Erica Ferrar Healing
PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION GUIDE, MENTOR AND HOLISTIC PractiTIoner
In Kingston upon Thames
A Whole Mind-Body Approach to Managing TMJ Dysfunction
Did you know that the TMJ, or jaw joints are some of the hardest working joints in the body?
Physically, these small, yet very important joints are responsible for eating, swallowing, yawning, breathing, talking and facial expression, and are almost constantly in use in some way or another. They, like any joint are susceptible to conditions such as arthritis, muscular tension displacement or injury.
And really importantly, the TMJ is a holding bay for stress and emotions. They are the the point at which stress, rage and frustration gets stuck, words get swallowed and anger gets suppressed.
How many times have you:
- Gone to say NO - but ended up saying YES instead?
- Gone to say what you really feel.. but swallowed those words at the last minute?
- Kept quiet to keep the peace?
- Suppressed your anger, rage or frustration?
- Felt as if you can't speak your truth.
The jaw is the gateway of expression, and when you feel unsafe, unheard or under pressure, the jaw tightens and that unspoken energy of expression gets locked into the joints.
the TMJ may be small, but they hold a lot - and this physical or emotional pressure can be felt as tension, pain, clicking, clenching or teeth grinding.
If you are here, reading this, you probably know exactly what I am talking about. Read on for ways that I can support you in managing this dysfunction and unlocking the tension that is being held.
If you have been down all the other routes - Physio, Osteopath, Chiropractor, Doctor, Dentist and everything else in between, and you still have symptoms of TMJ discomfort and dysfunction, then this approach may well be for you. This method works, not just in or around the jaw itself, but by releasing restrictions and tension through fascial networks throughout the body. Research has demonstrated that the jaw and pelvis are linked through one direct fascial line, so it makes sense to work down at least to the hips to unwind and release the fascial restrictions - This has the potential to unlock tension in the face head, neck, shoulders, back - and the jaw.
The symptoms of TMJ dysfunction can be widespread due these fascial links, but the TMJ is the area where the pain and tightness can become focused or locked in.
- Jaw pain, tension and clicking, popping or clenching
- Tooth grinding, pain and sensitivity
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches and migraines and chronic sinus pressure
- Tinnitus or "swimmy" muffled feeling in the ears
- Dizziness and nausea
- Tired eyes and chronic eyestrain
- Neck, shoulder and back pain
- Pelvic and hip pain
- Tendonitis in the arms and tingling in the fingers
This is why the approach that I take involves a multi-disciplinary approach to relieve the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.
A Whole Body Approach to Managing TMJ - Jaw Dysfunction
The ideal therapy for supporting TMJ dysfunction and jaw discomfort, jaw clicking, jaw clenching and teeth grinding - and all possible associated symptoms listed above.
Each treatment is bespoke - no two treatments are ever the same, as each client's symptoms will be completely different. The cause will be different, and the approach will be focused on you and your presenting symptoms.
What I can say though, is that the tools that I have at my disposal are varied and therapeutically perfect for TMJ release. I have been a Dental Hygienist for over 40 years now, and a holistic therapist for over 20 years. Working therapeutically with TMJ dysfunction and jaw release, is the perfect blend of my clinical dental knowledge and experience and holistic professions ~ Who knew that they would come together so perfectly.
The treatment protocols that I have at my disposal include:
- Remedial massage and myofascial release techniques - from the neck and shoulders through to the hips and pelvis.
- Trigger point therapy
- Facial Reflexology and Facial Acupressure
- Intra-oral buccal massage
- Advanced facial massage techniques and Facial Gua Sha
- Indian Head Massage and Cranial Reflexology
- Cranio-sacral Reflexology and Reflexology Lymph Drainage.
- Therapeutic relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation and self-care techniques.
- Reiki Healing
- Stress Resilience Coaching - to uncover the root cause of the stress that is a contributing factor
90 minute treatment ~ Releasing tension from the head to the feet ~ £125
60 minute treatment ~ Releasing tension from the head to the pelvis - £85
75 minute Stress Discovery Session - to uncover the root cause of the stress, emotional or energetic blocks that may be contributing to your TMJ and find solutions to help these release ~ £111
