Temporalis
Body region：Head
Dull ache in the temple area, side-head pain when clenching the teeth
Function
Originates from the temporal fossa and inserts at the coronoid process of the mandible. Raises and retracts the jaw.
Common causes
Teeth grinding, clenching, stress and excessive chewing.
Massage and stretching
- Fingertips make small circles on the side of the head
- Relax the jaw
Related acupoints
- Taiyang (EX-HN5)：Depression about one finger-width behind the point between the eyebrow tail and the outer eye corner
- Baihui (GV20)：Top of the head, where the midline meets the line between the tips of the two ears
- Fengchi (GB20)：Depression below the base of the skull, outside the two large neck tendons
Related meridians
Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang、Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming
When to see a doctor：Sudden severe headache with vomiting, vision changes or fever: seek medical care immediately.