1. Review the Multiple Symptoms and Causes
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the upper and lower jaw and allows the lower jaw to move. TMJ disorder refers to any painful condition of this joint. Symptoms include pain in the jaw, face or up around the ear; a clicking sound in the ear; difficulty chewing; your jaw locking up and headache or bite problems. Symptoms result from tension, teeth grinding or dental problems that can cause an uneven bite. Often TMJ symptoms improve with the use of a bite splint at night and/or some form of physical therapy. In other cases, interventions, such as dental work or surgery, are necessary.
2. The Wisdom of the East
Shiatsu is a treatment that can help many cases of TMJ. This Asian body work technique combines principles of massage and the energy meridians of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to TCM, energy flows through the body via a series of channels or meridians. Along these meridians are points at which the energy is near the surface of the body, and at these points one can influence the flow of energy along the meridians. These are the same points used in acupuncture treatments. In shiatsu, the practitioner applies gentle pressure to the points to optimize the flow of energy in the body and promote a state of healthy relaxation.
3. Remember That the Jaw is not the Point
A shiatsu practitioner can treat TMJ using gentle message and manipulation of the body's joints as well as pressure on the relevant acupoints. These acupoints are not necessarily located on or near the parts of the body they affect, so, during a shiatsu treatment for TMJ, the practitioner may appear to address areas of the body far from the jaw joint. Part of the practitioner's job is to work with the client and any available medical diagnostic information to determine which acupoints will prove most helpful in treating the client's particular TMJ disorder and symptoms.
4. Receive Natural, Gentle Pain Relief
Shiatsu effectively treats pain, so it can do much for those whose TMJ presents predominantly with pain. This form of pain management is also a good adjunct to other forms of treatment for TMJ, and it may reduce the need for pain medications. Additionally, shiatsu might help with pain secondary to TMJ, such as tension headaches that can result from tension in the jaw and face muscles.
5. Say Goodbye to Stress and Tension
Another way shiatsu treats TMJ is through relaxation. Many cases of TMJ are rooted in stress and tension that is held in the jaw and face. Relaxation and stress reduction are major aspects of shiatsu treatment. Shiatsu also can treat the cause as well as the symptoms of TMJ. The relaxation and release of tension offered by shiatsu contributes to the overall health and a sense of well-being in the recipient.
