How to Use Acupressure for TMJ

Tempromandibular Joint Disorder, more commonly known as TMJ, is a painful condition attacking the jaw. But TMJ pain can be felt all over the face and even in the ear. TMJ may result from injury or stress. You clench your jaw or grind your teeth, often while you're sleeping. Acupressure is an easy treatment that requires no special equipment. Find out how to use acupressure for TMJ treatment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Locate the meridians or pressure points for the jaw. Life energy is believed to flow through the meridians. When pain develops, these channels are blocked in some way. Acupressure uses finger massage on these points to increase the circulation and release the blocked energy.

2. Massage along the jaw line with your thumbs, moving in a circular motion. Expect the area to be tender.

3. Find where your upper and lower meet in front of your ear lobes. Press the heels of your hands in while clenching your back teeth. Do this for one minute.

4. Move your lower jaw from left to right for a few seconds.

5. Place your fingers in the same area where your upper and lower jaw meet. Press in for a minute. Work the left and right sides of your face at the same time using firm pressure.

6. Look for another acupressure point in the hand in the area between the thumb and the index finger. Press firmly on this area for a minute by placing it between the thumb and index finger of your other hand.

7. Repeat treatments, if necessary. Continuous pressure can be applied for up to three minutes. Another option is to use pressure for ten seconds and release for ten seconds. Repeat this ten times.

Tips & Warnings

• Acupuncture has also been used with some success in treatment of TMJ.

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[Misdiz]

on 4/1/2008 I used the accupressure recommended for TMJ and got significant relief. I continue to use it off and on for the headaches.

[Misdiz]

on 3/27/2008 I have had TMJ for 25 years before most knew what it was and thought I had a brain tumor. Since then, and going through several acrylic splints, I have never had it as bad until now. I had to have dental work and have had headaches constant for about 4 weeks. I'M GOING TO TRY THIS ACCUPRESSURE. JAN