Discover the Various
Natural Exercises for TMJ

We know that the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder arise out of eroded bone structure of the joint, displaced cartilage that serves as the cushion for the joint, inflammation in the surrounding muscles and stress caused to nerves that serve them. But researchers have found that as much as 90% of the pain and related tribulations are caused by the aggravated muscles. Apart from heavy doses of pain killers that create many harmful side effects, there is practically no medication to solve this problem which affects millions of Americans every day. There are of course those people who try mouthguards and splints and even surgery. While surgery should never be attempted without consulting a physician, every other conventional as well as over the counter TMJ relief seems to fail in offering a permanent remedy.

However, natural exercises through Yogic Asanas prove helpful in many cases and so some of the most effective Asanas are described below for the benefit of the reader. Therapeutic Yoga, incidentally, is a system of self treatment that has immense curative value without any side effects and so can be practiced by anyone.

Exercises To Relieve TMJ Pain – Yogic Asanas

Sit on the carpet in Sukhasana by following the steps given below.

1. Stretch your legs in front of you and then fold your right leg at the knee while simultaneously placing it under the left thigh.
2. Now, fold your left leg and place it under the right thigh, making sure that both the legs are fully folded and resting firmly under the opposite thighs.
3. Position your hands on both the knees and close your eyes.
4. Keep your head and spine erect and start deep breathing while keeping your mind vacant.
5. Note: Since for the beginners it may be difficult to achieve this posture, they may first practice folding the legs as much as possible till eventually these can be made to rest under opposite thighs.

Now that the body is attuned for Asanas, come out of the Sukhasana and prepare for Gomukha Asana, which, as a solo asana has tremendous corrective effect on all major and minor joints in the body, including the temporomandibular joint.

Here Are The Various Steps To Fight The TMJ Disorder With Yoga

Step 1

Sit on the carpet and get into a kneeling position by transferring the bodyweight on both the knees which should be kept apart by around 4 to 6 inches. Allow the ankles and the toes of both legs to rest on the carpet in such a way that the toes remain close to each other but the heels look upward and spread out. This will create an arch-like curve made by the combined formation of the toes, soles and heels of both legs. Now, lower the body on this curvature till you sit comfortably on that hollow. Keep both the palms on the thighs with spine erect and eyes looking ahead.

Step 2

Bring the right hand unhurriedly to the back. Fold it at the elbow while slowly raising the back of the palm up towards the neck. Let the fingers face upward. This posture will allow the back of the palm to be pressed against the spine. Thereafter, raise your left arm over your shoulder and across the back to meet the left hand already positioned there. Now, allow the fingers of the left hand to touch those of the right hand, which may pose a problem for the beginner. However, after several practices, this will become easier when fingers of both hands can form a lock.

Step 3

Following the finger lock, try to raise the elbow of the left hand straight upward while keeping the spine straight and erect, eyes looking in the front. Breathe normally and stay in this posture for 6 to 8 seconds or as long as you can without undue stress.

Step 4

After remaining in this posture for the scheduled period, gradually loosen the grip between the fingers and unlock the hold. Then bring both hands back to normal position and take rest for ten minutes.

Step 4

Resume the asana in the same way save and except by changing the hand, i.e. use the left hand to touch the spine while the right hand will go over the shoulder whose fingers will lock with those of the right.

Apart from activation of the muscles surrounding the joints in the body, Gomukha Asana is believed to restore the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints, thereby improving their functions.

Permanent TMJ Cure