Swelling Of The Masseter Muscleaccording to TCM

What is Swelling of the Masseter Muscle?

Swelling of the masseter muscle is a noticeable enlargement and inflammation of one of the primary muscles responsible for chewing. This condition can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to significant pain, impacting an individual's ability to speak, eat, and make facial expressions.

In the realm of Western medicine, such swelling might be attributed to direct muscle injury, infection, or systemic conditions that cause inflammation. However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the diagnosis and treatment follow a distinct path, rooted in centuries-old theories of energy pathways and balance within the body.

How Does TCM View Swelling of the Masseter Muscle?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, swelling of the masseter muscle is often seen through the lens of energy disruptions or blockages within the body's meridians. The masseter muscle, according to TCM, may swell due to Wind invasion, which is considered a pathogenic influence that corresponds to symptoms appearing rapidly and changing locations.

Dampness can also be implicated, representing fluid imbalance and leading to swelling. TCM practitioners focus on discerning the underlying patterns by evaluating the individual's overall constitution, lifestyle, and the interplay of their internal organ systems. This evaluation is critical as it guides the choice of treatment strategies, such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and dietary adjustments aimed at rectifying the identified imbalances.

Acupoints for Swelling Of The Masseter Muscle

When it comes to the treatment of masseter muscle swelling, TCM turns to targeted acupoint therapy, a cornerstone of acupuncture practice. For instance, the Jiache point on the Stomach Channel, identified by its precise anatomical location on the jaw, is traditionally manipulated to alleviate swelling.

According to TCM principles, stimulating Jiache helps to expel the pathogenic Wind and alleviate the Dampness that may be contributing to the muscle's swelling. This approach is emblematic of TCM's holistic strategy, seeking not only to diminish the local manifestation of swelling but also to restore systemic harmony and proper flow of Qi, or vital energy, thereby addressing both the symptom and its root cause.

See more details below about Jiache ST-6, an acupoint used to address swelling of the masseter muscle.

Jiache ST-6

One finger-breadth anterior and superior to the lower angle of the mandible where masseter muscle attaches at the prominence of the muscle when the teeth are clenched.