The Jaw - the temporo-mandibular joint, commonly referred to as the TMJ, is the most complex joint in the body. It allows for more movement than any other joint, enabling side-to-side, up-and-down motions, and combinations of all three simultaneously. The TMJ is governed by the brain's motor cortex, which manages all body movements. Astonishingly, 50% of the brain's sensory and motor cells are dedicated to the TMJ area, including the jaw, lips, tongue, and teeth. It's no surprise, considering how frequently we use it for speaking and eating.
Experiencing dysfunction in the jaw can affect different areas of the body, including coordination, headaches, balance, jaw clicking or locking, migraines, and teeth grinding. Whiplash injuries and neck issues can also influence the TMJ. Dental procedures may traumatise the jaw, causing tension, particularly if you dislike dental visits.
Emotionally, we often "grit our teeth to get through something," and frequently, we don't express what we wish to say, instead holding back and tensing our muscles to protect ourselves. This restraint can lead to various emotions like resentment, diminished self-worth, anger, or rage.
A clinical trial was conducted where every new kinesiology client was assessed, and if any dysfunction was found through muscle testing, each client was asked if they wanted to participate in the trial. Regardless of the problem they had come with, they would only be treated for TMJ imbalance and nothing else. So if they had a bad hip or digestive issues, it didn't matter. At the end of the trial, statistics showed that of all the people who had agreed to take part, over 85% had a virtual remission of all the symptoms they had within a month.
So you can see the power of kinesiology to help heal and address the jaw, which helps in so many ways.
Alongside working on the jaw we can look at the atlas bone - and the sacrum (top and tail of the vertebrae), the hyoid (the float like bone in the throat), unfurling the ears, and releasing fixations in the neck. These techniques all help to release imbalances in the body and jaw.
For many years, I struggled with a tight jaw, making it hard to open my mouth at the dentist and eventually causing long, painful headaches from grinding my teeth at night, which required me to wear a night brace. However, with treatment and addressing emotional issues, we have managed to reduce the tightness and headaches, and I often don't experience any pain. I've stopped wearing the mouth guard and now sleep much better. It literally feels like a miracle.
Things you can do to help yourself.
Try to identify when you are grinding your teeth or clamping your jaw shut - think about the emotions around that and how you can let go of these.
Exercise the jaw to keep that movement going - especially if you wake up at night and know you grind your teeth. Stretch the mouth open and shut, and lay down to physically relax the jaw.
Massage the jaw to release tension.
Be aware of your posture - do you stand with your jaw out in front of you?
Stop chewing on pens or pencils (especially lead ones).
Practice meditation to release stress.
And if you feel you need further support, get in touch and we can treat the TMJ and get you back to a balanced place.
Jill Cook
Health Harmony - jill@healthharmony.uk
M: 07980776999
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