Teeth Grinding — TCM Food Therapy & Dietary Approach
In TCM, teeth grinding is traditionally associated with disharmony of the zang-fu organs and unrest of the sinews.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns
In TCM, this concern is differentiated into several patterns, each with a classical herbal formula:
Phlegm-Damp Obstructing the Middle
Formula: Erchen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction) — from *Formulary of the Bureau of the People's Welfare Pharmacies*
Internal Stirring of Liver Wind (Liver Yang Rising)
Formula: Tianma Gouteng Yin (Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction) — from *Zhong Yi Nei Ke Za Bing Zheng Zhi Xin Yi*
Parasitic accumulation (worm accumulation) (Intestinal Parasites)
Formula: Shi Jun Zi San (Quisqualis Powder) — from *Supplemented Pocket Formulary of Pediatrics*
Food accumulation transforming into heat (Food Stagnation in the Spleen and Stomach)
Formula: Baohe Wan (Harmony-Preserving Pill) — from *Teachings of Master Danxi*
These formulas are for reference under TCM syndrome differentiation and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Food Therapy & Diet
Dietary Therapy Recipes
- Goji Leaf, Daylily and Pork Pancreas Soup: 250 g fresh goji leaves, 20 daylily buds, 2-3 candied jujubes, 1 pork pancreas; simmer into a soup.
- Tangerine Peel Infusion: chew fresh tangerine peel or steep dried tangerine peel as tea; use for 2-3 days.
- Black Sesame Milk Paste: roast and grind black sesame, then blend with warm milk.
- Longan Sweet Soup: simmer dried longan flesh into a sweet soup; drink warm before bed.
- Smoked Plum Congee: simmer 20 g smoked plums to extract the juice, then cook with 100 g japonica rice into congee.
Dietary Principles
- Favor calcium-rich foods that may help calm the mind: milk, soy products, sesame, pork rib soup.
- Favor foods that may support the spleen and resolve dampness: Chinese yam, poria, coix seed, tangerine peel, longan.
- Keep dinner light and eat to about 70-80% fullness.
- Relax before bed and soak the feet in warm water.
- Avoid eating to fullness or late-night snacks before bed.
- Avoid spicy, fried, raw, cold, sweet, and greasy foods and candy.
- Avoid coffee, strong tea, chocolate, and cola.
- Avoid tension, stimulation, and over-excitement before bed.
Understanding the Condition
In TCM, teeth grinding is traditionally associated with disharmony of the zang-fu organs and unrest of the sinews. Intestinal parasites disturbing qi movement, damp-phlegm obstructing the middle and blocking the Yangming meridians, internal liver wind stirring the sinews, and food stagnation transforming into heat causing an unsettled stomach and restless sleep, together with a restless mind and deficiency of qi and blood failing to nourish the sinews, were all associated with bruxism.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.