Surfers Series 1, practice 1: Tight hips? So how is your jaw?
In the case of the hip and jaw, they are linked through a continuous chain of fascia, muscles, and nerves. When there is tightness or restriction in the jaw, it can cause a ripple effect throughout this chain, leading to tension in the hips and other areas of the body.
As an integral movement and embodiment coach, let me help explain the connection between the hip and jaw, and how tightness in one area can affect the other. The hip and jaw may seem unrelated, but they are connected through the body's fascial system and postural alignment.
The fascial system is a web-like network of connective tissue that extends throughout the body, connecting muscles, bones, and organs. It provides support, stability, and flexibility. When there is tension or tightness in one part of the fascial system, it can lead to imbalances and restrictions in other areas, even if they seem unrelated.
In the case of the hip and jaw, they are linked through a continuous chain of fascia, muscles, and nerves. When there is tightness or restriction in the jaw, it can cause a ripple effect throughout this chain, leading to tension in the hips and other areas of the body.
Here are five simple exercises or practices that can help alleviate tension in both the jaw and hip, You may have done these many times before, but it is intent and attention that make the difference.
Jaw release exercise: Gently place your fingertips on the sides of your jaw, just in front of your ears. Slowly open your mouth and apply gentle pressure with your fingertips, massaging the muscles and encouraging relaxation. be sure to keep the muscles of your face relaxed as you do this. Repeat for a few minutes to help release tension in the jaw.
Try humming bee breath, the resonance is really helpful for relaxing the neck and jaw - click here for my blog on this breath work practice
Hip circles: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, hands on your hips with your shoulders and jaw relaxed. Begin making slow, controlled circles with your hips, moving in one direction for a few rotations, and then switching to the opposite direction. This movement can help to loosen up the hip joints and surrounding muscles. relax the breath and the jaw through out. Now try by letting the whole body be fluid and relaxed and let the whole body move intuitively.
Child's pose (Balasana): Kneel on a yoga mat or comfortable surface, with your big toes touching and knees about hip-width apart. Sit back on your heels, and then slowly fold forward, bringing your forehead to the mat and extending your arms in front of you. This pose gently stretches the hips, lower back, and shoulders, helping to release tension throughout the body. You may chose to use a pillow or bolster in front of you to rest on to help deepen your release if you struggle to fold forward enough. Having the body slightly raised may help you sink in better with the support, the aim is release not touch the floor. Check in that your jaw is relaxed and your breath is easy.
Psoas stretch: Kneel on your right knee with your left foot flat on the floor in front of you. Place your hands on your left thigh and gently press your hips forward and back to prepare the stretch and then feeling a stretch in the front of your right hip. Pause here for 30-60 seconds, remain with a slow easy breath, and watching out to release the tension in the jaw, try yawning or sighing out audibly on the exhale. Switch sides. This movement can help to loosen up the hip joints and surrounding muscles and is especially effective when releasing the jaw and relaxing the breath.
These exercises can help surfers by increasing overall flexibility, improving postural alignment, and reducing the risk of injury. A well-balanced body with reduced tension can lead to better balance, more efficient paddling, and smoother transitions between movements while surfing. Additionally, releasing tension in the jaw can also help to improve breathing, which is crucial for surfers who need to maintain their breath control while riding waves.
Watch out for the next in the series, Friday morning Surfers blog releases ready for your weekend.
Pllus there will be videos coming soon!
Join me on the mat or please get in touch you would like to book a 1-1 session, course or retreat
love Sue xx
Surfer in photo: Jez Browning
