Overview
Dysfunction of temporomandibular joint refers to a series of symptoms as joint snap, pain and difficulty in opening mouth and it is also called temporomandibular joint syndrome. It is included in "pain on the cheeks", "trismus" or "lockjaw" in TCM. It is mainly caused by the temporomandibular joint hurting due to the wind-cold pathogen attacks the cheeks or the cheeks injury. The principle of acupuncture treatment is dredging the meridian, dispersing wind-cold pathogen and alleviating pain.

Treatment
1. Xiaguan (ST7)
The point on the affected side is selected. After routine sterilization, ask the patient to keep the mouth closing. Puncture the point 0.8-1 cun with a filiform needle. After manipulation and getting arrival of qi, reducing method by lifting and thrusting the needle is applied. The needling sensation should be radiated to the whole temporomandibular joint. The needle is retained for 30 minutes. The treatment is applied once every day, 15-20 times for one course. The mild moxibustion is also applicable and 3-5 minutes for each point, until the local skin become flush. For those having megalgia, electrotherapy can be taken. ST 7 is connected to the negative pole and ST6 is connected to the positive one. The continuous and low-frequency wave is selected, 150-200 times per minute, make sure that the patients could bear the intensity. 15-30 times per minute. 2-3 times each week, and 7 times for one course.

2. Ashi Point
Point injection therapy is applicable for those having intractable conditions. 0.5%-1% procaine hydrochloride 1 ml is injected once only in Ashi point of the local temporomandibular joint. Before injection, make sure there is no feedback of blood. The treatment is applied twice each week as one course.

Note
In acupuncture therapy, electrotherapy can be used for those having severe pain; acupuncture combined with moxibustion can be used for those having long duration; and point injection therapy can be used for those having intractable conditions. Ask the patients to massage the temporomandibular joint at ordinary times, and it is helpful for strengthening the function of the joint.