Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw? Or notice yourself clenching your teeth while concentrating; for me it’s when I’m chopping vegetables! My jaw tension is definitely stress-related because when my nervous system is calm, my jaw softens naturally, but when stress creeps back in, I notice clenching at night or while focusing on tasks.
Why Jaw Tension Happens
Jaw clenching, teeth grinding or bruxism, is part of the body’s stress response. It’s a way our system holds tension; often without us even realizing. Over time, it can lead to headaches, soreness, tooth erosion and even disrupted sleep.
Interestingly, jaw tension is connected to the pelvic muscles. Relaxing one often helps relax the other — which is why I’m focusing on jaw release as part of my birth prep. The body truly mirrors itself in amazing ways.
Cranial Reflexology & Nervous System Support
Cranial reflexology works directly on the nervous system to release tension patterns. I’ve been using it on myself to soften my jaw, and it’s incredible how it can:
- Reduce clenching and grinding
- Ease associated headaches
- Improve sleep quality
- Support relaxation in other parts of the body (hello, pelvis!)
Alongside cranial reflexology, I combine tools like EFT for stress triggers, Reiki for calming the nervous system, and kinesiology to help the body reset. It’s a holistic approach, but cranial reflexology is often where I see the most noticeable change.
Client Experience
It’s not just for myself that I have seen promising results, clients have been coming back and sharing how cranial reflexology has helped reduce jaw tension and headaches, allowing deeper sleep and less facial tension throughout the day. Even small shifts in jaw tension can have a ripple effect on overall well-being.
Takeaway Tips You Can Try Today
- Check in with your jaw: Place your fingertips lightly on your jaw and notice any tightness.
- Gentle jaw massage: Using circular motions on the jaw muscles can encourage relaxation.
- Breath awareness: Slow, deep breathing while massaging can help calm your nervous system.
- Consistency over intensity: Just a few minutes each day can help retrain the jaw and nervous system.
If jaw tension or grinding is something you struggle with too, you’re not alone. While I’m on maternity leave, in-person appointments are paused, but you can join my priority waiting list to be the first to hear when my diary reopens. That way, you can secure your space as soon as I’m back.
I’ve been reliant on night guards since I was a teenager, and I’m determined to break free from them. They’ve protected my teeth, but also made me so dependent that when I once forgot my night guard on holidays, I ended up sleeping with my toddler’s dodie (dummy/pacifier) every night — I was so afraid of damaging my teeth.
It might sound funny now, but at the time it really showed me how deeply jaw tension had woven into my daily life. That’s why I’m so passionate about using cranial reflexology, EFT, and holistic tools to release the cycle of clenching and give both myself and my clients more freedom.
Le solas agus grá,
Gráinne
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⚠️ Note: If you are experiencing jaw pain, teeth grinding, or have any concerns about your oral health, please consult your dentist or healthcare provider. The practices I share are complementary supports and not a replacement for medical advice or treatment.
GráBeo Holistics by Gráinne Staunton 
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