Jaw Care
How to Approach Jaw Care
These guides contain practical ways to calm and release jaw tension.
The guides are useful whether you are exploring things on your own or as an addition to holistic TMJ therapy.
The approaches are shaped by what we now understand about why jaw tension persists.
Whilst this thinking is referenced in the Jaw Knowledge section, here are the key ideas behind what is likely going on and what therefore is likely to help.
TMJ or TMD rarely indicates tissue damage or a structural issue.
Regardless of how symptoms started – be it physical trauma, stress, or connective tissue sensitivity, the nervous system is likely locking down the fascia in a state of protection.
It is not only the jaw that will be in tension – it is also the body. Common areas include the neck and shoulders, hips and even the feet.
These guides take this into consideration and suggest holistic ideas that allow the nervous system to feel safe and to let go of held tension.
The four articles below are a good place to start. Begin with whichever feels most relevant to you.
How to Unclench Your Jaw
Practical techniques for noticing and releasing jaw clenching during the day — without forcing it.
Massage the Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve plays a key role in calming the nervous system. Learn simple techniques that may ease jaw tension from the inside out.
Self-Massage TMJ
A gentle guide to massaging the muscles around the jaw — not about pressure or technique, but about care and reassurance.
Release Neck Tension
Jaw and neck tension are closely linked. Releasing the neck can often do more for the jaw than working on it directly.
What Next?
You may also want to explore the Jaw Knowledge articles. These cover the bigger picture — what TMJ really is, why tension persists, and how the mind and body are involved.
Prefer personalised support?
If you’d like one-to-one help with jaw pain or TMD, you can book a session with me directly.