Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different temporomandibular joint dysfunction patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, commonly referred to as TMJ, is a condition affecting the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. Characterized by pain, restricted movement, and an audible clicking, TMJ dysfunction can impede everyday activities like speaking and eating.
Though its exact cause may be multifactorial, factors such as jaw injury, habitual clenching, arthritis, and stress are often implicated in its development, leading to a range of symptoms from discomfort to severe pain and limited jaw function.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a 'pattern' is a diagnostic framework that explains a person's health condition in terms of an imbalance in the body's natural systems. It is a cornerstone of TCM diagnosis and treatment, representing a composite of all signs and symptoms, including emotional disposition, pulse, and tongue characteristics.
Understanding a patient's specific pattern is vital because it guides the practitioner to the most effective treatment strategy. This personalized approach, centered on the individual's pattern of disharmony, ensures that the treatment targets not just the symptoms but the root cause of the condition as well.
TCM Patterns for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Painful Obstruction with Liver and Kidney Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Fine (Xi), Slow (Chi), Weak (Ruo)
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address temporomandibular joint dysfunction