Temporomandibular joint

Question

A few months ago, I started noticing a clicking sound whenever I opened my mouth wide, especially while yawning or eating. At first, I ignored it, but then I started feeling pain around my temporomandibular joint, mostly near my jaw and ears. Some days, it’s just a dull ache, but other times, the pain spreads down to my neck and even gives me headaches. My jaw also feels stiff in the morning, and chewing harder foods has become uncomfortable.

I went to a dentist, and they said it’s an issue with my temporomandibular joint, possibly from grinding my teeth at night or stress-related tension. They suggested using a mouth guard and taking painkillers when needed, but I don’t want to rely on that long-term. I feel like I need to address the root cause, not just manage the symptoms.

I started looking into Ayurveda and saw that joint problems are often related to Vata imbalance. Can Ayurveda help with temporomandibular joint pain and stiffness? Are there herbal remedies or oil massages that can relax the jaw muscles and reduce inflammation naturally? Also, does Ayurveda have treatments to stop teeth grinding if stress is a factor?

Another thing I’ve noticed is that my digestion feels off lately—sometimes bloating, and sometimes my appetite is low. Could this be connected? Does Ayurveda see temporomandibular joint issues as part of a bigger imbalance in the body? Should I be making changes to my diet or lifestyle to help with healing?

I really want to find a natural way to manage my temporomandibular joint discomfort and prevent it from getting worse. If anyone has tried Ayurvedic treatments for this, I’d love to hear what worked for them.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Your TMJ pain and clicking sound indicate a Vata imbalance, as Vata governs movement in the body, including joint function. Excess Vata can cause dryness, stiffness, and cracking in the joints. Warm oil massages (Abhyanga) with Mahanarayan or Bala Ashwagandha oil around the jaw and neck can help relax muscles and reduce pain. Applying a warm compress to the jaw and practicing gentle self-massage can also improve circulation and ease stiffness.

To reduce inflammation and strengthen the joints, Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Guggulu can be beneficial. Drinking golden milk (turmeric with warm milk) at night can help with muscle relaxation. If stress-related teeth grinding is a concern, Brahmi, Jatamansi, and Shankhpushpi can calm the nervous system. Practicing Pranayama (deep breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom) and stress management techniques like meditation can also be effective.

Your digestion issues (bloating and low appetite) may indicate weak Agni (digestive fire), which can further aggravate Vata imbalance. Ayurveda sees digestion as central to overall health, including joint function. Focus on warm, easy-to-digest foods, and avoid raw, cold, or excessively dry foods that increase Vata. Drinking ginger tea or taking Hingvashtak churna before meals can improve digestion.

Long-term relief requires balancing Vata through a stable routine, warm oil massages, proper hydration, and stress reduction. Avoid excessive chewing (like gum), and practice gentle jaw exercises to restore function. With consistent Ayurvedic care, your TMJ discomfort can gradually reduce, and your overall well-being will improve.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues are often related to a Vata imbalance, which can cause dryness, stiffness, and tension in the joints and muscles. To address TMJ pain, you can benefit from warm herbal oil massages using oils like Mahanarayan oil or sesame oil, which can help soothe the affected area, reduce inflammation, and promote circulation. Gentle Abhyanga (oil massage) on the jaw, neck, and shoulders can also relieve muscle tension, while promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which is often a contributing factor to teeth grinding. For managing stress, herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Jatamansi can help calm the nervous system and prevent nocturnal teeth grinding. Additionally, focusing on digestion is important, as poor digestion can exacerbate Vata imbalances. To support digestion and reduce bloating, incorporating foods that are warm, moist, and grounding—such as soups, stews, and well-cooked grains—can help balance Vata. Avoiding excessive cold or dry foods and beverages can also prevent aggravating the condition. Overall, addressing the root causes through diet, lifestyle, and Ayurvedic remedies can help you find relief from TMJ discomfort naturally.

Temporomandibular joint - #16970

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