Jaw pain can be caused by many sources and is referred to in medicine as temporomandibular joint syndrome or TMJ. Pain may occur from postural imbalances in the neck, head, shoulder region or dental implants. Muscle tension is also a primary cause and can be reduced with acupressure. Acupressure typically involves physical pressure applied by a finger, elbow or a blunt object over a specific area of the body.
Acupressure Point Location
Jaw pain often involves one side only. While looking into a mirror and the mouth is opened slowly, you can observe the jaw moving to one side and then coming back to center upon closing the mouth. This is called deviation. Normal movement will occur when the mouth is opened slowly and the center upper and lower teeth come apart without moving side to side but stay within an imaginary vertical line.
To determine the acupressure point, place your finger on the side of the jaw that is moving away from the center of the face. A tender point is usually found on the muscle called the masseter that goes straight up and down the jaw bone.
The tender point is about halfway up from the bottom of the jaw bone to your ear lobe and then found by moving forward to where your back top and bottom molar teeth come together.
Applying Acupressure
To apply acupressure to the jaw to reduce pain or muscle tension, place the tip of your finger over the acupressure point. Then gently push into the muscle until the pain stops or reduces. Hold for 90 seconds and then slowly release pressure.
Different Technique
Another technique is to locate the acupressure point and instead of applying constant pressure try a circular motion. Apply gentle pressure over the acupressure point and, with the tip of your finger in contact with the muscle, make a circular motion over the point of tenderness for 30 to 45 seconds.
Resting Position of the Jaw
To reduce jaw pain, muscle tension and clenching of your teeth, practice relaxing your jaw in a resting position. This involves keeping your lips together and your teeth slightly apart. Then place your tongue lightly on the area of your pallate behind your upper teeth.
Once you have learned this position, practice breathing through your nose, taking deep breathes slowly in and exhaling slowly. Continue to focus on keeping your jaw in the resting position. Try this technique three to four times and then check the acupressure point on the jaw to determine if there is a reduction in pain or aching of the muscle.
Precautions
Acupressure is a gentle activity with mild force used over the point of application. There should be no lasting pain or increased aching after application. Caution is needed if you have dental implants, braces or other dental problems. Consult your health care provider or dentist if symptoms increase after applying acupressure to the jaw.
References
- "Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques"; Carolyn Kisner; 1990
- "Jones Strain-Counterstrain"; Lawrence Jones, DO; 1995
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