Headache, Neck & Jaw Treatments
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), headaches, neck pain, and jaw discomfort are often caused by factors like wind, cold, and dampness invasion, poor blood circulation, liver yang rising, or improper nourishment of muscles and bones. The neck is considered a gathering point for the "yang meridians," closely related to the three yang meridians of the arms and legs. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is particularly connected to the stomach, triple warmer, and gallbladder meridians, making it vital to unblock these meridians and balance energy to relieve pain.
At Refine Health, we combine traditional Chinese medicine with modern rehabilitation therapies to provide comprehensive treatment for headache, neck pain, and jaw discomfort (TMD).
Our approach integrates Fascia Relief, acupuncture, and manual therapies to strengthen the treatment effects, balance energy, and treat both the root cause and symptoms.
Who Can Benefit from This Treatment ？
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Emotional stress-induced headaches, migraines, and individuals with liver yang excess
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Those experiencing TMJ-related symptoms like ear ringing, jaw popping, or dizziness
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People with chronic teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or neck stiffness
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Women who suffer from menstrual headaches or recurring pain due to qi stagnation and blood stasis
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Individuals with persistent discomfort but no clear structural abnormalities detected by conventional medicine ("unexplained pain")
Why Refine Health？
Leading Integrative Approach
At Refine Health, we combine the best of traditional Chinese medicine and modern rehabilitation therapies to ensure a balanced approach to healing.
Comfortable and Relaxing Environment
Our quiet, soothing clinic environment promotes emotional relaxation, helping regulate the nervous system and improve treatment outcomes.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Each client receives a customized treatment plan based on their individual body constitution, medical history, and lifestyle.
Long-Term Recovery and Function
Our goal is not only to alleviate pain but also to restore balance, prevent recurrence, and improve overall body coordination.
What to Expect During the Treatment？
Treatment Duration and Frequency
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Initial Treatment Frequency: 1-2 sessions per week for the first 2-3 weeks.
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Consolidation Phase: 1 session per week for 2-4 weeks.
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Session Duration: Acupuncture and manual therapy combined for approximately 60 minutes.
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For advanced treatments: When combined with modern fascial techniques or nerve mobilization, sessions may extend to 75-90 minutes.
Service Process
Initial TCM Diagnosis and Assessment (10 - 15 minutes)
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Using the four diagnostic methods of TCM (looking, listening, asking, and palpating), we assess your body’s condition, identify the root causes of your pain (such as liver yang rising, phlegm obstruction, or blood deficiency), and check for tenderness in areas like the neck, jaw muscles, and temporalis.
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We will also assess any blockages in relevant meridians, such as the foot yangming, foot shaoyang, and hand taiyang meridians.
Acupuncture Treatment (40 - 60 minutes)
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For headaches and neck pain: Points such as Baihui, Fengchi, Tianzhu, Lieque, and Taichong are used to regulate blood and qi, calm liver yang, and unblock meridians.
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For TMJ discomfort, popping, and difficulty opening the mouth: Key points like Jiache, Xiaguan, Hegu, Yifeng, and Taiyang help improve local circulation, relax muscles, and release fascia tension.
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Additional treatments may include cupping, warm needling, or moxibustion to dispel cold, unblock meridians, and reduce pain.
Manual Therapy (15 - 20 minutes)
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Focused on releasing fascia tension along the neck, shoulders, and jaw, targeting areas like the sternocleidomastoid, masseter, temporalis, and suboccipital muscles.
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Techniques include gua sha, fascia scraping, or heat therapy to improve circulation and alleviate discomfort.
Functional Exercises and Lifestyle Guidance
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We teach simple exercises for the neck and head, such as Ba Duan Jin or relaxation breathing techniques.
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Advice on avoiding activities like prolonged mouth opening, teeth clenching, and improper sleeping postures to prevent triggering pain.
FAQs
Q1: Does acupuncture for head and facial areas hurt Is it safe？
A: The acupuncturist uses gentle, shallow needles in safe, well-defined points, ensuring minimal discomfort. Facial acupuncture uses very fine needles, which are generally painless.
Q2: How long will it take to see results？
A: Many clients notice significant improvements after 2-3 sessions. For more severe cases, 4-6 sessions may be needed to achieve lasting results.
Q3: Can I combine this treatment with modern rehabilitation therapies？
A: Yes, we highly recommend combining acupuncture with fascia release, nerve mobilization techniques, and functional training to address multiple sources of pain effectively.