"Jaws of Healthy People," Moon Hyunjoo, Dulnyouk; 264pp., 1,200 won

From irregular periods, trembling hands to zits, a myriad of health problems can be explained with the jaw, according to Moon Hyung-joo, director of Moon Dental Hospital in Seoul. Detailing a number of cases he treated over 15 years, Moon offers an alternative perspective to medical mysteries in his book “Jaws of Healthy People.” Though readers accustomed to compartmented understanding of human anatomy and diseases may find it too anecdote-based, the 259-page volume is a refreshing read for anyone interested in developing healthy habits.

Nine out of 12 cranial nerve tunnel through temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or jaw joint. Also, the TMJ’s movements directly influence the first and second neck bones which support the brain. Moon argues that the location makes it one of the most integral parts that can dictate the entire health. Therefore, integral treatment to correct skewed alignments and relieve stress on around the mouth-neck area can improve diverse conditions.

For example, a patient in her 20s did not get her periods for over six years. After fruitless visits to gynecologist and herbal medicine practitioners, she consulted Moon. The patient had bad posture and Moon prescribed splint therapy which required her to wear a corrective mouth-piece. Within six months, her menstrual cycle restarted.

A dentist by training, Moon became fascinated with the bottom component of the human face and published “The Relationship Between Dental Occulsion/Temporomandibular Join Status and General Body Health” on the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in November, 2011.

The writer recommends five daily rules to start taking care of your jaw. First, one should not clench his or her teeth. Second, biting on lips or sucking on a pen out of anxiety can impose pressure on the jaw joint. Thirdly, Moon also urges people to minimize moving the jaw- even small movements like sticking out the tongue cause muscles to get tense. Grinding teeth can exert nearly 120-kilogram of force on the body that may lead to chronic pain. Using both side of the mouth to chew food is advisable. Lastly, the author stresses breathing through the nose to bolster dental health as well as jaw alignment.