Research estimates that over 10 million Americans suffer with TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.
According to the Mayo Foundation, signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:
- Pain or tenderness of your jaw
- Aching pain in and around your ear
- Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing
- Aching facial pain
- Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
TMJ disorders can also cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew.
Yoga and its sister science Ayurveda offer a few helpful exercises to relieve your TMJ pain. I have tried them myself and they work very well!
Practice this 3 exercise routine once a day.
#1 Clucking – Say the word Cluck outloud 6 times.
#2 Mouth Stretch – Place the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth and then stretch your mouth as wide as you can without moving the tongue. Do this 6 times. It looks funny, but it works!
#3 Neck Stretch – Interlace your fingers on the back of your neck. Inhale as you look up, resting the weight of your head on the interlaced grip. Then exhale as you look down, bringing your chin to your chest. Repeat 6 times.
For a sleeping tip, avoid tensing your jaw overnight by falling asleep with your tongue against the roof of your mouth or pressing behind the back of your front teeth.
Hope you feel better soon!
Namaste,
Brenda
