Therapies
Not all the therapies and or techniques listed below are suitable for everyone
including children. Not all the therapies and or techniques listed below will work for
everyone. Every case is individual and must be treated as such. I posted this
information hoping that readers will send feedback and continue to follow up.
I offer free telephone consulting for those who are seriously interested in quitting
this horrific habit.
Please email me or fill out the survey. info@tonguechewing.com
Bob
WARNING: - The information obtained here should not replace consultation with a
physician. All medical information, procedures, drug doses, therapies, indications,
and contraindications should be discussed with your personal physician.
We have all been to our doctors or dentists and most people have at one time or another
been to a physical therapist or a chiropractor for a multitude of different ailments ranging from
a sprained ankle to a toothache. Everyone knows that you don’t go to the dentist for a sprained
ankle or your chiropractor for a toothache, that’s how we were conditioned. All doctors
specialize within their particular practice or expertise. The problem arises when the area of
one discipline crosses over or involves the expertise of another as is possibly the case in
tongue chewing. Within every profession there are areas of specialization.
When dealing with a complex problem like tongue chewing I can not express how critical it is
to identify the practitioners that will be able to respect the interdisciplinary relationships
between practices. If you and your doctor do not understand this basic concept you will be
only wasting time (in years), money, treating your symptoms and possibly make your problem
worse.
For more information please click on the links below:
Chirodontics
Before choosing a chiropractor, osteopath or dentist understand their area of expertise and
how each will benefit you. Consider a practitioner that is trained in one of the disciplines
mentioned in this section.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (oro - mouth; facial - face; myo - muscle)
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders involve behaviors and patterns created by inappropriate
muscle functional and incorrect habits involving the tongue, lips, jaw and face.
Highly recommended for children! See youtube video by Sandra Coulson
Still Point Technique
The Still-Point Inducer designed to simulate one of the fundamental techniques of Craniosacral
Therapy. For some peopleThis self-help technique can totally alleviate the chewing response
for hours or even days.
See youtube video:
Explaining Your Still Point Inducer
Acupuncture/Auricular Therapy
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, medical procedures in the world, originating in China more
than 2,000 years ago. There have been many studies on acupuncture and how it works. The
basic principal of acupuncture is based on the meridian system. Disease is proposed to result
from the flow of qi being disrupted and yin and yang becoming unbalanced. Placing fine
needles at precise points along these meridians that represent various organs or parts of the
body restores balance to the effected areas.
Western Theory or Acupuncture
Acupuncture is also known to trigger the release of endorphins and other pain-modulating
"feel good" chemicals including serotonion and dopamine in the brain and central nervous
system and like the control gate theory may activate the inhibitory response thus blocking the
chewing impulse. Acupuncture is very safe and rarely has side effects it is unfortunate that
only a small percentage of the population in the U.S. have tried it. Other techniques used in
acupuncture include Auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture) and electrodermal stimulation.
Traditional acupuncture can be very effective for tongue chewing. A single treatment can last
days or even weeks.
See youtube videos:
Quiting smoking with Acupuncture
Understanding the acupuncture concept
Neurochemical and Endocrine Support See: www.neuroscienceinc.com
EFT Emotional Freedom Technique See:http://www.mercola.com/forms/eftcourse.htm
Hypnosis
Hypnosis has been used as a psychological treatment for a variety of illnesses with apparent
success. While it is unlikely that hypnotic suggestions are capable of curing physical disease,
they can be used to enhance relaxation and alleviate pain and other physical discomforts.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a technique in which we train the brain to help improve its ability to regulate
all bodily functions and to take care of itself. When the brain is not functioning well, evidence of
this often shows up in the EEG (Electroencephalogram). By challenging the brain, you can
help your brain learn to function better. Neurofeedback works but requires a
commitment and continued practice.
Unless the underlining cause is addressed you will most likely not have sustained benefit.
http://www.eegspectrum.com See youtube video: What Is Neurofeedback
Habit Reversal Therapy / Behavior Modification
Habit reversal therapy and behavior modification training involve techniques that have been
used as a method for people to deal with their habits. These methods have been used very
successfully with hair pulling, nail biting, thumb sucking, and chronic motor tics.
Cervical Traction Devices
Cervical traction works by stretching the vertebrae, membranes, ligaments and connective
tissue components of the cervical spine. These structures are also innervated with sensory
nerves. When these ligaments are stretched strength and function improve as well as range of
motion.
Audio Visual Stimulation - Light/Sound Therapy
Tens - Microcurrent Stimulation - Galvanic Stimulation