What does the jaw have to do with the pelvic floor?
Women are often surprised when I suggest that their clenched teeth/grinding at night could be contributing to their pelvic floor issues. Studies have shown that a more relaxed jaw results in less tension in the pelvis and vice versa. Equally if the hips or jaw are off balance there is a good chance the other is too.
Amazingly, the connection begins during embryological development around day 15. Two depressions form on the back of the embryo, one of these goes on to form the mouth and the other of these goes on to form the openings of the urinary, reproductive and digestive tracts. The spine later grows between them but they remain connected for life.
This explains why women in childbirth are encouraged to relax their jaw and make sounds, as it's well recognised that it helps to open the pelvis.
Another very clear connection is through the dura mater, the dense connective tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. This covering connects to the cranium (skull) at the top and the sacrum at the bottom. Tension or imbalance in either end can have an effect on the other. This is often as a result of injury, especially a fall on the pelvis or a bang to the head, but any kind of impact can do it. A twist in the dura can create a twist in the sacrum which can then affect the pelvic floor muscles. One of the best ways to unwind tension in the dura is undulating movement, such as dance, sex or somatic movement.
What about stress, how does that relate?
Well, the jaw and pelvis are areas where we often hold tension and where we hold tension is individual and revealing of our subconscious mind. Tension held in the pelvis and pelvic floor are related to issues of security and safety, eg financial security, issues around your home, issues related to family and tribe. There is often deep rooted fear. Think of an animal that tucks his tail under when afraid; this is the same reflex that happens in humans to tighten the pelvic floor.
Tension held in the jaw is often related to a lack of expression. When we hold in what it is that we feel, when we swallow it down, in effect we have to clamp down the jaw to keep it in. Think of a toddler having a tantrum. It’s a very effective energetic release, and after a full release through sound and movement they regulate their systems and are fully present and happy again.
What does all of this practically mean?
Well, if you are dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction, namely prolapse, incontinence or painful sex, then you might want to start giving some attention to your jaw.
You can begin with awareness, noticing when you tighten your jaw or clench your teeth as you go about your day. Take a moment, to let it go, allow a space to arise between the teeth and lips, take a deep breath, and go about your day.
You can also add some gentle jaw massage, it won’t be difficult to find points of tension. Followed by a stretch: simply open your jaw as wide as you can and close again. Even better if you make some sound, sound releases pent up energy.
Lion’s breath, a yogic practice also helps. Make a hhhhhhh sound as you exhale, open the jaw and stick out your tongue as far as you can.
And practice speaking your truth!