Tongue Pulling and how it helps to release tension

Tongue Tension & Nervous System Response

The tongue is closely connected to the jaw, throat, upper neck, and breathing system. Through fascial connections, it also influences the diaphragm and pelvic floor. It is a big muscle connected to a lot of inner muscles in the upper throat.

When the tongue holds tension, the jaw often compensates. Jaw tension increases neck stiffness. A stiff neck limits breathing. Shallow breathing keeps the nervous system mildly activated. There is a throat, pelvic connection via the gut tube, so if there’s some tension in the throat there is often issues with the pelvic floor, having a loose, relaxed tongue and throat can also help relax the pelvic diaphragm. Making tonal sounds for up to a minute can help relax the pelvis; try sounding Vooo and see what it feels like!

Over time, this pattern of tension can feel normal and we can become unaware that there’s holding and clenching.

Why the Tongue Holds Tension

Tongue tension commonly develops during chronic stress or inhibited expression, we may have grown up not feeling safe to express ourselves. People brace the tongue while concentrating, clench it during emotional restraint, or immobilize it during fear.

This may contribute to:

            •           Jaw pain or clicking

            •           Throat tightness

            •           Reduced vocal ease

            •           Difficulty fully relaxing and shallow breathing

What Gentle Tongue Pulling Does

I invite inner mouth work in my de-armouring sessions, as often there’s a pattern of holding and clenching and working around the jaw externally will usually not release that deeper held tension in the mouth and back of the throat.

Tongue release is not forceful stretching. By pulling and stretching the tongue we can release other muscles not otherwise reachable inside the throat. This can free up space inside the mouth, clients often tell me the tongue feels like it has more space and it can feel floppy. It can also help with those that suffer from TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), but go very slowly and gently.

Slow, light traction provides sensory input to cranial nerves involved in swallowing, speech, and autonomic regulation. When done gently, this can signal safety to the nervous system and allow the jaw, neck, and breath to soften. Clients can feel more grounded and lighter in their bodies.

How to Practice Tongue Pulling - Go Gently!

            •           Wash hands; use clean gauze or cloth slightly wet it first

            •           Sit comfortably

            •           Extend the tongue without strain

            •           Apply light forward traction. Relax.

            •           Hold 10–20 seconds with slow nasal breathing, don’t pull too hard otherwise the body will tense up

            •           Add very small side-to-side movements

            •           Pause and observe swallowing, warmth, or breath changes. Feel any sensations that arise

Stop if painful or distress increases. Try this for 1-2 minutes everyday for up to a week to notice the difference to release jaw tension, the first few times you may notice the tongue has less stretch, after a few times the tongue will be able to stretch further with less pain.

Precautions:

Avoid aggressive techniques if you have TMJ instability, recent oral or neck surgery, connective tissue laxity, or unresolved neck injury. Gentle exploration only. The tongue responds to safety, not force.

References:

Tanja Diamond - Author and Tantra teacher

Susanne Roursgaard - The Gaia Method