Teeth clenched? Tight pelvic floor
If you are prone to grinding, clenching … read on.
This may be the missing piece for your pelvic health.
Did you know that your jaw pain or tension could be linked to pelvic floor pain? yes it really can!
Did you know that grinding your teeth at night might be connected to frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom?
And did you know that incontinence could actually be related to tension in your jaw?
It’s true! The jaw and pelvic floor muscles are more connected than you might think.
I have worked with 100’s of women who experience pelvic floor issues and also have a history of jaw pain—clenching, grinding, headaches, you name it. Once we start treating their jaw issues with mindfulness, awareness and exercises, their pelvic floor symptoms often improve as well. Why? Because the jaw and pelvis are physiologically connected, and the alignment and relaxation of one directly impacts the other.
So, you might be wondering, “How are these two seemingly distant parts of the body connected?”
Early Embryo Connection: The link between the jaw and pelvis begins in the embryological phase. As the spine develops, the mouth and the openings of the urinary, reproductive, and digestive tracts form early on and remain connected throughout life.
Fascial Tissue Link: Our bodies contain fascia, a thin sheath of tissue that envelops and supports our muscles, organs, and bones. The deep front fascial line runs from the jaw to the pelvis, connecting these areas. The breath work and postures we use in Hypopressives help to re-engage this connection and help you through postural awareness to not slump back to disconnect.
Midwives and Doulas Know: Midwives and doulas have long known that relaxing the throat and jaw can help release pelvic floor tension, making labor and delivery easier. Ina May Gaskin, an amazing natural childbirth educator, explains that when the jaw and throat are relaxed, the bum and pelvic floor tend to follow suit.
Stress Reaction: Stress, trauma, and strong emotions can trigger physical responses, including clenching the jaw, buttocks, back, pelvic floor, and shoulders. Retraining the nervous system to release tension in these areas is crucial. And the breath work gets into this super quickly.
So, what can you do about TMJ pain and pelvic floor tension?
Jaw Rest Position: Throughout the day, instead of clenching your teeth, try placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth, keeping your lips closed and teeth slightly apart. Breathe through your nose.
Deep Breathing: Regular deep breathing through your nostrils can also help with TMJ pain. Focus on a slow 4-count inhale and a slow 4-count exhale.
By addressing jaw tension, you can positively impact your pelvic floor health.
