TMJ Disorder - #17657

For the past few months, I’ve been experiencing jaw pain, clicking sounds when I chew, and stiffness around my jaw and temples. Sometimes, it gets so bad that I can’t open my mouth fully, and I even wake up with soreness around my face and headaches. I finally went to the doctor, and they told me it’s TMJ disorder, which affects the temporomandibular joint that connects the jaw to the skull. They mentioned that stress, poor posture, teeth grinding (bruxism), or even inflammation can contribute to TMJ disorder, but there doesn’t seem to be a clear one-size-fits-all solution. Now I’m wondering—does Ayurveda have a natural approach to managing TMJ disorder? Since it’s related to joint health and muscle tension, are there specific Ayurvedic remedies that help relieve pain and restore normal jaw function? I’ve read that Ashwagandha and Bala are known for their muscle-relaxing properties—could they help reduce the tightness and discomfort in my jaw? Another thing I’m curious about is whether diet plays a role in TMJ disorder. Sometimes, my jaw pain gets worse after eating crunchy or hard foods. Does Ayurveda recommend specific dietary adjustments to reduce inflammation and prevent jaw stiffness? Would avoiding processed foods and eating more anti-inflammatory herbs and warm, soft foods help in managing TMJ disorder? I also read that stress and anxiety can make TMJ disorder worse, especially if they lead to unconscious teeth grinding at night. Does Ayurveda suggest any herbal tonics or relaxation techniques that help calm the nervous system and prevent excessive jaw clenching? Would yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises be effective in reducing tension in the jaw and facial muscles? Lastly, I want to know if Ayurvedic therapies like oil massages or heat therapy could provide relief for TMJ disorder. Would applying warm sesame oil or medicated oils like Mahanarayan oil help relax the muscles and reduce pain? Are there any Ayurvedic facial massages or marma point therapies that target the jaw and improve movement? If anyone has used Ayurveda to manage TMJ disorder, I’d love to hear your experience. Did herbal remedies, diet changes, or relaxation techniques help? How long did it take to notice improvements? I really want to heal my jaw naturally and avoid long-term complications, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.