TWO places we clench: healing the jaw and pelvis

After all these years of practicing, it still surprises me how I get an influx of clients coming in with similar issues. Now is one of those times. I have been seeing a lot of people who are working with jaw pain/tightness and/or pelvic constriction. On the surface these can look like two very different symptoms, but did you know the pelvis and jaw are energetically and physically very connected? Knowing more about this connection can be very helpful in the healing process. Whether you are approaching the physical or energetic/emotional symptoms of imbalance in these areas, a big key to healing is connecting the two!

From a craniosacral therapy perspective, the jaw and pelvis are intricately linked through a system of fascial, neurological, and energetic pathways. The body functions as a unified whole, and tensions in one area often mirror or influence dysfunction in another. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of the jaw and the sacroiliac joints of the pelvis both serve as key centers. Their movements are rhythmically coordinated through the craniosacral system. Restrictions or imbalances in one of these regions can affect the mobility and fluidity of the other, often resulting in compensatory patterns or pain.

The fascial system, a continuous web of connective tissue, plays a significant role in this relationship. Fascia links the jaw to the pelvis through lines of tension that pass through the diaphragm, throat, spine, and pelvic floor. When the jaw is clenched or misaligned (which often happens in times of high stress or trauma), it can create patterns of strain that travel downward, influencing the alignment and movement of the pelvis. Conversely, pelvic imbalances, such as sacral imbalances or tight hip rotators, can translate tension upward, affecting the position of the jaw.

On an emotional and somatic level, the jaw and pelvis are often seen as primary holding zones for unresolved trauma and suppressed emotion. The jaw can store unspoken truths, anger, and stress, often manifesting as clenching, grinding, or TMJ dysfunction. The pelvis, meanwhile, is deeply connected to our sense of safety, sexuality, and creativity, and can harbor trauma related to boundaries, intimacy, and early life experiences. Because these areas are so intimately connected, a release in one often initiates a corresponding emotional shift in the other.

Somatic therapy approaches recognize that healing is not purely physical but involves an integration of body, mind, and emotions. In sessions focused on the jaw-pelvis connection, I often experience clients having memories, sensations, or feelings that arise as the body unwinds. These responses are not coincidental but are evidence of the body’s innate wisdom attempting to restore coherence. When both the jaw and pelvis are addressed with attunement, it creates the conditions for deep structural realignment, emotional release, and a greater sense of embodied presence.

Below is a list of self-care practices you can do to address these imbalances. If you have jaw and/or pelvic tightness I encourage you to try them out and pick one or two to practice for a couple of weeks.