ChicagoHealers.com, Chicago, has introduced the Meridian Tooth Chart, which incorporates traditional Chinese medicine into dentistry. The Meridian Tooth Chart can be used to diagnose connections between the teeth and larger issues in the body, according to Kevin Boehm, DDS.

Traditional Chinese medicine is based on having a balanced qi (pronounced "chee"), or energy that flows throughout the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, these energy channels must remain in balance or they can set off health problems. Each energy channel, or meridian, has a specific pathway by which it travels through the body.

The Meridian Tooth Chart shows the relationship between teeth and various organs, tissues, and glands in the body. Each tooth is related to an acupuncture meridian, and an orthodontist can review overall health and wellness by assessing the teeth’s current condition. If there is a problem with an internal organ, the associated meridian tooth could be causing the problem, according to the company.

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