TMJ Disorder

Hard and chewy foods (such as squid, dried octopus, nuts, and tough meats) repeatedly apply significant force to the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint, exacerbating inflammation and pain. Foods that require opening the mouth wide (such as large hamburgers or biting into a whole apple) also place a burden on the articular disc. During treatment, foods that place less strain on chewing, such as porridge, tofu, boiled vegetables, and soft fish, are recommended. Unilateral chewing habits, where you chew only on one side, must also be corrected. Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective: Since the meridian connected to the stomach passes directly in front of the temporomandibular joint, excessive heat in the stomach causes inflammatory energy to concentrate in this pathway. Spicy and stimulating foods, alcohol, and caffeine increase stomach heat, so it is advisable to refrain from them during treatment. Meanwhile, if digestive function weakens due to overwork or indigestion, the muscle-building effect diminishes, slowing down the recovery of the masticatory muscles. In Korean medicine, light and warm foods that soothe the stomach and aid in the generation of qi and blood are recommended.