Yes, a disorder of the jaw joint can upset your stomach because the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is at the intersection of three major energy meridian systems relating to the stomach, endocrine system, and small intestine. Relief of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can spark a tremendous healing process in the whole body, relieving symptoms like stomach problems.
TMJ disorders affect six specific energy meridians as they travel near or through the jaw. These meridians are the stomach, small intestine, adrenal gland, gall bladder, large intestine, and bladder - all of which play a role in digestive functions. This is why when you are stressed, you may have trouble digesting food properly when your jaw is tensed or locked due to tension and stress.
In addition to jaw pain, some TMD patients have experienced gastrointestinal (stomach) problems, like GERD, heartburn, and esophageal reflux disorders. All of these symptoms can be classified as problems associated with TMJ, but that is not to say that in every case, each of the problems mentioned above is caused by TMJ. As statisticians will point out, "Correlation does not imply causation."
If you just recently started having swallowing problems or have been diagnosed for hypotensive esophagus due to GERD, you may want to visit a holistic dentist like Dr. Reese to review your TMJ. TMD may be the cause of the swallowing and upset stomach and treating the TMJ may help. If you're in the Indianapolis area, call 317-882-0228 to get a comprehensive evaluation.