Perspectives on Integrative Medicine

Review Article

Evaluating the Efficacy of Warm Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture in Temporomandibular Disorder: A Narrative Review: Lisa Dal Pozzo, Secondo Scarsella, Maria Abad Arranz; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(2):87-95. Published online June 23, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.06.003

Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) causes jaw pain, difficulty speaking/eating, and discomfort referred to the head, neck, and shoulders. Western treatments (anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, muscle relaxants) may have side effects or may be unsuitable for older adults due to polypharmacy risks. Nonpharmacological options like physiotherapy and magnetic therapy are promising, but acupuncture, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has gained attention for its efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine attributes TMD to Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and pathogenic factors (cold, wind, dampness), leading to pain and stiffness. Acupuncture reduces pain, improves jaw mobility, and decreases joint noises, and has long-term benefits and low recurrence of TMD. Techniques like warm acupuncture and electroacupuncture lower inflammation and alleviate local/distal symptoms. This review compiles studies on acupuncture’s role in TMD treatment (mono or combined therapy) and draws from Western and Chinese databases. Acupuncture offers a safe, effective alternative, particularly for patients where conventional drugs are unsuitable.

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