TMJ Massage
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. There are many muscles that affect this joint. If you clinch your teeth, you can feel tightness in your scalp, face, jaw, and neck. Tightness in these muscles can contribute to headaches, jaw pain, and neck pain. I use several methods to help relax these muscles including trigger point work and myofascial release, as well as, basic Swedish massage, manual lymphatic drainage, Buccal massage and warm/cool compresses. I will massage your scalp, neck, your face, and inside your mouth. You should feel relief after the first session, but will mostly likely need 3-4 weekly sessions for longer lasting relief.
What is Buccal Massage?
Buccal is the Latin word for the cheek muscle. Buccal massage is a therapeutic technique that involves massaging the inside of the mouth, particularly the cheeks and jaw area, to promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and improve circulation. This facial massage targets the muscles that are often involved in facial expressions, chewing, and clenching, such as the masseter and temporalis muscles. By working on both the external and internal areas of the face, buccal massage helps release tension, potentially easing symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, or TMJ* (temporomandibular joint) discomfort. It is a holistic approach to facial wellness.
Important Information:
The technique I use is probably different than what you may have experienced before or what you have seen on social media. My buccal facial includes manual lymphatic drainage of the face, head, and neck. I then use a combination of trigger point work, myofascial release techniques, and Swedish massage. I work slowly to systematically release over tight muscles and increase circulation.
In addition to the contraindications to regular massage, Buccal massage is not appropriate if you have an active case of acne or a cold sore breakout. If you are prone to breakouts, please let me know and we can discuss precautions.
Buccal massage is also not appropriate if you have had Botox injections in the last 6 weeks. If you have fillers or threads, I will not be able to massage those areas for 4-6 months. If you have had a surgical face lift, I will need your surgeon's permission before Buccal massage. If you have had other procedures on your face that cause irritation or sensitivity, you will need to wait until the skin has healed.
If you have had recent dental work, we need to wait under the area is healed and you are no longer on antibiotics.
If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, you should not have Buccal massage. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a connection between the mouth and the womb. I would rather err on the side of caution.
