Did you know that there could be a connection between jaw tension and the well-being of your pelvic floor? Interestingly, night grinding and/or jaw clicking during yawning might have more to do with the pelvic area than you might currently imagine.
Therefore, it is worthwhile to take a closer look at the topic to better understand holistic well-being.
When we envision the structure of these two body regions, we can already identify some initial parallels. The pelvis resembles a large bowl attached at the hip joints, featuring an opening at the bottom. Comparing this to the jaw, we observe a similar shape: the joints are positioned at the top, and the mouth opening is at the bottom.
Interestingly, we can trace the connection between the womb and the voice back to early development in utero. During the growth of the embryo, two depressions form on the dorsal side. From these, the oral opening (which later forms the mouth) and the cloacal opening (essential for urinary, digestive, and reproductive tracts) develop. Later, the spine forms, connecting these two openings. However, the original connection from the early stages of development always remains within the body.
Not only are the jaw (voice) and pelvis (womb) connected on a cellular level, but also on a fascial level.
There is an anatomical connection between these two body parts. Through muscles and fascia, the jaw is connected to the pelvic floor via the spine, influencing both body regions mutually. A fascial line extends from the muscles of the pelvic floor to the muscles in the jaw. Imagine fascia as connective tissue-like structures that envelop and provide support to organs, muscles, nerves, and other tissues throughout the entire body.
Traditional Chinese Medicine also recognizes a connection between the jaw and pelvis through the energy channel of the gallbladder. Therefore, massage, acupressure, or acupuncture along this meridian are often recommended for issues in these areas.
The jaw and the pelvis are often expressions of stress and emotions. Feelings like fear, anger, rage, or reluctance are often suppressed by clenching our teeth. In stressful situations, we tend to unconsciously tense the pelvis or the buttock muscles. This has a simple reason: in the "fight or flight" mode, these muscles, from an archaic development standpoint, have the task of protecting our sensitive front and core, including vital organs like reproductive organs.
There are simple tips that can help you relax your jaw and, consequently, your pelvic floor, relieving any discomfort.
Yoga: | deep breathing: | voice activation: |
Hip openers:
| Bhramari Pranayama (Bee-breath) | Singing |
For the jaw, any stretches for the neck are suitable, and there is also specific facial yoga for it. | deep belly breathing | Humming |
Through hip openers and jaw exercises, tensions and blockages can be released. | The breathing techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system, inducing a state of relaxation. | While humming and singing (lower vocal range), the pelvic floor lengthens/relaxes, and the jaw muscles are loose. |
I'm curious to hear about your experiences on this topic and which tip you implement for yourself!
With love
Jana Noel