Jaw Clenching & Pelvic Floor Tension: The Surprising Connection You Need To Know

Dr. Amy Konvalin explains:

As above, so below

They may not seem very connected, but jaw tension and pelvic floor tension are linked through a pressure system involving the diaphragm muscle, upper throat region, and pelvic floor working together.

In other words, the body functions like a stacked system where the jaw (via the temporomandibular joint), diaphragm, and pelvic floor all coordinate to manage pressure and stability. The result is that if the diaphragm becomes tight or underused, it can contribute to increased tension in the pelvic floor and jaw.

• What makes it worse: breathing through your mouth reduces diaphragm activation, and can increase tension around the jaw and upper airway.
• What makes it better: breathing through your nose better activates the diaphragm, and supports more balanced pressure through the system.
• What makes it even better: diaphragmatic breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which helps shift your body towards a calmer, “rest and digest” state

Note that the “better” and “even” better items are not in conflict with each other; you can (and ideally should) do both at once.

For more on all of this plus some breathing exercises to accomplish the above, enjoy:

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Want to learn more?

You might like this book we reviewed a little while back:

The Oxygen Advantage – by Patrick McKeown

Take care!