TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder

TMJ disorders are a group of complex problems of the jaw joint. TMJ disorders are also sometimes referred to as myofacial pain dysfunction and Costens syndrome.

Because the muscles and joints work together, a problem with either one can lead to stiffness, headaches, ear pain, bite problems, clicking sounds, or even locked jaws.

The following are behaviors or conditions that can lead to TMJ disorders:

1. Teeth grinding and teeth clenching (bruxism) increase the wear on the cartilage lining of the TMJ. Those who grind or clench their teeth may be unaware of this behavior unless they are told by someone observing this pattern while sleeping or by a dental professional noticing telltale signs of wear and tear on the teeth. Many patients awaken in the morning with jaw or ear pain.

2. Habitual gum chewing or fingernail biting

3. Dental problems and misalignment of the teeth. Patients may complain that it is difficult to find a comfortable bite or that the way their teeth fit together has changed. Chewing on only one side of the jaw can lead to or be a result of TMJ problems as well.

4. Trauma to the jaws. Previous fractures in the jaw or facial bones can lead to TMJ disorders.

5. Stress frequently leads to unreleased nervous energy. It is very common for people under stress to release this nervous energy by either consciously or unconsciously grinding and clenching their teeth.

6. Occupational tasks such as holding the telephone between the head and shoulder may also contribute to TMJ disorders.

The radial nerve runs up the arm and affects the nerves and muscle functions of the head and neck as well as the arm.

By pressing and pulling on the nerve at the LI-4 point on the inner edge of the hand, we can relax the arm as well as the neck and jaw.

This will relieve a lot of pain and tension, but you will need further points for more severe or chronic cases.

However this is important in the respect that it teaches the principle of releasing distal points and working in toward the actual location.

An additional point on the forearm that also relaxes the shoulder neck and jaw is on the back of the forearm called Triple Warmer 5 (TW-5).

By gently massaging this point toward the hand this helps the relaxing of these areas so that direct manipulation of the local points will have greater affect.

As a side note you may feel a tighter or more constricted muscle in this forearm area, this will release with the massage you are now applying.

Just behind the ear is a point called Triple Warmer 17 (TW-17).

First we use the press and release method of relaxing the muscle and nerve in this area then by, rubbing this point downward or vibrating quickly, it will relax and actually diminish the tension in that area.

Then by massaging downward it further relaxes the entire jaw muscle making it difficult to even consciously keep the jaw tight.

Two points on the side of the facial aspect of the jaw are Stomach 6 & 7.

Again we use the Press and release for these two points, the order of which is first, is not important, only that you relax both the upper and lower connection to the bone structure.

A leg point which also works well for increased relaxation and maintenance of that is on the outer aspect of the Calf Muscle called Gall Bladder 34.

For the video of the application please visit:  

http://www.watchmybit.com/Video/Show/35b11ed1-6b73-4bff-a9ba-9296031c8dff

Good Health - Evan Pantazi