Anatomical relevance of some acupuncture points in the head and neck region that dictate medical or dental application depending on depth of needle insertion.
Many of the acupuncture points on the face, according to classic acupuncture textbooks, could be used to treat facial pain, paralysis, and toothache. But it is not specified which acupuncture point would be effective for which tooth. Many of these points, when used for the treatment of dental pain, often fail. From an anatomical point of view, we describe which acupuncture point to use for each specific area for effective treatment of dental pain. Also, we emphasize the importance of the depth of needle insertion, especially the necessity to touch the facial bone, for effective pain treatment. When performed properly, acupuncture can be very effective for relief of dental pain.
Lu
Dominic P
DP
University of Pennsylvania, USA.
Lu
Gabriel P
GP
D015667:Acupuncture Analgesia / Q000379:methods*; D015669:Acupuncture Points / Q000145:classification*; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000473:pathology*; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D006257:Head / Q000294:innervation* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000294:innervation* / Q000473:pathology; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D014098:Toothache / Q000628:therapy*; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000473:pathology*