This condition has a name: in English it is called bruxism (bruxism in Dutch): the involuntary or habitual grinding of the teeth, typically (not always) It is related to a host of other issues and can cause a lot of problems - including hypersensitive teeth, aching jaw muscles, and headaches during sleep. may cause tooth wear and even damage or break teeth and dental restorations such as crowns and fillings.

It's usually associated with contributing factors, such stress and anxiety.

So it makes sense and is one of the recommended approaches to working with this problem is to manage stress...yoga is part of the solution. But we all know - the catch all phrase "Stress Management" is not specific enough. As Yoga teachers we need to understand how stress manifests and how we can address the symptoms and the causes of stress...and these can be two different things.

This August Cator Sachoy will be visiting Yoga Moves from San Francisco. She is a trained Iyengar Yoga teacher, and body-worker (massage therapist that works with more tools than just massage) and she includes a very cool approach called craniosacral bodywork. The cranial wave is a subtle body pulse.  When we recognize this pulse, we are invited into a space of deep calm, and awareness of subtle internal movement.  The experience and understanding of the cranial wave and its impact on physiology can invite us into a deeper relationship of body and mind. Her workshops offers an introduction to the craniosacral system and how it can inform our yoga practice.

Yoga teachers are supported when they know about these approaches - as you can integrate the teachings into your classes. After all - we are working with the whole person in our classes. The more you can help people and the real issue they are dealing with - the more of service you are!Through integrating information from Craniosacral Bodywork, Iyengar style Yoga, facial massage and Mindfulness practice, you will learn tools to help relieve chronic jaw tension.