Techniques for unblocking the oral segment: massage of the masticatory muscles, opening the mouth, sounds, biting a towel. Release of suppressed crying and shouting.
Step-by-step guide
- Explore: "Clench the jaw. Now let go. Feel the difference?"
- Gentle self-massage of the masticatory muscles (the client does it with both hands)
- Open the mouth as wide as possible. Move the jaw left and right
- Add sounds: "aaa", "ooo" — any vowels, a little louder
- If an impulse arises — bite a rolled towel
- End: soft jaw movements, free breath through the mouth
When to use
- In a clenched jaw (bruxism, teeth grinding), suppressed crying or shouting
- Difficulty expressing needs — in the oral segment
Key phrases
Notice the jaw. Clench. Now release — and let the mouth open. Drop the jaw a little. Let a sound come — any vowel, louder than talking. The jaw often holds years of unsaid things.
Follow-up questions
What is the jaw protecting?
What sound wants to come now?
Is there a word underneath the sound?
After — what are the lips saying?
Alternative phrasings
If opening the mouth is too much, we stay with gentle massage.
Biting a rolled towel can help if the impulse is to bite — safer than biting down on nothing.
Warnings
- ⚠️ The jaw can be heavily charged — be ready for strong emotions.
- ⚠️ If there is TMJ pain — be careful. Do not force opening.
Source: Lowen A. 1975 — Bioenergetics; Keleman S. 1985
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.