Jaw pain

Teeth grinding and teeth clenching, medically known as bruxism, is quite common in our society, but is often not even noticed by those affected. However, regular grinding that lasts for years can lead to increased tension in the chewing muscles. This causes muscles to harden, which can lead to severe pain. The reasons for the teeth grinding in these cases are mostly psychological. A practical example shows how Shiatsu could help a client who had been suffering for years against the sometimes almost unbearable pain.

Petra (55) has been suffering from severe pain in her jaw and jaw joints for over twenty years. These got progressively worse over the years. The mother of four adult daughters has been separated from her husband for six years. The marriage will soon be divorced. Since her daughters left home, she has worked part-time as a journalist, but otherwise lives a secluded life. Petra’s life story is characterized by health problems and mental stress. As a toddler, she underwent hip surgery to correct a bilateral deformity. She suffered from depression at an early age, ground her teeth at night and felt tightness in her jaw and face. At the age of 28 she had to undergo another operation.

Over the years, the pain in the jaw increased more and more due to the frequent grinding and clenching. These were sometimes so severe and persistent that she could hardly eat. Even when she slept she found little rest, she woke up frequently and therefore often felt exhausted during the day. The lack of sleep had an additional negative impact on their well-being. Dentists and orthodontists could not find any medical causes for the jaw pain. In order to reduce the high mechanical stress on the jaw joints and prevent abrasion of the teeth, Petra received a specially adapted splint for the night. However, the pain remained. She was prescribed painkillers, which she refused to take.

Already in her first Shiatsu session, she feels that she is recognized and taken seriously as a person and quickly gains trust. During the treatment, the Shiatsu therapist focuses on releasing tension throughout the body. Through invigorating and mobilizing stretches, rotations and techniques that stimulate the flow of Ki, various meridians are treated and the body is stimulated to realign itself. The energy that has been held for many years is made to flow and can circulate more harmoniously throughout the body. During the treatment of her pelvis and her feet, Petra notices an immediate relaxation in the area of the jaw. The therapist also works with the focus on strengthening the client’s confidence in herself, in her body and her abilities. Another topic that is worked on is anchoring yourself and feeling your own center as a place of power. After the treatments, Petra finds her body much more flexible in everyday life. Petra learns physical exercises to do at home, which help her to stimulate the energy in her feet and in her pelvis. These give her support and at the same time have a relaxing effect, also in the jaw area. In addition, the therapist shows her how she herself can relieve pain by tapping and stroking her cheeks

Petra can let go for the first time in a long time. After just a few treatments, your jaw and neck can relax and your facial expression will become softer. In the accompanying conversation, Petra talks about the mental stress she has been carrying around for a long time: the fears from childhood that she had to endure due to the operation, but also the upcoming divorce.

After a few Shiatsu treatments, the jaw pain at night has completely disappeared. Petra can sleep through the night regularly again, which makes her more enterprising and sociable in everyday life. This gives her the opportunity to do things that bring her joy. This gives her more strength. She has also integrated various exercises into her everyday life and learned how to intensify them if her condition deteriorates. Long walks with her dog and the meditative silence also nourish her. Petra has now developed a sense of how to react to deal with her complaints. She also knows how to find support, if necessary, in order to be able to get out of a downward spiral as quickly as possible. This gives her great confidence that she will be able to master future challenges, such as the impending divorce, with self-confidence.