Acupressure for Pediatric Dental Treatments in San Mateo, CA

What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is a gentle, complementary therapy that comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to help reduce pain and promote relaxation.

In TCM, the body’s energy, or “qi,” flows through channels called meridians. When these meridians become blocked, discomfort or illness may occur. Acupressure helps restore balance and enhance overall well-being.

At Dr. Laleh Vakili’s pediatric dental practice in San Mateo, we understand that dental visits can be stressful for children. Acupressure offers a safe, non-invasive way to help manage anxiety and discomfort during dental treatments.

Comfortable, Calm Dental Visits for Kids

At Smilez R Us, our acupressure techniques help children relax and feel at ease during dental treatments. Safe, gentle, and effective, it’s a natural way to reduce anxiety and discomfort.

Call us: 650-372-9292 Book An Appointment

How Acupressure Helps During Dental Care for Kids

Research suggests that acupressure can help alleviate discomfort associated with dental injections and make children feel calmer during treatment. Some of the proposed benefits include:

Pain relief through gate control theory

Gentle pressure may block or reduce pain signals sent to the brain, making dental procedures feel less uncomfortable.

Natural release of endorphins and serotonin

Acupressure may encourage the body to release “feel-good” chemicals, which can increase pain tolerance and reduce stress.

Muscle relaxation and improved circulation

By relieving muscle tension, acupressure can promote relaxation and reduce inflammation around the treatment area.

Calming the nervous system

Acupressure may help lower heart rate and breathing rate, easing anxiety and helping children feel more at ease in the dental chair.

Benefits of Acupressure in Pediatric Dentistry

When used alongside traditional dental care, acupressure can provide several advantages for young patients:

  • Reduces pain and anxiety during dental procedures
  • Helps manage gag reflexes and improve comfort
  • Encourages relaxation for a more positive dental experience
  • Provides a safe, drug-free support option for children

Important Considerations

  • Acupressure should only be used as a complementary therapy—never as a substitute for professional dental treatment.
  • Always consult with a qualified dentist before using acupressure for pain or anxiety management.
  • Parents should know that research is ongoing, but early studies suggest acupressure can be helpful, especially for children undergoing dental injections.

Acupressure Points That Help During Dental Treatments

Certain acupressure points have been shown to reduce discomfort and promote relaxation during dental visits. Gentle pressure on these points may help children feel calmer and more comfortable in the dental chair.

Line drawing of a face showing acupuncture point REN 24 located just below the lower lip, marked with a pink dot. Line drawing of a face showing acupuncture point REN 24 located just below the lower lip, marked with a pink dot.
REN 24 (Chengjiang)
Diagram of a head highlighting acupuncture point EX-HN 3 between the eyebrows, marked with a blue dot and labeled with a diagonal line. Diagram of a head highlighting acupuncture point EX-HN 3 between the eyebrows, marked with a blue dot and labeled with a diagonal line.
EX-HN 3 (Yintang):
Simple line illustration of an ear with acupuncture point SJ21 marked by a pink dot on the upper cartilage near the helix. Simple line illustration of an ear with acupuncture point SJ21 marked by a pink dot on the upper cartilage near the helix.
SJ21 (Ermen)
Woman’s face showing bilateral SI 18 (Kanjo) points near the outer corners of the eyes, marked with red dots and labeled “SI 18” and “KANJO.” Woman’s face showing bilateral SI 18 (Kanjo) points near the outer corners of the eyes, marked with red dots and labeled “SI 18” and “KANJO.”
SI18 (Quanliao)
Side-view head diagram highlighting ST6 (Quanliao) point on the cheekbone, labeled as part of the small intestine meridian with a blue dot. Side-view head diagram highlighting ST6 (Quanliao) point on the cheekbone, labeled as part of the small intestine meridian with a blue dot.
ST6 (Jiache)
Hand illustration showing pressure point LI-4 — located in the web between thumb and index finger, marked with an orange circle and labeled “Pressure point LI-4.” Hand illustration showing pressure point LI-4 — located in the web between thumb and index finger, marked with an orange circle and labeled “Pressure point LI-4.”
LI4 (Hegu)
  • REN 24 (Chengjiang): Located just below the lower lip, this point can help reduce oral discomfort.
  • EX-HN 3 (Yintang): Found between the eyebrows, often called the “third eye,” this point is known for calming anxiety and stress.
  • SJ21 (Ermen): Located near the ear, this point can support relaxation and help ease jaw tension.
  • SI18 (Quanliao): Found on both sides of the face, near the cheekbones, this point may help with facial pain and sensitivity.
  • ST6 (Jiache): Located along the jawline, this point can relieve jaw tension and reduce dental pain.
  • LI4 (Hegu): Found on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger, LI4 is one of the most widely used acupressure points for reducing dental pain and injection discomfort.

At Laleh Vakili, DMD in San Mateo, acupressure may be used as a gentle, complementary approach to help children feel more at ease during dental treatments. These safe, non-invasive points—illustrated in the images above—can help create a more relaxed and positive dental experience.