Acupuncture for TMJ Relief

How Acupuncture Relieves Jaw Clenching, Grinding & TMJ Headaches

By Dr. Julie Nelson, TCM & Acupuncture | Kitsilano, Vancouver

Jaw clenching and teeth grinding—also known as bruxism—are extremely common and often happen during sleep without you even realizing it. Over time, this creates tightness in the jaw muscles, inflammation in the TMJ joint, and can lead to temporal headaches, facial tension, ear pressure, and even neck pain.

In Kitsilano, I treat a large number of patients who come in with headaches that are actually being triggered by their jaw. The good news is that acupuncture and targeted facial therapies can help relieve both the symptoms and the underlying causes.

Why Jaw Clenching Causes Headaches

When the jaw muscles—especially the masseter and temporalis—stay tight for long periods of time, they pull on the muscles and fascia of the head and face. This tension often radiates upward, causing:

Temporal headaches
Pain behind the eyes
Ear fullness or ringing
Jaw fatigue
Limited mouth opening
Neck and shoulder tightness

Many people wear a mouthguard at night. While mouthguards protect your teeth and gums, they do not stop jaw tension, nor do they prevent headaches caused by overactive jaw muscles.

How Acupuncture Helps TMJ Pain & Headaches

Acupuncture is highly effective for releasing jaw tension because it relaxes the muscles, improves blood flow, and calms the nervous system. In my Kitsilano practice, I use a three-step treatment approach:

1. Buccal Massage (Internal TMJ Release)

This specialized technique gently softens and releases tight jaw muscles from inside the cheek. It helps reduce trigger points and immediately improves jaw mobility.

2. Acupuncture for the Jaw, Neck & Head

Specific points along the masseter, temporalis, TMJ, and upper traps help:

Reduce jaw tension
Stop clenching
Improve alignment and mobility
Relieve temporal headaches
Calm the stress response

Most patients feel relief during the very first session.

3. Facial Cupping for Circulation & Relaxation

Facial cupping increases blood flow, reduces tightness across the temples and jaw, and helps the tissues stay relaxed between treatments.

Together, these therapies form a powerful combination for natural, lasting relief.

Results You Can Expect

Many people experience:

Immediate relaxation of the jaw
Less clicking or popping
Fewer headaches
Better sleep
A softer, more relaxed facial expression
Improved range of motion when opening the mouth

With consistent treatment, the jaw begins to re-pattern itself, reducing the habit of clenching.

Treating the Root Cause: Emotional Tension

While jaw clenching is physical, it often has an emotional component. Many people clench their jaw when they feel:

Stressed
Overwhelmed
Unable to express their truth
Suppressed in communication
“Holding things in”

Clients often describe it as “biting down on my feelings.”

Part of the healing process is giving the nervous system a way to soften and express. I frequently recommend journaling to help release emotions, reduce internal pressure, and create more awareness around stress patterns.