Pressure Points for Gingivitis

Original Sources: sunningdaledentalblog.comwww.summitdental.com

Readers will likely be familiar with the saying “the enemy isn’t outside of us but lies within”, a reality as old as the days of the Trojan horse. The suffix “itis” attaches itself to the names of parts of the body undergoing various forms of inflammation. One may suffer from tendinitis, which is an inflammation of a tendon, or bursitis, an inflammation of a fluid filled sac which assists in joint mobility… and such like. Our interest today is directed toward the mouth, in particular the gums.

An impatient reader: “This leaves me incredulous! In one post, he’s discussing the history and importance of the Dojo Kun, the precepts of the training hall, and now he’s slacking off somewhere into…gum disease!” He shows nothing but contempt for The Way!”

Hold on just a moment, please…healing and martial arts are inseparable, and have been so for eons. Healing is an expression of benevolence, and therefore lies at the heart of The Way. Healing is knowledge, and acting upon that knowledge. Martial knowledge and the knowledge of healing, they’re not kindred spirits per se, they…like The Way…are one.

My rant is over. Let’s return to the inside of our mouths. Gingivitis is a periodontal disease often caused by a reaction to bacterial plaque which, if it isn’t addressed, may lead to periodontitis which in turn may lead to tooth loss. Obviously, treatment is important.

The best and most direct treatment comes from a health care practitioner. Nevertheless, you may be able to expedite the healing process by employing martial art pressure points. I’m going to list some of the more prominent points for you. But again, I stress, please see a health care practitioner for the most complete approach! Let’s run through these points –

Source: www.acucn.com

GV 28 – between the upper gum and the frenulum of the upper lip

Original Source: prd-minisites.prevention.com

ST 4 – at the side of both corners of the mouth

Source: acupunctureschoolonline.com

TW 17 – behind both earlobes, in the depression between the mastoid process and the mandible

Original Source: www.jackthreads.com

GV 16 – in the depression below the base of the skull

Source: www.herbalshop.com

SI 4 – between the fifth metacarpal bone and the hamate bone on the ulnar side of both hands

Original Source: nationtrendz.com

SI 2– in the web between the ring fingers and the little fingers

Source: acupressurepointsguide.com

LI 4– in the web between both thumbs and the second metacarpal bones in the protrusion of the muscle in the middle of the second metacarpal bones

Listed then are seven acupoints of which most if not all will be familiar to readers who train in pressure point strikes, grips, and the like but an obvious detail about administering any type of pressure to these points is…don’t hurt yourself doing it. Press lightly while experimenting with the angle of pressure. Don’t press for a second and shout up to the rooftops: “I’m cured…I’m cured of all that ails me!” because, for one thing, it won’t be true, and secondly, flower pots will rain down on your head in reply.

I’ve found, especially when working with non-martial artists in industrial settings, that out of seven points, SI 2 or SI 4 will be the cat’s meow for Sandra over in production whereas for Vladimir back in shipping, ST 4 is more important to him then a weekend in Vegas. So do try all seven – while you’re on the phone making that all important dental appointment – and see which one feels the most comfortable, and which dutifully begins to channel away the redness in the gums and the swelling near the teeth.