Painful Gumsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Oral Inflammations and Infections
Sub-symptom(s): Lower Gum Pain
Root Causes of Painful Gums in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Painful gums according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Heat
- Stomach
Heat
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Painful Gums
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Heat or Fire | Painful gums, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling hot, Acne... see more | Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang |
Stomach
In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more
Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Painful Gums
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Heat or Fire | Painful gums, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling hot, Acne... see more | Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Painful Gums
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address painful gums, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
- Formulas that clear heat from qi and blood
Top Formula for Heat:
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause painful gums, such as Stomach Heat or Fire
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Painful Gums Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Stomach Heat or Fire |
| Qing Wei San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
| Xie Huang San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
| Fei Er Wan | Stomach Heat or Fire |
| Hua Ban Tang | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
These formulas are suitable for some painful gums-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Qing Wei San, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for painful gums
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Qing Wei San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
| Xie Huang San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
These formulas are suitable for some painful gums-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some painful gums-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Fei Er Wan, with quisqualis fruit as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from Qi and Blood
These formulas are suitable for some painful gums-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Hua Ban Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Acupoints for Painful Gums
Explore below some acupoints used to address painful gums, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Triple Burner Channel
- Governing Vessel
- Directing Vessel
- Gall Bladder Channel
- Stomach Channel
Ermen TB-21
In the depression anterior to the supratragic notch and slightly superior to the condyloid process of the mandible. The point should be located and needled with mouth open. Tinggong SI-19 and Tinghui GB-2 are located below Ermen TB-21.
Xiaguan ST-7
In the depression at the lower border of the zygomatic arch, anterior to the condyloid process of the mandible. Xiaguan ST-7 is located when the mouth is closed.