R E A D

The
Worthy
Woman

R E A D

The
Ferocious
Woman

How Relaxing Your Jaw Can Help Relieve Constipation?

How Relaxing Your Jaw Can Help Relieve Constipation?

 

You know the drill – you're eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and suddenly you feel a bout of constipation. You're trying to power through it and ignore the pain, but eventually, you just give up. You've tried all of the usual remedies – drinking more water and eating more fiber – and nothing seems to work. But did you know that relaxing your jaw can help relieve constipation?

 

What does jaw relaxation have to do with constipation? In this article, we'll explain the connection between your mouth and pelvic floor muscles and how relaxation can help ease constipation. We'll also explore practical techniques you can use to relax your jaw and the benefits for both labor/birth and digestive health.

 

What is Constipation?

 

Constipation is having fewer than three bowel movements per week or when stools become hard and difficult to pass. You may experience bloating, discomfort, or pain while trying to pass a stool. You may also feel the need to strain or push more than usual.

 

Constipation is one of the most common yet often overlooked chronic issues in America. The usual culprits are inadequate hydration, lack of fiber in the diet, and immobility or decreased physical activity. There's also a strong connection between your mouth and pelvic floor, which can influence how easily you pass stool.

 

The Connection Between Your Mouth and Pelvic Floor

 

Your mouth and the pelvic floor muscles have a two-way connection. This means that the other can also become tense when one is tight and tense.

 

How do clenching teeth affect the pelvic floor?

 

Clenching your teeth can cause the pelvic floor muscles to become tight, which makes it harder for the stool to pass through. When these muscles are tense, they push against the rectum and anus, making it more difficult to have a bowel movement.

 

This tightness can also be caused by jaw clenching, grinding your teeth in sleep, or chewing gum excessively. If you clench and grind your teeth, your pelvic floor is likely tight.

 

The impact of tension on your nervous system

 

Tension in the mouth has a direct effect on the nervous system. When your jaw is tight, it signals your brain to activate the “flight/fight” response. This creates an environment of stress in the body, making it more difficult for you to relax and fully let go during a bowel movement.

 

People who suffer from chronic constipation often report feeling sluggish, tired, and anxious. These feelings of tension can further add to the stress in your body, making it harder for you to release stool.

 

Practicing Relaxation of Mouth and Jaw

 

The good news is that there are simple ways to practice relaxing your jaw and mouth throughout the day.

 

When you're sitting in a chair or standing, practice dropping your jaw and sticking out your tongue; doing this for 5-10 minutes throughout the day will help train your pelvic floor muscles to relax, sending “rest and digest” messages throughout your digestive system.

 

Then, when sitting on the toilet, try making a soft “ahh” or lip-smacking noise as if you're relaxed. This will help signal your brain to release the pelvic floor muscles and make it easier for you to pass stool.

 

Benefits for the digestive system

 

Relaxing your jaw can have many benefits for your digestive system. When the pelvic floor muscles are relaxed, it's easier for waste to pass through and eliminate stool quickly and efficiently.

 

Relaxing your jaw can also reduce tension in the body, which makes it easier for you to relax during a bowel movement. This can help prevent straining and bloating and reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids.

 

Benefits for labor/birth

 

Relaxing your jaw and pelvic floor muscles can also be beneficial during labor and birth, as it helps keep the cervix relaxed. This can make it easier for the baby to move through the birth canal and help shorten labor time.

 

Simple, free, easy practice

 

Relaxing your jaw and mouth doesn't have to be complicated. It's a simple practice that you can do anytime and anywhere without additional costs or equipment. All you need is a few minutes of mindful awareness each day to help relax the muscles in your face and neck and your pelvic floor.

 

Conclusion

 

Relaxing your jaw can directly affect the pelvic floor muscles and digestive system. Practicing jaw relaxation throughout the day can help reduce tension and make it easier to pass stool. It's a simple practice that is free, easy, and doesn't require any additional tools or equipment.

 

With regular practice, this helpful tip could be just what you need to help relieve constipation. So next time your jaw feels tight and itchy, take a minute to relax and bring some relief in more ways than one!

 

 

 

Dr. Nikki Cohen
Pelvic Floor Therapist in San Diego,
Services in English
Address: San Diego, California
92115 United States
Phone: +1 (818) 606-6717
Email: [email protected]