TMJ Disorder

Lying on your side compresses the lower jaw joint with a pillow or arm, placing an asymmetrical load on the articular disc. If repeated for a long time, this exacerbates disc displacement and muscle asymmetry. Lying on your back is the ideal position, and you should choose a pillow height that maintains the natural curve of the neck. A pillow that is too high flexes the cervical spine, increasing the burden on the jaw joint. If you grind your teeth, it is also important to wear a mouthguard while sleeping. In Korean medicine, sleeping posture determines the quality of the time it takes for Qi and blood to circulate through the organs and aid in recovery. Continuous pressure on one side compresses meridians connected to bile flow, hindering Qi and blood flow and resulting in insufficient recovery during the night. Lying on your back allows meridians to be distributed symmetrically on both sides, increasing the efficiency of self-recovery during the night. Applying a warm towel compress to the jaw area for 5 minutes before bed helps relax muscle and tendon tension, aiding in deep sleep.