Why Do You Clench Your Teeth? A TCM Perspective on Bruxism

Jaw feeling tight? Constant clenching and tension could be more than just stress. In TCM, it signals internal disharmony—often involving the Liver, Stomach, or Kidneys.

Do you wake up with jaw pain, tight facial muscles, or worn-down teeth? You may be experiencing bruxism, commonly known as teeth clenching or grinding. While often dismissed as a dental issue, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views chronic teeth clenching as a deeper reflection of your body's internal imbalances.

Rather than just managing symptoms, TCM aims to treat the root cause — whether it's emotional stress, organ disharmony, or blocked energy flow.

What Causes Teeth Clenching in TCM?

In TCM, the Liver, Stomach, and Kidneys are often involved in chronic jaw tension. Teeth clenching is rarely an isolated issue; it's usually a sign that your body is under internal stress.

1. Liver Qi Stagnation Turning into Liver Fire

The Liver governs the smooth flow of Qi and emotions. When stress or frustration is left unresolved, Liver Qi can stagnate and build up as internal heat. This “Liver Fire” rises to the head and face, leading to jaw tension, headaches, and restless sleep.

Common signs:

• Jaw clenching or grinding at night

• Irritability or anger

• Tension headaches or migraines

• Red eyes or face

2. Stomach Heat or Food Stagnation

Late-night eating, overconsumption of spicy, greasy, or processed foods, and irregular meals can cause heat and stagnation in the Stomach. This excess heat rises and agitates the nervous system during sleep, causing nighttime clenching.

Common signs:

• Teeth grinding at night

• Bad breath or bitter taste

• Constipation or bloating

• Waking up feeling unrested

3. Kidney Deficiency

The Kidneys are the foundation of bone and teeth health in TCM. If your Kidney Essence (Jing) is depleted—whether from overwork, chronic illness, or aging—your teeth may weaken and become more vulnerable to grinding-related damage.

Common signs:

• Loose teeth

• Lower back pain

• Tiredness and poor recovery

• Night sweats or tinnitus

How TCM Treats Teeth Clenching

A TCM practitioner doesn't just treat the jaw—they look at your whole body to understand the pattern behind the clenching. Treatment often includes a blend of the following:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture regulates the nervous system, calms excess Liver activity, and supports underlying deficiencies. Points along the jaw, head, Liver, and Stomach meridians are often used to release tension and reduce grinding.

Herbal Medicine

Custom herbal formulas are prescribed based on your individual pattern. They may clear heat, soothe the Liver, aid digestion, or nourish the Kidneys. For example:

• Long Dan Xie Gan Tang for Liver Fire

• Zuo Gui Wan for Kidney Yin Deficiency

• Bao He Wan for food stagnation

Tuina or Bojin for the Face and Jaw

Gentle facial massage or bojin therapy can help release tight jaw muscles, reduce fascia restrictions, and improve circulation in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Lifestyle Recommendations

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially at night

• Minimize screen time before bed

• Reduce emotional stress with breathing techniques or journaling

• Avoid spicy and greasy foods if you’re prone to internal heat

A Word from Dr. Judy

At our clinic, Dr. Judy, a TCM physician with a special interest in stress-related conditions and facial tension, offers personalized treatments for patients struggling with teeth clenching. Her approach combines gentle acupuncture, bojin facial therapy, and tailored herbal formulas to address both the physical and emotional triggers behind bruxism.

If you’re tired of waking up with a sore jaw or tight neck, it’s time to explore what your body is really trying to tell you. Dr. Judy is here to guide you on a holistic path to better sleep, less tension, and a calmer mind.