is used to promote the Qi and Blood circulation and relieve the toothache. ST-4, ST-5, ST-6 and ST-7, the local points, are used to regulate the collaterals and relieve the toothache.
EXPLANATIONS ●
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MODIFICATIONS 1. If there is bleeding of the gums, add SP-10 to clear the Heat, cool the Blood and stop the bleeding. 2. If there is a foul smell from the mouth and stomach pain, add CV-12, the Alarm Mu point of the Stomach, to clear the Heat, improve the digestion and harmonise the Stomach. 3. If there is nausea and vomiting, add PC-6, the Confluent point of the Yin Linking Vessel, and SP-4, the Connecting point and the Confluent point of the Penetrating Vessel, to descend the StomachQi and stop the vomiting. 4. If there is constipation, add ST-25, the Alarm Mu point of the Large Intestine, to clear the Heat, promote defecation and relieve the constipation.
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KI-2, the Spring point, and LI-4, the Source point of the Large Intestine channel, are used to clear the Heat and reduce the Deficient-Fire so as to relieve the toothache. KI-6, and KI-7, the Metal point, are used to promote the secretion of Body Fluids and nourish the Yin of the Kidney so as to control the Deficient-Fire. KI-3, the Source point, and KI-10, the Sea point, are applied to tonify the Kidney and regulate the physiological functions of the Kidney so as to treat deficiency of the Kidney. KI-10 is also the Water point of the Kidney channel, being able to nourish the Yin directly and promote the secretion of Body Fluids in the Kidney. SP-6 nourishes general Yin and tonifies the Kidney. ST-4, ST-5, ST-6 and ST-7 are the local points, applied to circulate the Qi and Blood in the area and harmonise the collateral so as to relieve the toothache.
MODIFICATIONS HYPERACTIVITY OF DEFICIENT KIDNEYFIRE SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS Chronic and intermittent toothache, aggravation of pain after the operation, toothache with a slight burning pain, loose teeth, slight redness of the gum, swelling of the gum, thirst, redness of the throat, night sweating, dry stool, lower back pain, weakness of the knees, restlessness, insomnia, a red tongue with a scanty coating, and a thready and rapid pulse, but weak at the Stomach and Kidney positions.
PRINCIPLE OF TREATMENT
1. If there is lower back pain and weakness of the knees due to deficiency of the Kidney-Yin, add BL-23, the Back Transporting point of the Kidney, and BL-58, the Connecting point of the Bladder channel, to tonify the Kidney, harmonise the collateral and relieve the lower back pain. 2. If there is nocturia due to weakness of KidneyQi, add KI-6 to tonify the Kidney and stop the nocturia. 3. If there is general tiredness due to deficiency of Kidney-Essence, add CV-4 and CV-6 to tonify the Kidney and benefit the Kidney-Essence. 4. If there is insomnia and dream-disturbed sleep due to a disharmony between the Kidney and the Heart, add HT-3 and HT-8 to calm the Heart, nourish the Heart-Yin and reduce the Deficient-Fire so as to improve sleep.
Nourish the Kidney-Yin, descend the Deficient-Fire and relieve the toothache.
DEFICIENCY OF KIDNEY-YANG ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
KI-2 Rangu, KI-3 Taixi, KI-6 Zhaohai, KI-7 Fuliu, KI-10 Yingu, LI-4 Hegu, SP-6 Sanyinjiao, ST-4 Dicang, ST-5 Daying, ST-6 Jiache and ST-7 Xiaguan. Reducing method is applied on KI-2 and LI-4; even method is used on ST-4, ST-5, ST-6 and ST-7; reinforcing method is used on the remaining points.
Chronic toothache with intermittent aggravation, alleviation of the pain by warmth, aggravation of or residual tooth pain after the operation, loose teeth, lack of redness and swelling of the gums, an aversion to cold, cold hands and feet, excess salivation, lower back pain, impotence, profuse clean urine, a pale
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tooth pain tongue with a thin, wet coating and tooth marks, and a deep, thready and slow pulse, particularly at the right Kidney position.
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3. If there is water retention with swollen legs and face due to failure of the Kidney-Yang to control water metabolism, add CV-7 and SP-9 to eliminate Excessive Water and relieve the oedema.
PRINCIPLE OF TREATMENT Tonify the Yang, eliminate the Cold and relieve the toothache.
BACTERIAL INFECTION SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT KI-3 Taixi, KI-10 Yingu, SP-3 Taibai, ST-4 Dicang, ST-5 Daying, ST-6 Jiache, ST-7 Xiaguan, ST-36 Zusanli and CV-4 Guanyuan. Even method is applied on ST-4, ST-5, ST-6 and ST-7; reinforcing method is used on the remaining points. Moxibustion should be applied.
Residual toothache after tooth extraction for caries, intermittent occurrence of toothache, aggravation of toothache by touch, chewing or contact with sour food, aggravation of pain after the operation, and a wiry pulse.
PRINCIPLE OF TREATMENT EXPLANATIONS ●
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KI-3, the Source point, and KI-10, the Sea point, are applied to tonify the Kidney and regulate the physiological functions of the Kidney so as to treat deficiency of Kidney-Yang. SP-3, the Source point, and ST-36, the Sea point, are used to tonify the Spleen and Stomach to promote the production of Qi and Yang in the body. CV-4 reinforces the Yuan-Qi to tonify the Kidney, warms the Interior and eliminates Cold. ST-4, ST-5, ST-6 and ST-7 are the local points, applied to circulate the Qi and Blood in the local areas and harmonise the collaterals so as to relieve the toothache. When moxibustion is used, the effect in arresting pain and eliminating Interior Cold will be strengthened.
Clear the Toxin and relieve the toothache.
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT LI-4 Hegu, LI-6 Pianli, LI-7 Wenliu, ST-4 Dicang, ST5 Daying, ST-6 Jiache, ST-7 Xiaguan, ST-40 Fenglong, ST-42 Chongyang, ST-43 Xiangu and SP-6 Sanyinjiao. Reducing method is applied on all these points.
EXPLANATIONS ●
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MODIFICATIONS 1. If there is lower back pain, weakness of the knees and nocturia due to deficiency of the Kidney-Yang, add BL-23, the Back Transporting point of the Kidney, and BL-58, the Connecting point of the Bladder channel, with moxibustion to reinforce Kidney-Yang, harmonise the collateral and relieve the lower back pain. 2. If there is general tiredness, dizziness and poor memory due to deficiency of Kidney-Yang, add CV-6 with moxibustion to tonify the Kidney-Yang and relieve tiredness.
Ch17-F10361.indd 111
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LI-4 and ST-42, the Source points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, are used to clear the Toxin and relieve the toothache. LI-6 and ST-40, the Connecting points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, and LI-7, the Accumulation point of the Large Intestine channel, are used to harmonise the collaterals, promote the Qi and Blood circulation and relieve the toothache. ST-43, the Stream point, is used to harmonise the collaterals of the Stomach, benefit the teeth and relieve the toothache. SP-6, the crossing point of the three Yin channels of the foot, is used to promote the Qi and Blood circulation and relieve the toothache. ST-4, ST-5, ST-6 and ST-7, the local points, are used to regulate the collaterals and relieve the toothache.
11/4/06 9:49:44 AM
112
sense organ pain after the operation
MODIFICATIONS 1. If there is restlessness due to pain, add HT-3 and HT-7 to calm the Heart and tranquillise the Shen. 2. If there is a craving for sweet food, add ST-44 and SP-2, the Spring points, to clear the Heat and diminish the desire for sweet food. 3. If there is constipation, add ST-25, the Alarm Mu point of the Large Intestine, and ST-37, the Lower Uniting-He point of the Large Intestine, to promote defecation and relieve the constipation.
Ch17-F10361.indd 112
Alternative techniques Other acupuncture techniques and points can be used in the treatment of tooth pain, as follows: ●
●
Ear acupuncture: select points at tooth1, tooth2, upper mandible, lower mandible, Kidney, adrenals, the sympathetic nerves and the Stomach Wrist and ankle acupuncture: select points at upper region 1 and upper region 2.
11/4/06 9:49:45 AM
The Stomach channel enters the upper teeth. The branch of the Large Intestine channel, from the supraclavicular fossa, runs upward to the neck, passes through the cheek, and enters the gum of the lower teeth. A branch of the Connecting Vessel of the Large Intestine channel runs along the arm to LI-15 Jianyu, crosses the jaw and extends to the teeth.
Postoperative tooth pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine is usually caused by invasion of Toxic-Heat, accumulation of Heat in the Stomach, hyperactivity of Deficient Kidney-Fire, deficiency of Kidney-Yang and bacterial infection.
Treatment based on differentiation INVASION OF TOXIC-HEAT SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS Acute postoperative toothache with continuous aggravation, aggravation of toothache by eating hot food and alleviation of the pain by consuming cold foods and beverages, swelling of the gum with slight bleeding, fever, aversion to cold, throat pain, thirst, constipation, a red tongue
108
Ch17-F10361.indd 108
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tooth pain (especially the tip) with a thin yellow coating, and a superficial and rapid pulse.
PRINCIPLE OF TREATMENT Clear the Heat, remove the Toxin, reduce the swelling and relieve the toothache.
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT LI-2 Erjian, LI-4 Hegu, LI-6 Pianli, LI-7 Wenliu, ST-6 Jiache, ST-7 Xiaguan, ST-34 Liangqiu, ST-40 Fenglong, ST-42 Chongyang, ST-43 Xiangu, ST-44 Neiting and SP-6 Sanyinjiao. Reducing method is applied on all these points.
109
5. If there is thirst, add KI-6 and LU-8 to promote the secretion of Body Fluids and relieve the thirst. 6. If there is cough and expectoration of yellow phlegm, add LU-7 and LU-5 to clear the Heat, disperse the Lung-Qi and relieve the cough.
ACCUMULATION OF HEAT IN THE STOMACH SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS Postoperative toothache, swelling and redness of the gums or gum bleeding, thirst, a dry mouth, a preference for cold drinks, a foul smell from the mouth, constipation, restlessness, a red tongue with a dry yellow coating, and a rapid and forceful pulse.
EXPLANATIONS ●
●
●
●
●
LI-2 and ST-44, the Spring points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, and LI-4 and ST-42, the Source points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, are used to clear the Heat, remove the Toxin and relieve the toothache. LI-7 and ST-34, the Accumulation points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, and LI-6 and ST-40, the Connecting points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, are used to harmonise the collaterals, promote the Qi and Blood circulation and relieve the toothache. ST-43, the Stream point, is used to harmonise the collaterals of the Stomach, benefit the teeth and relieve the toothache. SP-6, the crossing point of the three Yin channels of the foot, is used to promote the Qi and Blood circulation and relieve the toothache. ST-6 and ST-7, the local points, are used to regulate the collaterals and relieve the toothache.
PRINCIPLE OF TREATMENT Clear the Heat, promote defecation, consolidate the teeth and relieve the toothache.
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT LI-4 Hegu, LI-11 Quchi, ST-4 Dicang, ST-5 Daying, ST-6 Jiache, ST-7 Xiaguan, ST-34 Liangqiu, ST-36 Zusanli, ST-40 Fenglong, ST-42 Chongyang, ST-43 Xiangu, ST-44 Neiting, SP-2 Dadu and SP-6 Sanyinjiao. Reducing method is applied on all these points.
EXPLANATIONS ●
MODIFICATIONS 1. If there is gum bleeding, add SP-10 to clear the Heat, cool the Blood and stop the bleeding. 2. If there is fever, add GV-14 and LI-11 to clear the Heat and reduce the fever. 3. If there is headache, add GB-20 to relieve the headache. 4. If there is a painful and swollen throat, add LU-10 to clear the Heat, remove the Toxin and relieve the pain in the throat.
Ch17-F10361.indd 109
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ST-44 and SP-2, the Spring points of the Stomach channel and the Spleen channel, respectively, LI-11 and ST-36, the Sea points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, and LI-4 and ST-42, the Source points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, are used to clear the Heat in the Stomach channel and organ and relieve the toothache. ST-34 and ST-40, the Accumulation point and the Connecting point of the Stomach channel, respectively, are used to harmonise the collaterals, promote the Qi and Blood circulation and relieve the toothache. ST-43, the Stream point, is used to harmonise the collaterals of the Stomach, benefit the teeth and relieve the toothache.
11/4/06 9:49:44 AM
110 ●
●
sense organ pain after the operation
SP-6, the crossing point of the three Yin channels of the foot, is used to promote the Qi and Blood circulation and relieve the toothache. ST-4, ST-5, ST-6 and ST-7, the local points, are used to regulate the collaterals and relieve the toothache.
EXPLANATIONS ●
●
MODIFICATIONS 1. If there is bleeding of the gums, add SP-10 to clear the Heat, cool the Blood and stop the bleeding. 2. If there is a foul smell from the mouth and stomach pain, add CV-12, the Alarm Mu point of the Stomach, to clear the Heat, improve the digestion and harmonise the Stomach. 3. If there is nausea and vomiting, add PC-6, the Confluent point of the Yin Linking Vessel, and SP-4, the Connecting point and the Confluent point of the Penetrating Vessel, to descend the StomachQi and stop the vomiting. 4. If there is constipation, add ST-25, the Alarm Mu point of the Large Intestine, to clear the Heat, promote defecation and relieve the constipation.
●
● ●
KI-2, the Spring point, and LI-4, the Source point of the Large Intestine channel, are used to clear the Heat and reduce the Deficient-Fire so as to relieve the toothache. KI-6, and KI-7, the Metal point, are used to promote the secretion of Body Fluids and nourish the Yin of the Kidney so as to control the Deficient-Fire. KI-3, the Source point, and KI-10, the Sea point, are applied to tonify the Kidney and regulate the physiological functions of the Kidney so as to treat deficiency of the Kidney. KI-10 is also the Water point of the Kidney channel, being able to nourish the Yin directly and promote the secretion of Body Fluids in the Kidney. SP-6 nourishes general Yin and tonifies the Kidney. ST-4, ST-5, ST-6 and ST-7 are the local points, applied to circulate the Qi and Blood in the area and harmonise the collateral so as to relieve the toothache.
MODIFICATIONS HYPERACTIVITY OF DEFICIENT KIDNEYFIRE SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS Chronic and intermittent toothache, aggravation of pain after the operation, toothache with a slight burning pain, loose teeth, slight redness of the gum, swelling of the gum, thirst, redness of the throat, night sweating, dry stool, lower back pain, weakness of the knees, restlessness, insomnia, a red tongue with a scanty coating, and a thready and rapid pulse, but weak at the Stomach and Kidney positions.
PRINCIPLE OF TREATMENT
1. If there is lower back pain and weakness of the knees due to deficiency of the Kidney-Yin, add BL-23, the Back Transporting point of the Kidney, and BL-58, the Connecting point of the Bladder channel, to tonify the Kidney, harmonise the collateral and relieve the lower back pain. 2. If there is nocturia due to weakness of KidneyQi, add KI-6 to tonify the Kidney and stop the nocturia. 3. If there is general tiredness due to deficiency of Kidney-Essence, add CV-4 and CV-6 to tonify the Kidney and benefit the Kidney-Essence. 4. If there is insomnia and dream-disturbed sleep due to a disharmony between the Kidney and the Heart, add HT-3 and HT-8 to calm the Heart, nourish the Heart-Yin and reduce the Deficient-Fire so as to improve sleep.
Nourish the Kidney-Yin, descend the Deficient-Fire and relieve the toothache.
DEFICIENCY OF KIDNEY-YANG ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
KI-2 Rangu, KI-3 Taixi, KI-6 Zhaohai, KI-7 Fuliu, KI-10 Yingu, LI-4 Hegu, SP-6 Sanyinjiao, ST-4 Dicang, ST-5 Daying, ST-6 Jiache and ST-7 Xiaguan. Reducing method is applied on KI-2 and LI-4; even method is used on ST-4, ST-5, ST-6 and ST-7; reinforcing method is used on the remaining points.
Chronic toothache with intermittent aggravation, alleviation of the pain by warmth, aggravation of or residual tooth pain after the operation, loose teeth, lack of redness and swelling of the gums, an aversion to cold, cold hands and feet, excess salivation, lower back pain, impotence, profuse clean urine, a pale
Ch17-F10361.indd 110
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tooth pain tongue with a thin, wet coating and tooth marks, and a deep, thready and slow pulse, particularly at the right Kidney position.
111
3. If there is water retention with swollen legs and face due to failure of the Kidney-Yang to control water metabolism, add CV-7 and SP-9 to eliminate Excessive Water and relieve the oedema.
PRINCIPLE OF TREATMENT Tonify the Yang, eliminate the Cold and relieve the toothache.
BACTERIAL INFECTION SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT KI-3 Taixi, KI-10 Yingu, SP-3 Taibai, ST-4 Dicang, ST-5 Daying, ST-6 Jiache, ST-7 Xiaguan, ST-36 Zusanli and CV-4 Guanyuan. Even method is applied on ST-4, ST-5, ST-6 and ST-7; reinforcing method is used on the remaining points. Moxibustion should be applied.
Residual toothache after tooth extraction for caries, intermittent occurrence of toothache, aggravation of toothache by touch, chewing or contact with sour food, aggravation of pain after the operation, and a wiry pulse.
PRINCIPLE OF TREATMENT EXPLANATIONS ●
●
● ●
●
KI-3, the Source point, and KI-10, the Sea point, are applied to tonify the Kidney and regulate the physiological functions of the Kidney so as to treat deficiency of Kidney-Yang. SP-3, the Source point, and ST-36, the Sea point, are used to tonify the Spleen and Stomach to promote the production of Qi and Yang in the body. CV-4 reinforces the Yuan-Qi to tonify the Kidney, warms the Interior and eliminates Cold. ST-4, ST-5, ST-6 and ST-7 are the local points, applied to circulate the Qi and Blood in the local areas and harmonise the collaterals so as to relieve the toothache. When moxibustion is used, the effect in arresting pain and eliminating Interior Cold will be strengthened.
Clear the Toxin and relieve the toothache.
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT LI-4 Hegu, LI-6 Pianli, LI-7 Wenliu, ST-4 Dicang, ST5 Daying, ST-6 Jiache, ST-7 Xiaguan, ST-40 Fenglong, ST-42 Chongyang, ST-43 Xiangu and SP-6 Sanyinjiao. Reducing method is applied on all these points.
EXPLANATIONS ●
●
MODIFICATIONS 1. If there is lower back pain, weakness of the knees and nocturia due to deficiency of the Kidney-Yang, add BL-23, the Back Transporting point of the Kidney, and BL-58, the Connecting point of the Bladder channel, with moxibustion to reinforce Kidney-Yang, harmonise the collateral and relieve the lower back pain. 2. If there is general tiredness, dizziness and poor memory due to deficiency of Kidney-Yang, add CV-6 with moxibustion to tonify the Kidney-Yang and relieve tiredness.
Ch17-F10361.indd 111
●
●
●
LI-4 and ST-42, the Source points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, are used to clear the Toxin and relieve the toothache. LI-6 and ST-40, the Connecting points of the Large Intestine channel and the Stomach channel, respectively, and LI-7, the Accumulation point of the Large Intestine channel, are used to harmonise the collaterals, promote the Qi and Blood circulation and relieve the toothache. ST-43, the Stream point, is used to harmonise the collaterals of the Stomach, benefit the teeth and relieve the toothache. SP-6, the crossing point of the three Yin channels of the foot, is used to promote the Qi and Blood circulation and relieve the toothache. ST-4, ST-5, ST-6 and ST-7, the local points, are used to regulate the collaterals and relieve the toothache.
11/4/06 9:49:44 AM
112
sense organ pain after the operation
MODIFICATIONS 1. If there is restlessness due to pain, add HT-3 and HT-7 to calm the Heart and tranquillise the Shen. 2. If there is a craving for sweet food, add ST-44 and SP-2, the Spring points, to clear the Heat and diminish the desire for sweet food. 3. If there is constipation, add ST-25, the Alarm Mu point of the Large Intestine, and ST-37, the Lower Uniting-He point of the Large Intestine, to promote defecation and relieve the constipation.
Ch17-F10361.indd 112
Alternative techniques Other acupuncture techniques and points can be used in the treatment of tooth pain, as follows: ●
●
Ear acupuncture: select points at tooth1, tooth2, upper mandible, lower mandible, Kidney, adrenals, the sympathetic nerves and the Stomach Wrist and ankle acupuncture: select points at upper region 1 and upper region 2.
11/4/06 9:49:45 AM