How to Release Tension in the Jaw
“Enjaw” Yourself with an Out-of-the-Box Strategy to release tension in the jaw.
Note: If you have serious problems with your jaw, consult your dentist or doctor before trying this movement lesson.
You open and close your mouth multiple times every day and it’s a simple action until you have restrictions in the jaw. Eating, talking, breathing, and moving in general are all affected by the ability to open and close the mouth.
Moshe Feldenkrais was a master of out-of-the-box thinking so he reasoned if the lower jaw wouldn’t move then keep it stationary and move the upper jaw and skull instead. Having no experience with this movement the brain doesn’t put on the brakes and stop the movement.
A tense jaw may impact your ability to open and close your mouth easily.
The following movement lesson will help to release that tension.
Open and close your mouth in the usual way a few times.
Notice how far your mouth can open easily.
Hold your chin with your hands so it remains stationary. Lift the top teeth away from the lower teeth. You need to tip your head backwards to do this.
Gently tip your head forward and bring your top teeth back to the starting position.
Watch as the same movement is demonstrated from the side.
Notice how the jaw stays fixed as the head tips backwards.
Allow your eyes to move with the head as it tips back and forth.
For the jaw movement to feel easy, it requires the participation of the back and pelvis.
Put one hand on your belly and the other at the back of your pelvis.
As you look up, rock your pelvis forward a little and then return to your starting position.
Now go back to the previous position of holding your jaw with your hands.
Keep your lower jaw immobile as you arch your back tip your head backwards.
As you return to your original position, tip your head forward to meet the lower jaw.
Take your hands away from your jaw and once again open and close your mouth
Notice how it feels now.
To purchase a PDF version of "Wake Up Your Body & Brain" or audio lessons, visit my website: www.sandrabradshaw.com
CREDITS
Sandra Bradshaw
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner
Bones for Life Teacher
Music by Jeremy Blattner
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For more "Awareness Through Movement" lessons visit Sandra's website: http://www.sandrabradshaw.com and search under articles.
Guild Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner and Functional Movement Specialist, Sandra Bradshaw will help you to boost your capacity to move effortlessly. Her experience using the Feldenkrais Method® has been successful in helping people improve the quality of their lives.
Thousands of people have benefitted from Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® lessons; however, we cannot anticipate the needs and/or limitations of individuals. The material contained in this lesson is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. Consult your doctor or physiotherapist if you have any concerns. Responsibility for the lessons is strictly that of the user.
Feldenkrais Method® and Awareness Through Movement®, and are registered service marks of the Feldenkrais Guild® of North America. Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner ™ is a certification mark of the Feldenkrais Guild®.