Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself and your sweetheart to something special while treating your TMD at the same time. Here are our favorite relaxing, indulging ideas for TMJ patients this Valentine’s Day.
A Couple’s Massage
You and your significant other can relax together with a couple’s massage. There are many different styles of massage that utilize a range of techniques to ease tension and relax muscles, so choosing the right type of treatment is important.
- A scalp, neck and shoulder massage is ideal if you are currently experiencing TMJ symptoms, because muscle tension in these regions can be a contributing factor.
- Swedish massages use long sweeping motions and a light touch, making it the go-to massage for relaxation.
- Hot stone massage incorporates warm rocks that are strategically placed to relax tight muscles and restore energy.
- A reflexology foot massage will work wonders for people who stand up most of the day instead of sitting at a desk.
If possible, opt for an aromatherapy treatment to be added on to the massage for additional relaxation (see below).
Special Occasion Soups
When most people think of Valentine’s Day dinner, steaks and seafood often come to mind. Rarely is soup associated with special occasions, but there are a few options that most certainly fit the bill. These include lobster bisque, she-crab soup, French onion soup, bird’s nest soup and bouillabaisse.
TMJ-Friendly Chocolate Desserts
There’s a lot to love about chocolate beyond the decadent taste. Consuming rich, sweet chocolate has been shown to lower stress by reducing the hormones catecholamines and cortisol. Substitute the hard blocks of chocolate and chewy treats with one (or more) of the options below.
- Chocolate mousse
- Rich hot chocolate
- Thick chocolate shake
- Chocolate covered bananas
- Hot chocolate fudge over vanilla ice cream
- Garnish your coffee or espresso with chocolate shavings
In this month’s newsletter we’ve also provided a recipe for Mexican Chocolate Pots de Crème. This custard-like indulgence is quick and easy to make.
Fragrant Arrangements
Flowers and candles are staples of the Valentine’s Day holiday, but did you know they can also help ease TMJ symptoms? Aromas, like those found in essential oils, have been used as a stress reliever for centuries. A few scents to give and receive this Valentine’s Day are:
- Rose
- Vanilla
- Citrus
- Frankincense
- Jasmine
- Spearmint or Peppermint
- Lavender
- Sandalwood
- Coconut
A trip to the dentist may not be the most romantic occasion, but a visit to MedCenter TMJ before Valentine’s Day can help you take care of problems so they don’t get in the way of a romantic evening. Our team is highly trained indiagnosing and treating TMJ problems so patients can enjoy every day of the year.
Original source: https://www.medcentertmj.com/healthy-living/treat-tmj-valentines-day-2/