When our spirit and mind experience discomfort, our body takes the hardest hit, exhibiting ailments that manifest when we fail to process the challenges of life. In my case, two conditions emerged as loud alarms telling me I had to move away from the fast lane and reconnect with myself: Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ) and Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). It’s been 2.5 years since I experienced the worst pain in my life with electrical currents to half of my face. Once I redesigned my routine and incorporated these rituals, the pain and electric shocks never haven’t come back.

While distinct, they share the power to significantly disrupt our quality of life. What helped me embark on a path of healing was a deeper understanding of these ailments—their history, root causes, and the spectrum of symptoms they manifest—was essential. My pain was so intense I initially resorted to modern medicine, but after being offered very expensive therapies and pills for the rest of my life, I decided to explore a holistic approach to natural remedies, offering a gentler, more integrated path to restoring balance and reducing the main cause of TMJ and TN: a nervous system under attack by STRESS.

TMJ and TN: Unveiling the Discomfort

• TMJ Pain: A Symphony of Dissonance - The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a hinge, connecting your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorders (TMD) encompass a spectrum of issues that disrupt this delicate joint and the muscles responsible for jaw movement. The result: headaches, migraines, eye pain, jaw discomfort and limited mobility, impacting your ability to speak, chew, and even express emotions freely.

• TN Pain: The Sharpshooter of Facial Agony - Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neurological condition notorious for its excruciating facial pain. Often described as a sudden, jolting electric shock, stabbing, or burning sensation, TN pain can be triggered by seemingly innocuous actions like talking, chewing, or even a gentle breeze that activates your facial nerves. The intensity of this pain has earned TN the unfortunate nickname, "the suicide disease," highlighting the desperation it can cause.

Why Cortisone and Botox Aren't the Perfect Harmony for Healing:

While some doctors prescribe cortisone injections for pain relief, they’re not a long-term solution. Cortisone can weaken the tissues around the TMJ joint, potentially leading to further problems with overuse, as well as affecting other organs like your liver.

Botox injections can offer a temporary solution for TMJ pain by relaxing the surrounding muscles. (Botox is a brand name for a purified toxin derived from bacteria). However, the effects fade every few months, and repeated injections can weaken muscles over time. 

The Holistic Tapestry: Weaving Together Relief

Over the course of two years, I studied and tried different therapies and healing modalities, including:

• Polarity Therapy

A comprehensive health system that views the human body as an energetic field. It proposes that pain and illness arise from blockages in this energy flow. By addressing this stagnaiton through prolonged gentle touch and manipulations, polarity therapy can potentially alleviate TMJ and TN symptoms, promoting a sense of harmony and well-being.

• Herbal Treatments

Certain plants, like turmeric and ginger, boast anti-inflammatory properties that can offer relief for TMJ pain. For TN, herbs like arnica, calendula, and even cayenne pepper, may provide some pain reduction by affecting the nerve's pain signals. Other herbs I’ve used to calm my nervous system are lemon balm, azahar and lemongrass. If you’d like to learn more about herbalism, join our online course!

• Meditation

It offers a two-pronged benefit for those suffering from TMJ and TN—stress reduction and pain management. By fostering a state of deep relaxation, meditation can alleviate the muscle tension associated with TMJ and help individuals with TN manage their pain perception.

• Earthing

Also known as grounding, is a practice that involves direct contact with the bare feet on the earth's surface, such as soil, grass, sand, or even natural bodies of water. This simple act allows the body to absorb electrons from the earth, which some studies suggest may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. While the exact mechanisms are still being researched, earthing is believed to help reduce chronic pain, including TMJ pain and TN flare-ups.

• Cupping

An ancient healing practice that utilizes glass, silicone, or bamboo cups to create suction on the skin. By drawing up the underlying tissues, cupping is thought to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension and stiffness, and promote lymphatic drainage. This can be particularly beneficial for TMJ sufferers, as it can target tight muscles in the jaw and neck area that contribute to pain.

• Massages

A skilled therapist will focus on gentle techniques to relax tense jaw muscles and improve blood flow in the area for TMJ. For TN, a gentle facial massage can be soothing, but direct pressure on the affected area should be avoided. Additionally, specific massage techniques like trigger point therapy may be helpful for both conditions, but should only be performed by a qualified professional.

• Acupuncture

A traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points along the body's meridians, believed to be energy pathways. By stimulating these points, acupuncture can trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Studies have shown acupuncture to be effective in managing chronic pain conditions, including TMJ and TN.

• Yoga

It offers a multifaceted approach to managing TMJ and TN. Specific yoga poses can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles that support the jaw joint, improving flexibility and reducing tension. Yoga also emphasizes mindfulness and deep breathing techniques, which can significantly reduce stress levels, a known trigger for flare-ups. Practicing yoga regularly can promote overall well-being and pain management for individuals with these conditions.

• EMS

Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) therapy uses electrical signals to stimulate muscle contraction. In the context of TMJ, EMS therapy can be used to strengthen the muscles that support the jaw joint, improving stability and reducing pain. I’ve been using this EMS machine for years and it’s been very helpful.

• Infrared Light 

Utilizes specific wavelengths of invisible light to penetrate deep tissues. This gentle form of therapy is thought to promote cellular healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. While more research is needed, some studies suggest infrared light therapy may be beneficial for managing TMJ and TN symptoms. This is the brand I use (use code WATERTHRUSKIN for a 15% discount).

• Ice Therapy

Applying an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time can help to reduce inflammation and numb pain, although I prefer to fill a bowl with herbal ice cubes and water and dip my face in it (three times, thirty seconds each, every day). Ice therapy is most effective for immediate pain relief and should not be used for prolonged times.

• Mouthguard

For individuals who clench or grind their teeth at night (bruxism), a mouthguard can be a lifesaver. A custom-fitted mouthguard worn during sleep creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding together and reducing strain on the jaw joint. This can significantly reduce pain and discomfort associated with TMJ. I highly recommend visiting a holistic dentist who understands the benefits of a mouthguard and craniosacral massages.

Concluding Notes

While TMJ and Trigeminal Neuralgia can be challenging conditions, the holistic practices outlined above offer a long term solution. By integrating these approaches and working with your healthcare provider to create a personalized plan, you can develop a routine towards lasting relief, improved quality of life, and a renewed sense of balance within your body.

Books on holistic healing:
These are a few of the books I’ve read in the past 10 years during my journey towards being more connected with my body, mind and spirit. I highly recommend them.

A few links to research I found on TMJ and TN:
(Please note: I chose a holistic approach instead of the meds & surgeries mentioned in the articles)

National Institute of Neurological Disorders
Healthline
Healthline Español