Understanding Bruxism: More and more people are suffering from jaw tension, which can be accompanied by pain, teeth grinding, or clenching. I refer to this condition as 'jaw stress,' as it places the jaw in a protective, defensive mode.
The Stress Response
Jaw-stress triggers a stress response in the whole body. Scientifically, tension in the masticatory muscles signals 'danger' to the brain, initiating a chain of muscle contractions that spans the entire body—from the jaw to the toes. The purpose of this response is to protect the brain and spinal cord through the muscle-fascia corset.
This physical defense mechanism is ancient and deeply rooted in the human reptilian brain. Imminent danger makes us automatically clench our teeth. How did you handle your last salary negotiation or relationship stress? Did you find the communication pleasant and open, or did you 'bite through' the situation? Were you able to express your arguments, or did you prefer to bite your tongue? Could you express your emotions, or did you swallow them with gritted teeth?
The Subtle Danger of Modern Stress
Although we are no longer exposed to life-threatening dangers, there is a much subtler threat that triggers over 90% of all illnesses and is considered 'normal': STRESS. Over the past 15 years, most of my patients were unaware of how high their stress levels actually were. Women, in particular, are even more affected, which I believe is closely related to today's female role model and the constant multiple burdens of work, family, and society. Many women fight much harder than men today without tapping into their true inner strength. The jaw is a storage place for emotions and feelings and is closely linked to self-expression and inner truth. Therefore, it is essential to address jaw-stress not only on a physical level, as it is merely a projection of a deeper cause. This doesn't necessarily mean trauma from childhood, birth, or accidents—though these experiences are also stored in the jaw—but much subtler levels, such as unseen emotions, unfelt feelings, and harmful thought patterns that we are not aware of.
The Role of the Tongue in Jaw-Stress
On a physical level, the tongue plays a crucial and often underestimated role in jaw-stress, teeth grinding, and jaw problems. At rest, it stabilizes the lower jaw and keeps it in a relaxed position—the so-called resting position. However, this is only possible if the tongue is in its natural, healthy position touching the whole palate. Additionally, the pressure of the tongue stimulates the parasympathetic nerves (vagus nerve) in the soft palate, triggering a relaxation and recovery response throughout the body. The tongue effectively counteracts jaw-stress and prevents jaw tension.
The Benefits of Jaw Yoga
Jaw Yoga helps bring the tongue, jaw, and breathing back into balance. The combination of mind and consciousness training and jaw meditations promotes stress resilience, self-expression, and access to inner wisdom. This approach can sustainably address the causes of teeth grinding and jaw stress, freeing the inner smile!
By understanding and addressing jaw-stress, we can significantly improve our overall well-being. Recognizing the signs and taking a holistic approach that includes physical, mental, and emotional aspects can lead to lasting relief and a better quality of life. Embrace the journey to a stress-free, relaxed jaw, and rediscover your inner strength and resilience.
It's your birthright to feel JAWSOME!
Julia Reindl
jaw-yoga.com
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