Lip Stiffnessaccording to TCM

What is Lip Stiffness?

Lip stiffness, also known as rigid lips or tight lips, refers to a condition where the lips feel tight, inflexible, or difficult to move. This can be due to various underlying causes, including inflammation, nerve damage, or muscular issues. The stiffness may be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, numbness, or swelling, and can significantly impact daily activities like speaking, eating, and facial expressions. Understanding the underlying cause of lip stiffness is essential for effective treatment and management.

How Does TCM View Lip Stiffness?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lip stiffness is seen as a manifestation of imbalances or blockages in the body's meridians. Unlike Western medicine, which may focus on the mechanical or neurological causes of stiffness, TCM looks at patterns such as Wind invasion, Blood Stasis, or Qi Stagnation. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial in TCM, as it determines the treatment approach, which aims to restore harmony and balance within the body to alleviate symptoms.

Acupoints for Lip Stiffness

Acupuncture is a common method in TCM used to treat lip stiffness by stimulating specific acupoints to restore the flow of Qi and alleviate stiffness. For example, Ermen (TB-21), located in the depression anterior to the supratragic notch, is used to benefit the ears and expel Wind, which can help alleviate stiffness in the lips.

Another useful acupoint is Duiduan (DU-27), situated on the midline at the junction of the philtrum and upper lip, known for clearing Heat and benefiting the mouth. By targeting these and other relevant acupoints, TCM aims to harmonize the body's internal environment, providing relief from stiffness and improving overall health.

Explore below some acupoints used to address lip stiffness, organized by meridian.