Are you suffering from Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder? Are you tired of taking medication, which only works for a short period of time? It’s time to consider a more natural approach to healing. Yoga in Bend’s Parks is a sustainable, safe and effective solution for alleviating TMJ disorder symptoms.
In this article, we’ll look at what TMJ is and its causes, as well as benefits and best practices for using yoga in Bend’s parks as a natural way to manage TMJ symptoms.
What Is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. It allows you to move your jaw and open and close your mouth. TMJ disorder occurs when there is an issue with the bones, muscles, ligaments, or tendons around the TMJ joint. This can manifest as pain or tenderness in the jaw, difficulty and/or pain when chewing, and aching pain in or around the ear. It can be caused by various factors such as grinding or clenching the teeth, muscle tightness or stress.
How Can Yoga Benefit TMJ?
Yoga is a practice that can help with more than just muscle tension relief; it is a practice that helps the mind and body become more balanced and less stressed. Specialized yoga movements can be particularly beneficial in relieving the symptoms of TMJ disorder. Yoga practice can help by:
- Reducing stress: One of the leading causes of TMJ disorder is stress. Practicing yoga can help relax the mind and body, making it an effective tool for relieving stress and reducing anxiety which in turn can help prevent or reduce TMJ symptoms.
- Improving posture: Chronic poor posture can be a contributing factor to TMJ disorder. By incorporating yoga, this can help with alignment and muscle lengthening thereby decreasing the chances of chronic joint problems.
- Increasing circulation: Yoga movements can help improve blood circulation to the face and neck, easing muscle tension and providing relief from TMJ pain.
- Stretching of the facial muscles: Yoga, particularly poses that involve stretching the jaw and facial muscles, can help relax and release tense muscles which in turn will reduce TMJ symptoms.
Beginner’s Yoga in Bend’s Parks for TMJ Relief
For those new to yoga and wanting to relieve TMJ pain, beginning simple and gentle yoga practice is important. Practice in a peaceful and natural location, such as Bend’s parks, can provide a deep inner peace and a perfect environment for those beginning their yoga journey.
Restorative Yoga Poses for TMJ Relief
Restorative yoga is gentle and passive, making it suitable for everyone no matter the level of yoga experience. It can help provide relief from TMJ syndrome by helping release muscle tension and calm the mind. Here are a few of the best restorative yoga poses that will help relieve TMJ symptoms:
- Seated Head Circles: Sit cross-legged on the floor and bring the chin towards the chest. Slowly rotate the head in a circle, making sure to keep the chin close to the chest. Continue the circle in one direction for 5-10 rotations and switch directions.
- Child’s Pose: Begin on all fours with the knees hip width apart. Shift the hips back and sit onto the heels while stretching the arms forward with the hands palms up. Hold for 5-10 breaths.
- Shoulder Opener Stretch: Begin in a seated position with the legs extended. Bring the right hand behind the back and the left arm behind the shoulder. Slowly and gently pull the left arm downwards, aiming to stretch the top of the left shoulder. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the opposite side.
Relaxing Breaths
Focusing on the breath is a core principal in yoga. Relaxing breaths can help reduce stress and tension, providing relief from TMJ syndrome. Focus on taking deep breaths into the belly and exhaling through the mouth.
Intermediate and Advanced Yoga Poses for TMJ Relief
For those with more experience with yoga, more advanced poses can be very helpful for TMJ relief. Yoga poses that aid in relaxation and muscle lengthening benefits can provide relief from TMJ symptoms. Here are a few of the best intermediate and advanced yoga poses for TMJ relief:
Upward-Facing Dog
Begin on the ground with the belly facing down and the hands under the shoulders. Slowly push the hands into the ground to lift the chest off of the floor for this backbend. Repeat for 5-10 breaths.
Ear-to-shoulder stretch
Sit in a comfortable position and take a few breaths to connect with the breath before slowly lowering the left ear towards the left shoulder and gently using the opposite hand to deepen the stretch. Continue for 5-10 breaths and switch sides.
Headstand
Begin in a downward facing dog pose, slowly walk the feet closer to the hands and then lift the feet off of the ground to come into a headstand. When ready, slowly begin to lower the feet back to the ground. Repeat for 5-10 breaths.
Incorporating TMJ Relief Yoga with Nature
Yoga combines well with nature to create an immersive and deeply relaxing experience. Bend, Oregon has some of the most beautiful and scenic parks in the country. Practicing yoga outside, in the presence of nature, can help to deepen the connection to the practice as well as experiencing the calming effects of nature alongside the stress and tension relieving benefits of yoga.
Conclusion
Yoga can be a natural, effective, and long-term solution for overcoming TMJ disorder symptoms. Bend’s parks provide the perfect place for stress-relieving and tension-releasing yoga practice. Whether a beginner or a seasoned yogi, everyone can find a practice that suits them for TMJ relief. Take advantage of nature’s healing qualities and start incorporating yoga into your healing journey.
