If you suffer from a temporomandibular disorder, or TMJ, you are aware of the pain that can become unbearable.  The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, which enable you to move your jaw up and down and side to side, making it possible to talk, chew, and yawn.

Injuries to your jaw, the joint, or the muscles of your head and neck can lead to TMJ. The most common causes are from blunt force actions like whiplash, grinding or clenching your teeth, arthritis in the joint and stress, which can cause you to tighten facial and jaw muscles.

TMJ can cause severe pain and discomfort. It can be temporary problem or can become a chronic condition and can affect one or both sides of your face. Women have more occurrences of TMJ and the average affected age group are those between the ages of 20 and 40.

Common symptoms include:

• Tenderness in your face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders
• Pain in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
• Jaws that "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth or chew. 
• A tired feeling in your face
• Trouble chewing like your teeth are not fitting together properly
• Swelling on the side of your face
• Toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
  

Acupuncture has proven to be effective at reducing the pain associated with TMJ. It acts by restoring the balanced flow of Qi, or energy, according to traditional Chinese medicine. Modern research has revealed scientific reasons why acupuncture is a successful in TMJ treatment. Studies in Western medical literature suggest that acupuncture reduces pain sensation through direct stimulation of the nerve, which changes the quality of signaling along nerve cells. It was also found that acupuncture directly stimulates the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters. These are naturally occurring reactions that help block pain perception by the brain.

In an acupuncture treatment for TMJ-related problems, needles are inserted in the area of the pain, around the ear and the jaw. Due to the the interconnecting pathways between the meridians, the needles may also be inserted near the elbows, knees, and big toe; these distal locations can alter the flow of Qi flowing through the jaw to relieve pain and inflammation.

Chiropractic treatments for subluxation and neck and upper back massage therapy are also helpful tools used in the treatment of TMJ. The goal is to balance structure and energy, releasing the pain and freeing the patient from the causes of TMJ.

You may have heard that this year’s flu vaccine is a poor match for the virus that is causing the most distress in people this season. It’s always a roll of the dice. Vaccines are designed based on viruses circulated in the opposite hemisphere before the Northern Hemisphere flu season starts. 
 
Once a person does get the flu, one can ride it out or get antiviral medications.  Why not prevent it? Studies have shown that when administered in the first 48 hours after a person becomes symptomatic, antiviral medication at best can eliminate a day off the usually five to six day course of an illness. 

The best way to ensure your defense against any virus strain is to build and maintain a strong immune system. It is only when our natural immunity is weakened or disturbed that the body is more likely to get the flu, including other virus, fungi and parasites. 

These, as we know, are basic steps you can take in keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Avoid cigarette smoke. Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low in saturated fat. Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight. Control your blood pressure and keep your stress levels controlled. Drink alcohol in moderation. Get plenty of sleep and drink plenty of fluids. Is that the easiest way?

Those are the basics that everyone knows about and we welcome the reminders. 

Here are some other specific things you can do to boost your immunity level and prevent illness:

• Therapeutic Massage is great to relieve the build up of stress … it will renew and Revitalize your well-being. Relax away tension and pain. Helps you feel calm to sleep like a baby. 

• Acupuncture treatments show measurable improvement to the immune system. It reduces inflammation and stimulates white blood cells to find and kill unwanted intruders.  It is a simple and effective approach to rid of stress residue that drains our vital energy. Acupuncture will make you feel GREAT! 

• Herbal Medicine and nutrition supplements are key to optimizing cellular function. Nutritional supports are considerably turnkeys that allow healthy flow to occur.

Knowing how to stay healthy and boosting your immune system is the most effective way when science fails and prevention prevails. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults.

The change of seasons often brings on changes in our physical and mental well-being, some we are not even aware of. This time of year, when the light is not as available to us people often feel down, lack energy and get depressed. 

This can often be attributed to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).  It is said to affect half a million people every winter. Three out of four SAD sufferers are women and the main age group affected are between 18 and 30 years of age. The severity of SAD depends both on a person’s vulnerability to the disorder and geographical location.

Symptoms include

• Depression, loss of self-esteem, hopelessness, despair, and apathy
• Anxiety, tension and inability to tolerate stress
• Mood changes: extremes of mood 
• Sleep problems, oversleeping and difficulty staying awake or, disturbed sleep 
• Lethargy, feeling of constant fatigue 
• Overeating, craving for starchy and sweet foods resulting in weight gain
• Irritability and desire to avoid social contact
• Loss of libido and decreased interest in physical contact

As seasons change, there is a shift in our biological clocks due in part to changes in sunlight patterns. Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain cause symptoms of depression, and is produced at increased levels in the dark.  When the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases.

Is there a way to defeat these winter blues? Exercise, eating healthy and getting enough sleep are obvious combatants, but there is more you can do to get the energy back into your life. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be helpful for those who suffer from SAD as they can bring the body to a more balanced state. 

Acupuncture is known for its effects on pain control but it’s also helpful in treating several neurological, immunological, and hormonal disorders. Studies have shown promising results for its treatment of depression. The studies have shown that acupuncture releases serotonin and noradrenaline-norepinephrine, common stimulants used in the treatment of depressive disorders. This is a natural alternative to the use of antidepressants. Another benefit of acupuncture is that it has no extra side effects.

A therapeutic massage can also alleviate the symptoms of SAD. Massage releases endorphins, which creates a euphoric feeling and fights depression, as well as lowering the recipient’s blood pressure, improving circulation, stimulates the nerve endings, removes toxins and improves energy and concentration. By receiving regular massages, a SAD sufferer will experience less intense symptoms.

Since the spine controls the nervous system, getting chiropractic adjustments will get your nervous system running efficiently and can improve sleep quality, which is also a good way to combat depression.

Winter can be an incredibly beautiful season of physical and spiritual growth, and taking care of your self will enhance your life, and keep you from getting SAD.