Do you remember "The Skeleton Dance?"

It's a little ditty that teaches bone anatomy and the interconnectedness of our parts.

{It's a bit of an ear worm so don't say I didn't warn you!}

Just like "the knee bone's connected to the thigh bone," so is the fascia in one part of our body intimately woven with fascia in other parts.

In fact, the fascia is an incredible web of sturdy connective tissue that encases every cell in our body!

You read that right: every cell in our body is gift wrapped in this magical, supportive goodness, without which our internal organs would slosh all our around our abdomen and we'd feel dramatically untethered in our structure.

Because it is a continuous sheet, if there is restriction in one part of the fascia, it can tug, twist, and pull other parts into uncomfortable states of being, kinda like stretching a rubber band until it almost snaps.

Maybe you, like me, have noticed that when your jaw is tight your hips feel tense, too. Maybe you've wondered why.

What is this magical connection between your jaw and your pelvis?

It's fascia, baby! The deep frontal fascia line to be exact!

When you're "chewing on something" mentally or emotionally and tucking that energy into your mouth like a squirrel with its cheeks full of acorns, the fascia down the front line of your body from your jaw all the way to your pelvic floor can shorten, harden, or become less excited about fluid movement.

You might experience neck or throat constriction, shallower breathing, hip or low back pain, even changes in urinary or bowel function.

{So now you know how the jaw bone's connected to the pelvic bones!}

In my own journey to feeling good in my body, I've discovered 4 ways to create more spaciousness and oh-so-yummy release in unhappy fascia from my jaw to my pelvic floor.

Try these and soon, I hope, you'll be doing a happy dance!

1. Vagus nerve stimulation via deep breathing. Sit, stand, or recline comfortably. If it feels safe, let your eyes blink shut. Take a moment to notice your body and your breath. Begin to lengthen your breath, breathing in through your nose for a count of 4 and out through your mouth for a count of 4. As your nervous system slows down, increase each exhalation to a count of 6 or 8.

2. Sing, chant, or just make funny sounds! I came across this hack very unexpectedly. I was getting ready for an evening out and began making funny noises to entertain my cat Boo. I "hoo hoo hoo'ed" like a monkey and squawked like a bird. I chanted "OM" at different pitches. Boo looked at me inquisitively and I began belly laughing. Jaw tension and pelvic floor muscle overactivation both released!

3. Move your body. For me, there is no better found freedom than dancing! The hip undulations and smiles that are brought to life when I salsa dance are like a fairy wand that wooshes away the heaviness. No worries if you failed your audition for "SYTYCD." Just move in a way that feels good, not punishing. Walk, swim, stretch, shimmy. For a little while, let go of the headiness of life and reconnect to the joy of your own body!

4. Have an "O." Speaking of the joy of your own body (wink, wink), there is incredible release to be had in both pelvic floor and jaw tension via orgasm. Whether you explore this possibility while flying solo or with a partner, a good O (or 2+!) can be just the refreshment your body and mind need. Paired with loving, sensual movement, there isn't much better (in my humble opinion).

I'd be remiss if I didn't tack on one last way to soften restriction in fascia: massage! Whether it's through intentional myofascial release, reflexology, or a fluid Swedish massage, hands-on touch can be just what dem bones (and dem muscles and dem fascial webs) most need to feel great!

I wish you all the exact kind of holiday season that serves your highest good and that of those you love, with harm to none,

Jennifer (she/her)

P.S.: Gift cards are available 365 days a year!

P.P.S: Kick 2023 off with comfort and joy. Book your next session here.