During yoni massage, I often observe a specific physical pattern: the body gradually turns on, the pelvis begins to move, the stomach breathes, and the chest rises. However, as the energy moves upward, it frequently hits a wall at the jaw. Spasmodically clenched jaws, where muscles tremble and teeth grind from tension, indicate a powerful internal prohibition against making a sound. In these moments, the body is fighting itself, trying to contain an awakening energy that seeks expression.
The Impossible Request to Yawn
In such a situation, I often ask for what feels like the impossible: “YAWN. Relax your jaws and yawn with your mouth wide open.” I demonstrate the action with a full, uninhibited sound. For many, this is the most challenging part of the session. Some succeed after a few attempts, while others categorically refuse, shaking their heads in denial. The simple act of opening the mouth becomes a battlefield between the desire for release and the habit of control.
The Childhood Roots of Silence
This intense jaw tension is often laid in early childhood. Many women recall the voices of parents or teachers saying, “Shut your mouth” or “Be quiet.” To be considered “good” and worthy of love, children learn to suppress their natural impulses. They are forbidden to scream, cry, or laugh loudly. This subconscious scanning for social disapproval from the past remains active in adult life, manifesting as a physical lock that prevents any sound even during moments of deep intimacy.
The Anatomical Link Between Jaw and Pelvis
There is a profound biological connection between the mouth and the pelvic floor. In embryology, these two areas develop simultaneously and remain neurologically linked. When the jaw is tight, the pelvis reflects that tension. By relaxing the mouth, we send a direct signal to the lower body to soften. This somatic bridge ensures that the energy awakened during a session can flow freely rather than being trapped in the pelvic basin.
Wilhelm Reich and the Muscle Tension Belts
The jaws represent one of Wilhelm Reich’s primary muscle tension belts. Reich, a pioneer in somatic therapy, identified that emotional trauma is stored in “body armor”—layers of chronic muscular tension. The oral segment is where we store the suppression of anger, grief, and the primal need to scream. Breaking this armor is essential for achieving a state of total somatic presence, as it allows the individual to inhabit their body fully without segments of numbness.
Overcoming the Reflex of Dental Grinding
When the tension is extreme, you can see the jaw muscles trembling or hear the teeth grinding. This is the body’s attempt to process immense energy without letting it out. I encourage the client to feel the weight of their lower jaw and let it drop. This conscious act of “unhinging” changes the chemistry of the nervous system, moving it away from a defensive posture and toward a state of receptive openness.
The Transition from Silence to Sounding
Sounding is the bridge between physical tension and emotional release. It doesn’t have to be a loud scream; it can be a low hum or a gentle sigh. Once the jaw relaxes, the breath becomes deeper and more rhythmic. The moment the first sound escapes, the entire body usually shudders in relief. This is the point where the client stops “performing” relaxation and begins to actually experience it in every cell.
Emotions and the Stage of Tears
As the jaw softens and the energy moves higher, it inevitably reaches the emotional center. After several sessions of learning to relax the mouth, the stage of emotional purging often begins. Tears are a common and healthy sign that the “oral armor” is dissolving. When the jaw is no longer holding back the breath, the heart is finally free to express the grief or joy that has been locked away for years.
The Monument to Stress in the Body
Cuban artist Yoan Capote created a powerful monument to stress: multi-ton concrete blocks pressing down on metal casts of real teeth. This image perfectly illustrates the internal pressure women feel during yoni massage. The weight of social expectations and past traumas presses down on the jaw, and the teeth are the last line of defense. My work is to help the client lift those blocks and realize that it is safe to be loud and expressive.
Integration of Jaw Softness into Daily Life
The benefits of jaw relaxation extend far beyond the massage table. A relaxed jaw leads to a more regulated nervous system in everyday life. When a woman learns that she can open her mouth and make a sound without being punished or shamed, she reclaims her voice in all areas of her life. This newfound freedom is a key component of somatic sovereignty, where the body is no longer a prison of old rules but a vessel for authentic truth.
Conclusion: Awareness as the Key to Release
Gradually, over several sessions, the girl smoothly learns to navigate her own resistance. She discovers that a yawn is more than just a reflex; it is a gateway to freedom. When the jaw is relaxed, the energy goes higher, the breath goes deeper, and the soul finds its voice. This transition from silence to sounding is one of the most transformative journeys a person can take in their somatic practice.
