Decrease Pain and Release Tension in Your Hips and Jaw with This Simple Breath

Usha Anandi. 20 | SEPTEMBER | 2019

Today I’m sharing with you one of my favorite breathing techniques to release tension in the pelvic floor and the jaw.

I use this practice ALL. THE. TIME.

Seriously – I use it in airport (yep, I’m that weird lady), in the bathroom, when I feel anxious or stressed… and I even use it when I work with pregnant mamas as a doula and childbirth educator to help them prepare for the ceremony of birth.

This practice has so many AMAZING benefits.

And the best part? It’s SO easy (and might make you laugh, too!)

Watch the video below to be guided through the practice.

But beyond just softening your jaw and relaxing the muscles of the face – how can this seemingly simple breath release patterns of tension and reprogram the way you exist inside of your womb?

The answer is held in the womb+throat, pelvis+jaw connection.

The Jaw + Pelvis Connection

We can trace the connection between the womb and the voice all the way back to early development in utero. During embryologic development, two depressions form on the dorsal side of the embryo which eventually become the oropharyngeal membrane (which goes on to form the mouth) and the cloacal membrane (which forms the opening of the urinary, digestive, and reproductive tracts). Later, the spine develops and forms a bridge between them, but the connection from the early stages of development will always remain within the bidy.

The Fascial System

Not only are the jaw (voice) and pelvis (womb) connected on a cellular level, they’re also connected on a fascial level. Fascia can be defined as an interconnected web of soft tissue that encases the entire body and laces between individual muscles and organs. A large fascial line runs from the tip of the coccyx (tailbone) to the tip of the tongue. When we soften and relax the jaw, the same relaxation is mirrored in the pelvis and the muscles of the pelvic floor.

So now you know – but don’t take MY word for it, practice and see for yourself!

I recommend horse lips for any time you feel anxiety, stress, or tension in the jaw or pelvic floor.

For those who experience incontinence (peeing a little bit when you laugh, sneeze, jump, or cough) – this breath can be particularly helpful.

Remember – incontinence isn’t just caused by weakness in the pelvic floor muscles, but excess stress and tension as well.

And of course, for my pregnant mamas – practice this breath as much as you can – especially in your third trimester of pregnancy to increase muscle memory in your body. This breath is a fantastic tool to utilize during birth to support relaxation in the pelvic floor muscles and cervical dilation.

If you enjoyed connecting with your womb through this powerful breathing practice, then you’re gonna LOVE my 10-Minute Guided Self-Womb Massage Practice. This simple, but powerful ritual will support you in clearing stagnation, increasing circulation and experiencing a deep state of relaxation.

GUIDED SELF-WOMB MASSAGE