TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) is usually experienced as an ache in the jaw, an uncomfortable or painful bite, and/or a clicking or grating sound when opening and closing the jaw. This article discusses a simple treatment aimed at alleviating the pain (and possibly eliminating the problem entirely) through lubrication of the ear canal.


Steps

1. Fill an ear syringe with body-temperature oil (toasted sesame is best, but olive or baby oil also may work).
2. Tilt your head back and to the left.
3. Fill your right ear with oil, allowing it to remain in the ear for a few minutes.
4. Turn your head to the right, allowing the oil to drain out.
5. Repeat the above steps for your other ear.
6. Rub some oil into the outside of your ear and around your jaw and your neck.

Tips

• If you don't experience immediate relief, it may be the oil you're using. From my experience, toasted sesame oil works wonders for this problem, while other oils are less than miraculous.
• Sesame oil has natural anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties, aiding in the elimination of infections that may be plaguing the ear canal and surrounding area.
• Sesame oil is one of the stablest oils and has a longer shelf life than most other oils.
• Toasted sesame oil is slightly warming, and from my experience is more easily absorbed by the skin than untoasted.

Warnings

• If you have a perforated ear drum, consult your physician before putting anything in your ears
• Be sure to check any oil for rancidity before using it to treat any kind of ailment. Rancid oil smells unpleasant and tastes bitter. It's been my experience that most olive oil purchased at any grocery store is already rancid - even the expensive brands. Rancid oil may cause infections and definitely will make current infections worse.
• Do NOT use any other oil mentioned here, unless prescribed by your physician.