'Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction' (TMJ/TMD) is a prevalent and annoying condition. Why do you clench your jaw or grind your teeth during sleep? Are you truly asleep? Both yes and no. My method for treating TMJ /TMD with acupuncture and Chinese medicine focuses on tackling the underlying frustration or stress that causes this repetitive and habitual behaviour.
While you sleep, your subconscious mind is most active, processing events and dramas from the past week, month, or year. Unresolved emotions and frustrations can emerge during this time, leading to teeth grinding and the necessity for expensive dental mouth guards.
What can you do? Book an acupuncture session with me, and I'll investigate potential imbalances beneath the surface, discuss what's occurring, and then treat you.
How will I treat you? I'll place needles into a few distal points to help calm your energy and encourage relaxation, as well as address any energetic imbalances. I'll also concentrate on the tight jaw, temporal, skull, and occipital muscles that have become painful, inflamed, and locked, causing pain, referred sensations, headaches, and the loud 'thunking' sound when you open your mouth, wearing down the joints.
Does it hurt? No, you'll experience some sensations around the points and a dull ache when releasing the jaw, temples, scalp, and upper neck, but it generally feels like a pleasant release.
Then what? I may apply laser or massage to the jaw after removing the needles and provide you with exercises and techniques to curb the habit. You might also be recommended some Chinese herbs to address the imbalances causing you to unconsciously grind your teeth.
Advice for self-care between sessions.
Relax your jaw by allowing it to drop until your lips are slightly apart.
Stretch your jaw and neck (I will demonstrate exercises).
As you rest your head on your pillow at night, mentally affirm 'I will not grind my teeth tonight.' This is a message to your subconscious mind.
Place sticky notes around your home and workspace as reminders not to clench your teeth. It's a habit that needs to be broken.
Dr. Margie Virgo, a registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner with AHPRA, has been practicing since 1997. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Margie Virgo, please email margvirgo@gmail.com or call/text 0438 815 167.
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