Long Neck, Heavy Head - 4 - Melting Jaws and Shoulders
Long Neck, Heavy Heavy Head - 4 - Melted Jaw and Shoulders
Challenge your tension
Based on “Jaw and Pelvis” from “And the Head is Free Series” by Arlyn Zones, GCFT®
This lesson is a challenge right where we need it: in the jaw, neck and upper back. It wasn’t easy for me the first time through, or the second or third, which is why it is SO good. Not only does it help release the jaw, neck and shoulders, but it adds coordination of hips and jaw to the benefits.
This is a subtle lesson yet powerful. It begins by simply sliding the jaw side to side, which we have done before. But for me, adding the awareness of the cervical spine and the interaction of the spine and shoulder blades was a flashing light. I could not glide my jaw horizontally and not hold my breath at first.
I tried to find some animations of the interaction of the jaw and cervical spine, but couldn’t. Lots of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) animations, but nothing on the interactions of the jaw, spine and shoulder blades. Those muscle people get all the attention.
The lesson progresses to link the head, eyes, and pelvis in synchronous and oppositional movement. Having done it several times in preparation, I am humbled by the reminder of how much tension i hold in my jaw, and how realigning the jaw can improve overall posture.
The series, designed by Arlyn Zones, GCFT®, explores the relationships between the skull, spine and total skeleton. She brings the jaw in right at at the top of the series, a reminder of how important the jaw is, for not only eating and speaking, but also for breathing, balance, upright movement, and overall flexibility.
Also for gracefully rolling up from lying without straining neck and shoulders - my goal for this series.
Science Nerd Candy Bowl:
Cervical Spine Anatomy Animation: Veritas Health (2:45) Useful descriptions of the unique characteristics of each cervical vertebra
Atlantoaxial Joint Animation: Veritas Health (0:28) How the skull rests on the atlas, and rotates via the axis
Hip Joint Range of Motion: Animated Biomedical (0:18) The ball and socket hip joint - the femur moves in the hip socket
Biomechanics of the Shoulder Girdle: AnatomyApp (0:30) Shows how the arm moves the shoulder blade
Motion of the Shoulder Joint: Anatomy Standard (0:20)
Set Up for a Supine:
On a mat with padding for head and knees as works for you, so neck and long back have room to open up and flatten
Optional: we will be using our hands on chin, forehead and face. You might want to do a quick hand wash before if that is important to you.
OR side-sitting in a level, stable, armless chair, with knees and hips level, possibly a seated, shoulder-height support for arms
How you might feel after this lesson: Looser all over; Longer; Open; Breathing deeply; Relaxed jaw, shoulders and neck; Upper back massaged; Ribs released; Possible realignment of legs in hip sockets, arms in shoulder sockets; Able to let head be heavy and neck long; Able to support the head from deep in the spine; Spaced out - another trance-inducing lesson.
“We do the movements just to test ourselves if we are sleeping or are awake. That means [to distinguish] if we are able to pay attention, to do what we want, or if something inside of us, by itself, does what it wants. In other words, we are trying to stop being machines, but rather to become something closer to being a human that has awareness, knows what he is doing, and does what he wants... ”
Wednesday 9:30 am or 6:30 pm class registration, keep using it. If you were registered for the 12:00 pm Wednesday session, you’ll need to register. Registered, paid students receive the lesson recording link on Thursday. $40/month; $15/single lesson. PayPal or Venmo to jackisue@aol.com. Or check to Jacki Katzman, PO Box 116, Bethlehem, NH 03574
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