The TMJ Handbook: A Therapeutic Guide to Relieving Jaw Tension and Pain with Yoga and Mindfulness
“The TMJ Handbook is an exceptional contribution to the field of health and essential reading for all concerned with reducing stress and increasing wellbeing.”
—Thanissara, author of Time to Stand Up
Alleviate TMJ pain with this powerful, integrative mind-body program That DRAWS ON yoga, mindfulness, and craniosacral bodywork.
In The TMJ Handbook, Cator Shachoy explains the anatomy and physiology of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)—what we commonly refer to as “TMJ.” She unpacks the physical, emotional, and energetic reasons why this pain can occur and become so debilitating— including injury, stress and tension, emotional trauma, grief and rage, hormonal imbalances, among other causes.
She then offers a unique and effective approach to reducing TMJ pain that combines yoga, massage, meditation, and craniosacral therapy to provide:
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- A definition of jaw tension and jaw anatomy
- Relief from headaches, stress, and tension
- Conscious healing touch and self-massage
- Yoga poses and sequences
Shachoy shares inspiring and instructive stories of patients she has treated and empowers us with the knowledge and skills to help ourselves. This fully illustrated guide has more than thirty instructional movements and eleven audio downloads.
What it’s all About
Alleviate TMJ pain with this powerful, integrative mind-body program that draws on yoga, mindfulness, and craniosacral bodywork. Cator Shachoy explains the anatomy and physiology of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)—what we commonly refer to as “TMJ.” She unpacks the physical, emotional, and energetic reasons why this pain can occur and become so debilitating—including injury, stress and tension, emotional trauma, grief and rage, hormonal imbalances, among other causes.
Shachoy shares inspiring and instructive stories of patients she has treated and empowers us with the knowledge and skills to help ourselves. This fully illustrated guide has over 30 instructional movements and audio downloads of exercises and meditations.
Cator Shachoy is a yoga therapist, mindfulness teacher, and craniosacral practitioner. She has taught for over twenty years in the US, Europe, and South America. She offers a range of therapeutic workshops in Buddhism, craniosacral, energy healing, mindfulness and yoga.
“If you, a loved one, or a patient/client is looking for relief from jaw tension and its associated ailments, you have come to the right place. This is an absolutely essential addition to your healing library.”
—Yael Shy, author of What Now?
“As one of the foremost educators in the field of TMJ self-care, Cator Shachoy has brought many of these practices together in this concise and helpful guide. This is a valuable book for those who are ready to help themselves.”
—Ryan Halford, RCST, BCST, host of The Craniosacral Podcast
“Eating, talking, smiling, kissing – life’s greatest pleasures are connected to our mouth and jaw. So, it is especially ironic that this is the part of the body that can cause us so much pain and suffering. Jaw tension seems to be a universal experience that receives too little attention—until now. Cator Shachoy gives us the answers we’re seeking in a manner that is both detail-oriented and accessible.”
—Jivana Heyman, author of Yoga Revolution
Praise for the TMJ Handbook
“Cator Shachoy offers three beautifully aligned, complimentary entry points to healing from TMD– bodywork, yoga, and mindfulness meditation. And she gently and confidently supports her healing program on the two palms of compassion and kindness.”
—Allison Post co-author of Unwinding the Belly
“Cator Shachoy’s contribution to the treatment of TMD is easy to follow, even for those without a background in anatomy and yoga. I know that the exercises and meditations will bring positive results for TMD—and for the body and mind.”
—Benjamin Shield, PhD, author of Handbook for the Soul
“A thoroughly empowering guide to bring a new holistic perspective and treatment to a challenging, often overlooked issue”
—Christopher Willard, PsyD, author of Growing Up Mindful
“To my knowledge, this is the first book that deals exclusively and at length with TMJ disorders and their relief. Cator first lays the groundwork by looking at the many causes of the condition, then goes on to suggest a variety of treatments including breath work, self-massage, mindfulness, and yoga-based exercises. This is a well-rounded, fully accessible, intelligently organized program that should prove highly effective in the self-treatment of TMD.”
—Richard Rosen, author of Yoga By the Numbers
“This book will be enlightening for anyone who suffers from jaw tension, as well as bodyworkers and therapists who want to learn more. I highly recommend the TMJ Handbook—it will help so many people!”
—Deborah Wolk, founder of Samamkaya Yoga Back Care & Scoliosis Collective NYC
“I highly recommend Cator’s book for anyone interested in working with their jaw/TMJ tension and body tension in general.”
—Franklyn Sills, BCST, author of Foundations in Craniosacral Biodynamics vols 1&2
“The TMJ handbook provides deep and tangible jewels of insight to both patients and experts. A must have for long time jaw tension sufferers.”
—Holly Edson, NP, Craniosacral Therapist
“Drawing on decades of practice in mindfulness and yoga, Cator guides us with clarity, simple exercises, and a friendly approach, to let go of the unconscious causes of jaw tension (TMD). Of course, jaw tension isn’t just about the jaw—this is a manual for body and mind.”
—Anandabodhi Bhikkuni, Abbess, Aloka Vihara
“Cator takes relieving jaw tension as a starting point but then expands to include our human experience. There is a broad approach to cultivating mindfulness, body awareness, along with tips on how to include all this in daily life. This book is immensely practical, as well as clear, coherent, and down to earth.”
—Pasanno Bhikkhu, former abbot, Abhyagiri Buddhist Monaster
