Pick a vowel, any vowel

Is there something in the water?

This week many clients came to see me with jaw pain.

Jaw pain, sometimes linked with neck pain.
​

Lucky for these clients, I've been taking a new course this month all about breathing.

You may wonder, what does breathing have to do with jaw pain?

The function of your mouth and jaw is directly related to the function of your airway. When your jaw moves well, your breathing is better. And vice versa.

The two go hand in hand.

So when jaw pain came up this week as a query, I had a new tool to share.

The movement and breathing technique takes us back to elementary school. We use it day to day when speaking and don't think much of it.

It is the long vowel sounds.

Remember those?

​A

E
​
I
​
O
​
U

The vowels are saying their names!

Even if you don't think you have jaw pain, this little series of movements can both benefit your jaw and your breathing.

Let's try it out for size.

Find a comfortable position either standing or sitting.

Take a deep breath in.

Exhale while saying the long A sound.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.

Then take a breath in and exhale with the long E sound.

You get the drift.

Continue the cycle of inhale and exhale with the long vowel sounds. Finish a total of five breaths, ending with the long U sound.

It only takes five inhales and five exhales to complete. Maybe a minute of your day!

Then go back to your regular breathing pattern.

What do you notice?

Has anything shifted in your jaw?

Which vowel flowed out the easiest? the most strained? Which vowel would you pick?

Feel free to repeat up to two to three more times. Notice how your breathing may also shift and how you feel.

Who knew the power of the alphabet!?

🤐 Do it in private if you are conscious about what sounds come out.


😲 Do it in front of a mirror to watch your jaw in action.


🌅 Do it in the morning to start your day.

Anytime you need to find some ease, give this movement and breathing exercise a try!

I'd love to hear how it goes. Drop me a line by simply replying to this email to let me know what shows up for you!

Welcome back the forgotten long vowels!

Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa

P.S., Know someone with jaw and/or neck pain who would benefit from this content? Send them a link to this post and be sure to have them sign up for the weekly newsletter that will land directly in their inbox every week! ​