The Connection Between the Jaw & the Pelvis

The connection between the jaw and the pelvis is one of my favorite topics to share about with my clients. During a womb massage ceremony we spend time relaxing the jaw by massaging the face and utalizing acupressure points to release tension. I belive this to be a necessary precurser to any deeper womb and pelvic work.

Let’s explore the energetic and physiological connection between the jaw and the pelvis.

Mirror Connection:

In the blog post illustration by Luisa Alexdre, you can notice how the anatomical structure of both the vocal chords and pelvic floor + larynx and uterus mirrir one another.

Embryological Connection:

Around day 15 of development we enter what’s called the gastrulation phase. During this time, two depressions form next to one another. One goes on to create the opening of the mouth while the other forms the opening of the urethra, anus and reproductive organs.

Fascial Connection:

Fascia is the connective tissue that holds bones, muscles, organs, blood vessels and the rest of our body parts in place. The fascia can hold tension in one area, which then can cause tension in another area. It is common that those with jaw tension are also holding pelvic floor tension, and vise versa.

Vagus Nerve Connection:

The vagus nerve, sometimes known as the ‘wandering nerve’, is the longest nerve in our body. It is connected to the back of the tongue and vocal chords, and ends in the uterus and the cervix. The vagus nerve is apart of our parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest).

Emotional Connection:

Tension in the jaw = tension in the pelvic bowl... and vise versa. In moments of stress, worry or anxiety, become aware of tension being held in the jaw or pelvic floor. You may find the instinctual habit in these situations is to clench your jaw, instead, soften your jaw and feel your pelvis soften too.

Practices:

-Sing, hum, moan. Practice low tones that relax the pelvic floor. Vocalization also activates the vagus nerve and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest).

-Bring conscious awareness to moments you tighten your jaw or pelvic floor and practice softening.

-Practive expansive 360 breathing, expanding through the low belly/pelvis bowl, ribcage and chest.