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Simple Yoga Solutions For Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

by Kevin Bates

Temporomandibular joint disorder is a common health issue that directly affects the muscles in the jaws. Some of the typical effects that can be felt if you are suffering from this condition may include physical stress in the teeth, neck and jaw muscles, blood vessels, ligaments and nerves, and the joint's cartilage disk, and may also include soreness or pain when opening the mouth while chewing and talking among others. While there are various ways to relieve the pain and discomforts induced by this joint problem, one of the most effective is that of yoga for TMJ.

Yoga for TMJ is proven to relax the muscles found in the jaws and in the face where the disorder is usually found, which is why many people suffering from such joint problem, especially those who don't have enough money to afford expensive medicines, often apply different relaxation techniques in order to reduce the discomforts and pain brought about by their condition. In order to facilitate this treatment, certain jaw adjustments are recommended. Start by sitting in a Sukahasana position (easy pose) and open your mouth as wide as you can. While holding this position, alternately move your head from your right to your left shoulders and do some slow, deep breathing in between while controlling with your abdominal muscles. Continue doing this technique for two to three minutes.

Next, place your hand on the side of your dislocated jaw. Be sure that the centers of your fingers are situated around your cheekbone and that your palm is placed against your jaw. Apply a soft pressure, while slowly opening your mouth widely and then shutting it back again. Do this exercise 10-15 times for several sessions a day. Do not forget to do deep breathing as this will help relax your jaw muscles.

Do poses that will help your blood to flow to your jaws. You don't have to actually perform complex techniques like headstands in order to complete this routine. The downward facing dog position is the simplest pose you can do to perform such task. To do this, touch both your hands to the floor while your head is facing downwards and then slowly lift your thigh and pelvis towards the ceiling. Bring your heels down to the floor as far as you can and then hold this pose for a minute or two.

Many people who are suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder noted that they have uneven or rotated shoulders and that their condition have improved when they addressed their shoulder problems. Hence, try examining the symmetry of your shoulders and try the supported shoulder-stand pose. Pile two folded blankets and lie on your back with your shoulders on the blanket and then bend your knees while your feet are grounded on the floor. Slowly bring your legs upward and with use of your arms support your back while holding your legs straight to the ceiling, and maintain this position for 30 seconds.

The simple acts of doing seated breathing and meditative exercises are also important components of yoga for TMJ. This is due to the fact that such elements can help relax the muscles around your jaws, allowing them to properly function, especially whenever you are opening your mouth. To this, sit in a position that is comfortable for you. Then, while your eyes closed, slowly breath in and out to release the tension in your jaw and facial muscles. Once you are able to perfect these exercises, you will be relieved of the pain and discomforts induced by your condition.

If you are suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder, you don't have to spend too much in order to reduce the pain you feel because of your condition. In fact, there are various home treatments you can try that will certainly improve your condition and one of them is yoga for TMJ. This therapy includes a variety of meditation, stretching as well as breathing exercises that are proven to reduce the discomforts associated with temporomandibular joint disorder.

Published January 26th, 2011

Filed in Health