There is one reflex that has never let me down yet. That is the reflex for the temporal mandibular joint - TMJ.
Any 'slippiness' on this reflex and you can be sure the client probably grinds their teeth or at the very least is aware of clenching their jaw when tense.. Many of these clients admit they grind their teeth while asleep. And it is usually the partner who complains. Or the dentist notices the teeth are wearing. As teeth grinding is usually related to tension, this is an appropriate reflex to work to help with general relaxation and to release stress.
In the post treatment review I usually say to the client something along the lines of 'your feet suggest you grind your teeth' and so far that suggestion has never been wrong.
The client is amazed that this shows in the feet and goes away to spread the word - relaxed and tension free - can't be bad.
Note: I work this reflex with the outside edge of my index finger. Bend the index finger, slide it gently between the toes and using the side of your finger rub up from the base of the big toe using small circular movements. On the other side of the big toe,do the same with the index finger of the other hand so you are massaging each side of the big toe at the same time which of course is the neck reflex - very soothing in itself. Then as your finger reaches the joint shown in the diagram you will either slide over it with no problem, or it will feel 'slippy' or 'clicky' - difficult to describe but easy to feel.
Note: I work this reflex with the outside edge of my index finger. Bend the index finger, slide it gently between the toes and using the side of your finger rub up from the base of the big toe using small circular movements. On the other side of the big toe,do the same with the index finger of the other hand so you are massaging each side of the big toe at the same time which of course is the neck reflex - very soothing in itself. Then as your finger reaches the joint shown in the diagram you will either slide over it with no problem, or it will feel 'slippy' or 'clicky' - difficult to describe but easy to feel.
3 comments:
I have a friend who struggles with teeth grinding. Can you please give me more specific information with reflexology techniques I can try on her? Is your photo pointing out the inside of the big toe? Thank you!
Hi, thank you for your comment.
You are quite right, the reflex is on the inside of the big toe. It is level with middle joint of the toe. One of my very sensitive clients could 'feel' the reaction on the TMJ while I was working the reflex. As your friend has a problem with teeth grinding, you will definitly be able to feel this as I describe in the post. Best wishes.
I have sleep apnea and progressed from the CPAP to the oral appliance by a certified sleep medicine dentist. However, the appliance doesn't work as well as I grind my teeth so the lower jaw cannot protrude accordingly to relieve the apnea. What can I do on a continuing basis to eliminate teeth grinding? I am single and live alone and have had issues with night grinding all my life. Thank you
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